Whether you get the best start in the fleet, or the worst start, the first minute in the race is one of the most important parts!

At the start you often find small groups of boats in close proximity, all fighting for clean air. The person who works hardest in that first minute: keeps the boat flattest, hikes the most, sails fastest, will edge their way forward out of that group, getting the valuable clean air and leaving the others in dirty air. This allows you to make your own decisions up the beat, rather than having them made for you. The importance of this minute is so great, that the fraction of a boat-length gained or lost here can mean the difference between having a 100 boat-length lead or a 100 boat-length deficit at the finish. Boats that lose out in this first minute don’t just lose out to the other boats in their group, but all other boats that are in clean air and sailing faster. As a result of losing out, they have to spend the rest of the race recovering back up the fleet rather than breaking free and fighting for the top places.

 

 

The best way to help you in that first minute is to start on time, on the line and at full speed, as no one can then roll over you to windward and give you dirty air. If you get into this situation then great! Capitalise on it and build a lead using the clean air you have. But not everyone can get the best start in the fleet.

 

If you haven’t got the perfect start, you’re not at full speed and you are at risk at losing your clean air from someone rolling over the top of you to windward. Therefore, you need to make a decision fast. You can head up into a high mode to try and slow the windward boat down and stop them from rolling over you. Or the more preferable option, to crack off a few degrees to build your speed and protect yourself from being rolled, before heading back up to close hauled when you are safe. If you are in dirty air from the boat to windward from the off, your only options are to crack off to leeward or tack (if/when you can) to get back into clean air.

Working hard in both scenarios will allow you to break away from the dirty air, and the first minute is the best time to do it. You can find this scenario mid-race too, at the front, middle and back of the fleet, and the points above are just as relevant.

In summary, aim to start at full speed on the line at go, but from then on, work your hardest to maintain your position, especially in that first minute. If you are affected by dirty air, make your decision quickly and get back into clean air ASAP. By being able to work the hardest, you will reap the rewards, I can assure you!

 

Frosty '