' Applying Rules and Ethics - Port / Starboard

So, for those that are new to racing or for those that need a recap, I am going to talk about port and starboard. This may be second nature to some but I would like all you experienced sailors to take a minute and think about how daunting, confusing and sometimes scary just the basic port and starboard rule is for those new to racing. My aim is to encourage communication and mentoring between the experienced sailor and those new to racing. Sailing clubs are notorious for having pecking orders and an elite that perhaps sometimes push boundaries or rely on passive intimidation to keep their place in the series. The trouble with this model is that eventually, numbers dwindle to a few ‘like minded’ individuals that have always been there and beginners give up and shy away from racing. This is not a model any individual or club should aspire to. The way I see it, there is nothing more satisfying than being beaten fair and square by someone who only a few years ago was either a complete beginner or consistently last around the racecourse. We can all do our bit with coaching and mentoring them. One of the reasons we have such a great standard in our fleets at Bowmoor SC is by virtue of information sharing and encouragement. Of course we do formal training sessions but most importantly, we encourage communication on the water, the odd tip as you sail by and perhaps chatting through scenarios with less experienced sailors after the race.

Now, the human brain is an amazing bit of kit. As we are approaching another boat upwind, we are (hopefully) processing many elements, variables and moving bits of information. It’s interesting to try and put my thoughts down as if I am going upwind on starboard and on a collision course with a port boat. It may be tempting to get overexcited and just shout starboard because you find yourself in this fortunate position. So let us consider these points of decision making because it isn't always black and white:

 

So if you process the above and come to the conclusion that you would rather not make that boat tack, be clear and say one of two things. ‘Hold your course’ (for those of us of a certain age) or ‘You carry on’. If you are aware that the sailor you are approaching is a beginner, you may want to follow this up with either ‘I will go behind you’ or ‘I will tack’. Communication is key.

 

If it's the right choice for you to keep on your course (stand on) then of course call ‘Starboard’. If the boat fails to get out of your way, take decisive and obvious avoiding action by either going behind them or tacking away. It is everyone's duty to avoid a collision. Remember, if they are a beginner or not in your fleet, there is no need for any chastising or blue language. If you have to swear, try and keep it under your breath then take a deep breath and carry on! Getting yourself in a stew is slow - fact! In the case of the beginner, just talk it through with them constructively after the race. As for the experienced person that doesn’t get out of your way, a friend of mine and fellow RS Aero sailor, Chris Jenkins, reminded me of a quote from Paul Elvstrom - "You haven't won the race, if in winning the race you have lost the respect of your competitors."

 

We all work hard and for most of us, the dinghy racing at the weekend is something we cherish and look forward to all week. Actually at the moment we are all probably yearning to get back to racing again, to feel that spray on our faces, the mild burning of the quads, the rush of the start line and the mind bending decisions to be made up the beat etc. It is such a pure and beautiful sport and this is why it is so important to play nicely and encourage the less experienced. To be in a club race where, through sharing, more than half of the fleet is capable of winning is super exciting. We have this at Bowmoor and I am super proud to be a part of it.

Hope to see you on the water very soon, Dave '