Quantum Sailsvideo

System Sailing 3.3 - Pre Race & Start

July 13, 2020 · 18 min · 2K views · Detroit

What this video covers

Wally Cross outlines a systematic approach to sailboat racing starts, emphasizing the use of time and distance data to maintain control of the fleet.0:03 The process begins with pre-race preparation, including crew organization, equipment optimization, and weather routing.1:18 One hour before the warning signal, the crew should be on the course to conduct 20-minute research runs on both tacks to determine optimal sail settings and current influence.3:46 Using a starting instrument, the crew pings the committee boat and pin ends to establish a digital starting line.4:54 Cross recommends arriving at the committee boat on starboard tack at the five-minute warning signal.8:28 He details specific maneuvers for different wind conditions, noting that in light air, boats should stay closer to the line during pre-start tacks than in heavy air.10:45 The strategy focuses on positioning the boat to dictate tacking decisions rather than reacting to competitors.11:43 For pin-favored starts, Cross suggests a "drag back" technique to ensure the boat is the last to tack onto starboard, securing a clear-air lane.14:47

Watch on YouTube

More from Quantum Sails

System Sailing - The Mac Race EditionJul 2020System Sailing 3.2 - TacticsJul 2020System Sailing 3.1 - Boat HandlingJun 2020System Sailing 2.5 - Sail ShapeJun 2020

From Quantum Sails — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue