Around the Course in One Around the Course in One HourHour

Learning to Race for Non-Learning to Race for Non-SailorsSailors

Jen MurrayC&TE 680, Summer 2006

07/19/06

Around the CourseAround the Course Agenda Agenda

►Sailing backgroundSailing background►About racingAbout racing►The raceThe race►QuestionsQuestions►Racing quizRacing quiz

Sailing TheorySailing Theory

►How does the wind affect a sailboat?How does the wind affect a sailboat? Sails with the wind from behind and the

sides Cannot sail directly into the wind

►Combination of aerodynamics and Combination of aerodynamics and hydrodynamics to propel boathydrodynamics to propel boat Wind pushes sails like airplane wings,

creates lift Water pushes against boat to create lift Together equals forward motion

General TermsGeneral Terms

► Apparent wind:Apparent wind: results from true wind direction and wind created from motion of boat; wind the boat sails in

► Downwind: Downwind: sailing away from the wind; with the wind behind you

► Ease:Ease: let out the sails► Knot:Knot: measure of wind or

boat speed, a little more than 1 mph (5280 fph vs. 6060.2 fph)

► Leeward: Leeward: side of the boat the boom is on; away from the wind, downwind

► Port tack: Port tack: wind blowing over port side of boat with boom on starboard side

► Starboard tack: Starboard tack: wind blowing over starboard side, boom on port side

► Trim: Trim: to pull in sails► True wind: True wind: actual wind

direction, felt when boat is stationary

► Upwind: Upwind: sailing toward the wind, but not directly into it

► Windward:Windward: side of boat opposite the side the boom is on; toward the wind, upwind

Sailing TermsSailing Terms► Beam reach: Beam reach: boat sailing at

90° angle to wind► Broad reach: Broad reach: sailing away

from wind, but not straight downwind

► Beat: Beat: boat sailing as close to wind as possible

► Close reach: Close reach: sailing toward the wind but not on a beat

► Genoa (jenny, jib): Genoa (jenny, jib): large jib sail that overlaps the mainsail

► Gybing (jibing): Gybing (jibing): turning stern of boat through the wind with sails changing sides (powerful)

► Head-to-wind: Head-to-wind: boat is aimed straight into the wind with sails luffing; part of tacking process; stops boat

► Heel: Heel: angle at which boat leans over

► In the lee: In the lee: to leeward of a wind-blocking object

► Jib: Jib: forward sail attached to forestay

► Luffing: Luffing: sails flapping in the wind

► Mainsail: Mainsail: primary sail, attached to mast and boom

► Run: Run: wind is directly behind boat, one sail to each side (wing-in-wing)

► Spinnaker (kite): Spinnaker (kite): large, light sail for sailing downwind

► Tacking: Tacking: turning bow of boat through wind with sails changing sides (gentle)

Sailboat PartsSailboat Parts► Boom: Boom: horizontal pole that attaches to the mast, used

to extend foot of mainsail► Bow: Bow: forward part of boat► Hull: Hull: primary body of boat► Keel: Keel: fixed underwater part used to prevent sideways

drift and provide stability► Mast: Mast: pole placed vertically on a boat used to support

sails► Rudder: Rudder: movable underwater steering board► Stern: Stern: back part of boat► Tiller (or wheel): Tiller (or wheel): used to turn the rudder or propellers

for steering► Winch: Winch: metal drum-like device to wrap sail lines

(sheets) around to allow for leverage when trimming

True Wind & Apparent WindTrue Wind & Apparent Wind

► True Wind:True Wind: Wind strength and

direction felt when stationary

Reported wind direction (wind from the…)

► Apparent Wind:Apparent Wind: Combination of true wind

and the wind caused by the movement of the boat (boat-speed wind)

Sailing speed affects the strength felt

The wind that the boat actually sails in

Wind TheoryWind Theory

►Determining the direction of the true Determining the direction of the true wind:wind: Wind that blows across the surface of the

water creates friction, which creates ripples►These ripples form perpendicular to the

direction of the wind►Most difficult but most accurate method

Flags, smoke, or other sailboats

Wind TheoryWind Theory► Determining the direction of Determining the direction of

apparent wind:apparent wind: Telltales (the nylon strips on

the shrouds) Masthead fly with wind

arrow, or Windex► Found on top of the mast,

points into the wind Sails

► Go head-to-wind, shown by luffing sails in the center of the boat, points bow straight into the wind

► Determining the wind Determining the wind strength:strength: Size of ripples or waves Whitecaps have formed (12-

14 knots)

Points of SailPoints of Sail► The angle of sail is the The angle of sail is the

difference between the difference between the direction of the boat and the direction of the boat and the direction of the winddirection of the wind Beam reach: Beam reach: boat sailing at

90° angle from wind, wind is coming across middle of boat

Broad reach: Broad reach: sailing away from wind, but not straight downwind, wind coming across back corner

Beat: Beat: boat sailing as close to wind as possible; not directly into the wind

Close reach: Close reach: sailing toward the wind but not as close as to be on a beat

Run: Run: wind is directly behind boat

Sailing Maneuvering-TackingSailing Maneuvering-Tacking► Process of turning the Process of turning the

boat’s bow through the boat’s bow through the windwind Allows sails to change

sides►Don’t forget to duck

from the boom! More gentle and slower

maneuver Sails will luff during this

maneuver►Careful to only execute

under enough power so you don’t end up head-to-wind

Sailing upwind must be done in a zigzag (cannot sail directly upwind into the wind)

Sailing Maneuvering-GybingSailing Maneuvering-Gybing► Process of turning Process of turning

the boat’s stern the boat’s stern through the windthrough the wind Allows sails to

change sides►Careful of the boom if

you have to change sides also!

Faster and more powerful maneuver than tacking

Sails do not luff Allows you to sail

directly downwind

Rules of the RoadRules of the Road

►Always keep an eye out for other Always keep an eye out for other boats, especially under the sailsboats, especially under the sails

►Sailboats (under sail or power) have Sailboats (under sail or power) have the right-of-way over power boatsthe right-of-way over power boats

►Make sure you are not on a collision Make sure you are not on a collision course with another boatcourse with another boat Check to see if they move with you, if

they do, you will collide without changing course

Rules of the Road-Between Rules of the Road-Between SailboatsSailboats

► If one is passing If one is passing another:another: The passing boat must

keep clear of the boat it is passing ahead

► Two boats on opposite Two boats on opposite tacks:tacks: The boat on port tack

must keep clear of the boat on starboard tack

► Two boats on the same Two boats on the same tack:tack: The windward (inside,

closest to the wind) must keep clear of the leeward boat (outside, farthest from the wind, having its air blocked by the windward boat)

What is Sailboat Racing?What is Sailboat Racing?

► Sailboat ≠ racing??Sailboat ≠ racing??► Around the buoysAround the buoys

One-designs and other smaller boats Day racing Triangular courses (upwind, downwind, reach) Uses handicap system for class racing (other

than one-design)►Not first to finish, but best time wins (taking into

account the boat’s rating and elapsed time)

► Regattas, the America’s CupRegattas, the America’s Cup Big boats, long races

Racing ClassesRacing Classes► Boats divided into Boats divided into

classes:classes: One-designs (Tartan 10,

J/24, Interlake, Thistle, Laser, Sunfish)

JAM (jib-and-mainsails only)►Usually largest class► Sometimes broken into

JAM-A and JAM-B PHRF (performance racing

fleet)► Includes use of spinnaker

in downwind leg MORC (midget ocean racing

class)►Defined by rigging type

Racing GuidelinesRacing Guidelines► Start line is established Start line is established

by committee boat and by committee boat and pinpin

► Marks are usually Marks are usually orange or yellow floating orange or yellow floating buoysbuoys

► The course to be raced The course to be raced is determined by the is determined by the race committee and race committee and posted using a flag posted using a flag system on the start linesystem on the start line

► Object is to follow the Object is to follow the course by crossing the course by crossing the start line, rounding the start line, rounding the marks in the proper marks in the proper order, and then crossing order, and then crossing the finish linethe finish line The boat with the best

elapsed time (including handicap) wins

Racing TacticsRacing Tactics

► Adjustments can be Adjustments can be made for:made for: Increase or decrease in

speed Best method for starting Altered path to mark Avoid traffic Better air

► Tactician keeps an eye Tactician keeps an eye on other boats to see on other boats to see what is happening what is happening ahead, at the mark, and ahead, at the mark, and to predict the upcoming to predict the upcoming windwind Communication between

crew members is critical at all times!

The CrewThe Crew

► A strong crew with good communication, tactics, and A strong crew with good communication, tactics, and understanding is vital:understanding is vital: Helmsman: driver, calls the shots Mainsail trimmer: focuses on the mainsail trim Headsail trimmer (jib): focuses on the jib trim Overhaulers: bring back sheets and put into blocks/pulleys Grinder: runs the winch Foredeck man: changes the jib and spinnaker Spinnaker guy man: runs the spinnaker sheets Halyard man: raises the jib and spinnaker sails Spinnaker sheet man: focuses on the spinnaker trim Tack man: makes sure the mainsail is full after a tack Reefing line grinder: uses the winch for the reefing or

boomvang

The BoatThe Boat

►Know your boat:Know your boat: Your class and your rating

►Who do you need to beat and who can you expect to be ahead of you

Rigging and equipment►What conditions are best

Required crew members Strengths and weaknesses of the boat

and/or crew

Winning StartsWinning Starts► Several tactics:Several tactics:

Timed run► Pace the start line in a certain

area that you know you can cover in the exact amount of time left before the start

Port approach► Come from behind and tack

onto starboard just before crossing

Dip start► Used when start cannot be

crossed on starboard tack; sail above the line, find a hole, reach down, and then sail up

Barging start► On an un-crowded line, reach

along the line, and round just before the gun

Slow and go► Early approaching the line; drift

off to buy time, then sheet in and quickly cross at the last second

Hurry up and wait► Variation of slow and go; buy

time that you can count, then tack to slow before making the final fast approach

► Starting tactics (animation)

Getting Around the CourseGetting Around the Course► Be the first to get to the Be the first to get to the

windward (first) markwindward (first) mark You will tack when rounding this

mark Be careful not to end up head-to-

wind if you take too much time► Quickly round the leeward Quickly round the leeward

(downwind) mark(downwind) mark This will be a gybe, so be

prepared to tighten up before and let everything out after

Going from strong heel to almost level

Can go wing-in-wing at this point or fly the spinnaker (depending on class and rigging)

Seems slower because boat is evenly balanced

► Round the last mark to the Round the last mark to the reach legreach leg Boat speed in a reach will be

fairly quick and the boat will heel a lot► Keep all the weight on the high

side of the boat for best balance

The Finish LineThe Finish Line► Cross the finish line toward Cross the finish line toward

the committee boat endthe committee boat end Crossing the middle of the

line makes it harder for the committee to sight you with other background distractions farther down the line

► Gun will sound after first Gun will sound after first boat crosses lineboat crosses line First part of boat,

equipment, or crew to cross line between committee boat and pin counts

Time will be recorded by committee

Race will be cancelled if no one finished in two hours

► Racing a course (animation)

Results & Racing HandicapsResults & Racing Handicaps► Used when not racing one-Used when not racing one-

design boatsdesign boats JAM, PHRF, MORC

► Takes into account the Takes into account the elapsed time and ratingelapsed time and rating

► Rating includes:Rating includes: Boat length Waterline length Sail dimensions Draft Other similar boats’ racing

times and results► Object of a rating system is Object of a rating system is

to equal the playing field to equal the playing field when boats in a racing class when boats in a racing class are of differing sizes and are of differing sizes and makesmakes

Questions?Questions?

ResourcesResources

►Dellenbaugh, B. (1995). Dellenbaugh, B. (1995). SAIL Magazine’s SAIL Magazine’s Best Little Learn to Sail Book EverBest Little Learn to Sail Book Ever..

► Jobson, G. (1981). Jobson, G. (1981). Around the Course with Around the Course with Michelob.Michelob.

► (2004). (2004). Introduction to Racing Videos. Introduction to Racing Videos. US US Sailing Association. Retrieved July 18, 2006, Sailing Association. Retrieved July 18, 2006, from from http://www.racing.sailingcourse.com/begins_http://www.racing.sailingcourse.com/begins_wmv0.htm.wmv0.htm.

► (2004). (2004). Sandusky Sailing Club Sailing Sandusky Sailing Club Sailing Instructions.Instructions. Sandusky Sailing Club. Sandusky Sailing Club.

► (2004). (2004). SSC 2004 Race Courses.SSC 2004 Race Courses. Sandusky Sandusky Sailing Club.Sailing Club.