Advanced Starting Techniques and Post-Start Strategy

Two feet of extra distance forwards can mean 10 places higher in the race.
Two feet of distance backwards can easily mean 10 places lower in the race.
These considerations are most important when starting in the 5-10 boat range near the end of the line.

When to choose:
- Want to sail on the right-hand side of the course.
- Need to tack immediately after the start.
- The line is biased towards the boat.
Timing: Arrive 2-3 minutes before the start.
Skills Required: Very good slow speed boat handling is essential.
It is easier in light winds; in windier conditions, boats jostling for position move down the line, creating spaces.
If you lack confidence in slow speed boat handling, start further down the line.

Position yourself either:
- Underneath the pack of boats at the boat end.
- Above the pin group.
- Anywhere in between.
Key Technique: Use a transit or line sight to align with a feature on shore.
- This helps maintain position relative to the line.
- May be harder to establish in open ocean conditions.

Understand where the lay lines are, especially the lay line up to the pin on starboard tack.
Get a transit to the shoreline to know the lay line.
Avoid being below the lay line and getting stuck at the pin mark.
Practice: Do 3-5 practice line-ups starting towards the pin.
Strategy:
- In a larger fleet, it is better to be 4-6 boats up from the pin, even if pin-favored.
- Starting at the pin can be risky due to potential congestion or current issues.
- Being a few boats up allows you to capitalize on other boats' mistakes.

Starting at the boat requires good boat handling skills at slow speed.
The middle of the line is an easier starting point for those less confident in speed or handling.
Even in high-level races, not everyone gets a perfect start. It is about relative positioning.

Double Tack
- Purpose: To open up space when getting squeezed or to move into a space above you.
- Execution: Two quick tacks to create space.
- Ideal Outcome: Be tight to the boat above you with space below.
Slide or Crab
- Description: Putting the boat head to wind, backing the sail, and sliding to windward.
- Difficulty: Requires significant skill to master.
- Practice: Practice near a marker or buoy.
- Easier in less wind.
Back Up
- Execution: Pushing the sail out to make the boat go backwards.
- Importance: Control is key; know when and how much to use it.
Port Tack Approach
- Execution: Approaching the line on port tack, looking for a space to tack into.
- Benefits: Good for those lacking confidence in other maneuvers; can secure a good lane.
Late Dive
- Execution: Coming in behind everyone on the start line and heading up into a space.
- Purpose: To capitalize on available space, especially if others are not defending their position.

Scenario: A boat comes in underneath you, compromising your space.
Action: Double tack into the space above you.
First Tack: Not super fast, sails flapping, sheet on, back the sail to move the bow quickly.
Second Tack: Needs to be flatter (less heeling) to maintain position against the boat to windward.
Goal: Position the boat without moving too far forward.
If a boat above you double tacks, match their maneuver to maintain position and space.

Achieving: What
- Close to the boat above and one behind so can't double tack or slide.
Objective: Reposition, either back to the original spot or to a new location.
Execution:
- Go just above close hauled, push the boom out to back the sail.
- Control speed by adjusting how far you push the boom out.
- Keep the tiller in the middle, holding it tight against the water pressure.
Know what you're trying to achieve and where you want to reposition.

Come along the line behind everyone lining up.
Dive in close to a windward boat around 30 seconds, luffing to push them up slightly.
The windward boat must respond when overlapped.
If someone defends their space, move further down the line.
Easier in 8-10 knots, harder in 5-6 knots.

Lifted or Headed Tack:
- Use a compass if available.
- If not, look at the fleet.
- Determine if you can tack and cross everyone above you.
Line Favor:
- Assess if you came off a favored end.
- Determine if you are at the wrong end or in the middle.
Windward Mark Position:
- If the windward mark is only 10 degrees above, you are likely on the lifted tack.
- If it is far over your shoulder, you are likely on the headed tack.

If you start on the pin end (left side), you will likely stay on the left side of the course.
Starting at the boat end provides more freedom to tack and play the shifts.
If unsure of your starting ability, start closer to the boat end to have more options.
With a bad start near the pin, it is harder to find lanes and recover.
Upon arriving at the windward mark, everyone will be close.
If on the pin end sailing on the left, consider the implications of coming in on port tack at the windward mark.

Importance: Crucial for success.
Dirty Air: If in dirty air off the start, tack immediately; don't wait for improvement.
Lay Line: If below the lay line at the windward mark, tack promptly instead of hoping for a shift.
Post-Start: Great start - go fast; bad start - tack away to find a clear lane.

Paige Rainey: Exemplifies good starting, boat positioning, and slow-speed skills.
A good start leads to a good race, and vice versa.
Avoid relying on luck to recover from bad starts.
Good starts are the basis of most races. A bad start often correlates with a bad race.