Starting Estimates vary as to how important the start is within a race, benerally speaking the shorter the race the more important the start becomes, but it is likely to be vital in any race. There are really two aspects to the start, firstly you must have good boathandling skills, and secondly you must be able to judge time and distance with pinpoint accuracy.  For the purposes of this short article I will assume you have good boathandling skills, but you will only benefit if these are practiced.

First and foremost you must have a good timing device, this may be a watch although I now believe it is possible to get a timer fixed to the mast with a large digital display.  For most though a watch will do, it should have a countdown facility which you can set to differing times, digital or analogue is a matter of personal taste, and must have a strong strap, I prefer a canvas strap with a velcro fixing.  Whatever you do make sure it is always visible and you do not need to pull back a cuff to see it.  By the way, stating the obvious, it must be waterproof, water resistant will not do.

Another point of contention is who wears the watch, this is not a question as to who is in command, as we are working as a team, but it may be easier for the crew to count the start down, leaving the helmsman to concentrate on the position and speed of the boat, the choice is yours, but do be certain as to what time signals the crew will relay to the helm.

Before the start, infact before you leave the beach you should know if you are to get 10 & 5 minute, 6 & 3 minute or 3 & 1 minute signals, set the countdown of your watch to the first signal.  Now my little tip is to start the watch count 3 seconds and stop, now when you hear the appropriate signal count the same 3 seconds and restart the watch, this should give you enough time to finish what you are doing and be in a position to start the countdown and be certain the watch is working.

Now lets look at the concept of time and distance, we will need to practice hard at this element of the start, for some this seems to come naturallu, but usuallu this is as a result of many hours on the water.

You do need a startline to practice this, just a buoy, your stopwatch and some time.  Firstly make some approches to the buoy so that you will sail close hauled, within 2 feet of it at full speed.  Set the watch to give yourself a 1 minute countdown and never go more than 10 mengths from the buoy, remember the secret is not to arrive at the buoy exactly at the designated time, but to arrive at full speed at the designated time, try passing just to windward and then leward of the buoy, thus simulating both ends of the line.  In reality it is not possible to practice this too much, and it is something you need to do before every real start, allowing you to experience the current situation which may be affected by tides and windshadow.  Continue to practice in differend conditions, and reduce the distance you allow yourself to go away from the buoy, this will sharpen your boathandlinng skills, try holding the boat stationary 3-4 lengths from the buoy for 1 minute before sheeting in to pass it at the end of your countdown.

I do not intend to cover which end of the line to start at in this brief section, suffice to say that if it is a windward start unaffected by tides or wind bends, then the windward most end of the line will give the best advantage, try to use various techniques to establish which is the windward end, and whatever your judgement stick with it unless you see an obvious wind change.  Finally remember that maximum speed and clear air at the start will probably benefit you most.
 


(From Roger Battersby)