J24 Racing Tactics

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J/24 Racing Tactics

• Andrew Mannion

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The Plan

• Introduction
• Starting Tactics
• Upwind Tactics
• Downwind Tactics
• Finishing Tactics

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Introduction

• This is a brief talk about sailing tactics
• How do you win a race?
• Simple.....
• Make the least amount of mistakes.

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Introduction

• The way I view a race in on a points system
• This points system is based on the importance of
  the four main areas
• The four main areas are
• 1 Start Bonus point round
• 2 Upwind 50 points
• 3 Downwind 40 points
• 4 Finish 10 points

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Starting

• I always look at the start as a bonus point round
  in the race
• These are simple points to collect if you know
  how
• Key elements to a great start
• 1 Biased end of a line
• 2 Clean air and full speed
• 3 Freedom from other competition
• 4 Heading in the favoured direction on the course

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Starting

• 1 Biased end of a line
• Before the five minute gun you should know where
  you are going to start i.e. the biased end of the
  line
• How to find the Biased end easily

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Starting

• 1Biased end of a starting line

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Starting

• 2Clean air and full speed
• Full speed is critical
• It does exactly what it says on the tin
• I like to think of the start of a race as a
  sprint

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Starting

• 3 Freedom from other competition
• In this sprint you want to be in the front row
• Avoid the second row
• Avoid leebows

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Starting

• 4 Heading in the favoured direction on the
  course
• Favoured area on the course is where the first
  shift will be
• Strongest wind

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Upwind Tactics

• Always play the shifts up the middle of the
  windward leg
• Watch out for Wind bends and wind shadows around
  islands and the shoreline
• Never head off on a one tack flyer
• Stay between the fleet and the mark
• If you are in the fleet try and play the shifts
  inside the leader. 80 of the time this will work

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Upwind Tactics

• Make sure you control your opposition
• The two classic moves are
• 1 Cover
• 2 Leebow

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Windward mark approach

• Make sure you are on the layline
• A starboard approach is always best
• Do not arrive too early onto the layline
• Try and give the crew enough time on approach to
  get set for the spinnaker hoist

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Downwind Tactics

• Initiate the run by a breakaway into clean air
  immediately
• Avoid the loss of clean air by blanketing
• Watch out for fresh wind from behind
• Acquire the best possible sailing angle
• Stay on the preferred side of the course, clean
  air and plan your desired approach to the leeward
  mark
• Try and approach the leeward mark on a tight
  broad reach .This will give you a sling shot
  effect onto the beat

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Finishing

• Make sure you finish at the end of the line
  closest to you

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Final words

• Avoid collisions always!
• Avoid the protest room always!
• Never give up!
• Relax, stay focused and enjoy the race!

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Thank you