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SailGP set to make waves in San Francisco with millions at stake

By virgil aspen • published july 12, 2024 • updated on july 13, 2024 at 2:11 pm.

SailGP, an international sailboat racing circuit, backed by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and well-respected sailor Russell Coutts, is set to host its final, championship races in the San Francisco Bay this weekend, with the grand prize for the winning team amounting to $2 million.

The competition, whose founder Ellison was once quoted professing his love for the "idyllic independence" of sailing and has been touted as Formula One on the waves by Coutts, was founded in 2018 with the hopes of taking competitive sailing beyond cloistered country clubs and propel it into the mainstream.

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"What we're seeing is [that] this isn't the avid sailing fan that's following SailGP, maybe 10% of our audience is that. It's really the racing fan, the general sports fan, and it's also the people that are interested in the backstory of our athletes," said Coutts in a Friday interview with CNBC , adding later that he doesn't feel it would be unreasonable for teams to be selling for $80 million price tags sometime in the next year.

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This tidal wave of success can be attributed to a number of factors, but by far, the sport's most profound sea change has been the advent of F50 catamarans, sailboats capable of navigating the waves at highway speeds, velocities long thought impossible by sailors in years past.

"[Our sailboats are] above the water, not in the water, and our goal is to stay flying as long as possible," said Peter Kinney, a California native and sailor for the United States' SailGP team.

SailGP's rising current of broad appeal can be attributed to other factors as well, namely its inclusivity to women and its commitment to sustainability . On its website, it says that the organization is "...racing for a better future and believe sport has the power to change the world."

San Francisco as a location was a perfect fit for a climactic race in the eyes of the organizers.

"San Francisco is really the best racetrack. The breeze is consistent, and the sailors love it," said Alex Reid, SailGP's director of performance engineering. Others, such as Team USA strategist Mike Buckley, describe the Bay as "one of the most beautiful places in the world to sail."

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These favorable conditions, combined with such a large prize being on the line, leaves confidence high that each team involved will be in close competition all the way through, as sailors try their hardest to be the first to surge across the finish line.

"We're expecting the race to be tight, exciting, racing on the edge," Buckley said.

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Introduction to Sailboat Racing [Rules and Classes Explained]

True, when you first witness a sailboat race, you might believe it’s too confusing and chaotic (it can be both). But, like with anything new, you may ease into it gradually. This is intended to allow you to take several actions at once.

Racing a sailboat is a lot of fun. It blends the excitement of sailing your own boat with the raw rivalry of trying to beat another boat of comparable size. Racing also teaches you boat handling and sail trim in a manner that cruising cannot: by comparing your speed and handling to those of other boats.

Let us jump into the article to learn more about sailboat racing.

Basic Insights Into Sailboat Racing

Sailboat racing may be separated into three parts: start , headwind , and tailwind . During a sailboat race, it is important to ensure that the beginning of the race must be strong. The start determines the overall outcome of the race and thus is considered very crucial for the race. It brings great advantage to the competitor and this is often very underrated.

As soon as the countdown is complete, it is necessary to make sure that the competitor has crossed the starting line effectively. Generally, warnings are given at 5mins and subsequently at 4mins and 1min .

Another very important aspect to consider is the path . The competitor must be able to determine a clear path to sail through and the direction of the race course must also be perceived correctly to ensure a favorable outcome. Free lanes enable the competitor with ideal angles to the wind with which they can easily navigate without having to go against disturbed wind or wind shadows from rival boats.

The Starting Line

Oftentimes, the first leg of the race will be upwind, after the starting line is crossed. At this point again, it is important to note that starting strong is crucial for an upwind race as more free lanes are accessible the further ahead the competitor is in the convoy.

The necessary determinants to be noted and kept in consideration throughout the race for effective upwind sailing strategies are the following factors: wind direction, wind speed, and rivals. But the last aspect can be tricky as everyone’s goal is ultimately to win.

Competitors need to base their choices for sailing downwind on the same findings, but with a few minor variations. Being at the forefront and tagged by rivals can be seen as a mode of suffering when the competitor must keep sailing in the wind shadows of all the boats behind. Here, there’s an advantage to be thought of if the competitor can position themselves at the rear. Any lane can be chosen at proper intervals to make up for the lost ground.

However, usually, down winds result in shorter wins and losses than up winds . This is because there is less transverse separation during down winds when compared to up winds.

Different Types of Sail Racing Classes

Sailboat racing can be done in different ways. Each race lasts for about 45min to 1hr and is conducted on a course marked by buoys mounted by the racing committee. One can also take part in “ distance races “. In this case, the “ natural ” surroundings will typically provide the race course.

‍The points of sail during the race depend on the predominant wind direction factors on the day of the race, which is the other major variation besides the length. While racing on the course, the race committee places the buoys in such a manner that the race course is adapted to the wind , this mostly enables the competitors to accurately identify which sail has to be deployed for the upcoming leg .

At the race course and during the distance races, the sailboats that participate are usually of various types and are commonly very diverse. As a result, the organizing committee frequently employs intricate “ handicap ” mechanisms to even out variations across boat types . The system is often country-based and it has been developed based on the most common types of boats in a country. The RC , ORC , and IRC systems are the most widely used on an international scale .

These systems compute a factor that should be multiplied by the exact time required to sail one nautical mile using complex formulas . They are based on the dimensions of the boat’s length, weight, sail size, types, and design of the boat along with the materials used .

To find the adjusted race time that can be used to compare with other competitors, this f actor is multiplied by the amount of time it took you to complete the race and the distance of the race .

It is very necessary to remember that these systems are not entirely accurate and they cannot be completely relied on. They can only be used to a certain extent for performance comparison . Hence it is advised that one must compete in races where the competing boats are similar to accurately assess the racing skills of the competitor.

Main Rules in Sailboat Racing

These races are administered and authorized by the International Racing Rules of Sailing . It lays down rules and safety measures to sail safely across the race course along with the entire fleet, whose goal is to sail successfully during the race as well.

A rulebook is laid down with fundamental rules providing explanations and specimens about ensuring how to maintain and regulate according to the laws during a variety of circumstances that can arise between competing sailboats during the course of the race.

The most fundamental rule is that vessels with their starboard side windward must give way to vessels with their port side windward . This implies that the port-tack boat must either tack or bear away to pass behind the stern of the starboard-tack boat when two boats on opposite tacks come together . The leeward boat always has the right of way over the windward boat when there are two boats on the same tack.

Although this is the case, it is essential to note that the boat with the right of way must always ensure to leave other sailboats adequate space and time to avoid collision and accidents . While trying to maintain contact with other competitors, one must be very safe and secure as a significant level of rule interpretation can be enforced.

Violation of any rule can cause you to self-forfeit from the race . Hence it is advised to make amends and surrender upon having committed a conscious foul. Most admitted fouls are looked over following a penalty turn of 360 degrees or 720 degrees . Sailing instructions can be seen as a guide in all circumstances to find more detailed information about the same. A few rules can also be helpful when it comes to knowing what to be worn during the race apart from obvious determinants like the weather and climate conditions.

Main Equipment Used In Sailboat Racing

The sport of sailing is generally very physically taxing and hence requires e xtraordinary energy throughout the course of the race especially while rounding marks and sailing downwind.

When the atmospheric temperature falls due to wind-chill effects , it makes much colder winds frequently. In such circumstances, making use of a windproof outer layer will guard against the wind chill and this material is also breathable . Such measures must be ensured to avoid being cold and clammy. Wearing boots can also ensure to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

Looking into the technical aspects , sailboats need to ensure they are fully equipped with communication and navigation devices such as VHF, GPS, Sat Phones , and so on.

Different Types Of Sailboat Races

Sailboat racing is a diverse and dynamic sport that encompasses a wide range of different race types , each with its own unique rules, tactics, and strategies . Understanding the different types of sailboat races is crucial for sailors looking to compete at a high level and succeed in this exciting sport.

One of the most common types of sailboat racing is fleet racing, which involves a large number of sailboats competing in a single race. In fleet racing, the sailboats start together and sail a predetermined course, with the first boat to cross the finish line being declared the winner. Fleet racing often requires a high degree of tactical maneuvering, as sailors must navigate around other boats and adjust their tactics to account for wind shifts and other factors.

Another popular type of sailboat racing is match racing, which involves two sailboats competing head-to-head in a series of races. In match racing, the emphasis is on tactical maneuvering and outsmarting your opponent, rather than simply being the fastest boat on the course. Match racing typically involves a complex set of rules and regulations governing how boats can interact with each other on the course, and sailors must be highly skilled at reading wind shifts, controlling their boats, and outmaneuvering their opponents.

Team racing is another type of sailboat racing that involves multiple sailboats competing against each other in a team format. In team racing, each team consists of multiple boats, and the team with the best overall performance across all of its boats is declared the winner. Team racing often requires a high degree of coordination and strategy, as sailors must work together to achieve a common goal and coordinate their tactics to maximize their chances of success.

In addition to these main types of sailboat racing, there are also a variety of specialized race types that are popular in different parts of the world . For example, ocean racing involves sailing across the open ocean over long distances and requires a high degree of skill and endurance. Inshore racing , on the other hand, takes place in protected bays and harbors and often involves short, fast races with frequent wind shifts and other challenges.

Regardless of the type of sailboat racing, one thing remains constant: the need for skilled and experienced sailors who can navigate their boats through a wide range of conditions and challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a beginner just getting started, mastering the different types of sailboat racing can be a highly rewarding and exhilarating experience, and can lead to a lifetime of excitement and adventure on the water.

Classes Of Sailboats Commonly Used In Racing

Sailboat racing is a highly competitive and dynamic sport that encompasses a wide range of different classes of sailboats, each with its own unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Understanding the different classes of sailboats used in racing is crucial for sailors looking to compete at a high level and succeed in this exciting sport.

One of the most common classes of sailboats used in racing is the dinghy , which is a small, lightweight boat typically sailed by one or two people. Dinghies are highly maneuverable and responsive and can be sailed in a wide range of conditions, from light winds to strong breezes. Popular dinghy classes include the Laser , the 420 , and the Optimist , each of which has its own unique rules and specifications.

Keelboats are another popular class of sailboats used in racing, and are typically larger and heavier than dinghies, with a fixed keel that helps to provide stability and control. Keelboats come in a wide range of sizes and designs, from small one-design boats like the J/24 to larger performance-oriented boats like the TP52. Keelboats are often sailed by a crew of several people and require a high degree of coordination and teamwork to sail effectively.

Multihulls are another popular class of sailboats used in racing and are characterized by their multiple hulls providing greater speed and stability than traditional monohull sailboats. Multihulls come in a variety of different designs and sizes, from small catamarans to large trimarans , and are typically sailed by a crew of several people. Multihulls can be highly competitive and exciting to sail, but also require a high degree of skill and experience to handle effectively.

In addition to these main classes of sailboats, there are also a variety of specialized classes that are popular in different parts of the world. For example, in Australia and New Zealand, the 18-foot skiff is a highly competitive and popular class of sailboats, characterized by its large sail area and high speed. In Europe, the Dragon is a classic one-design keelboat that has been popular for decades and is known for its elegant design and excellent performance.

Regardless of the specific class of sailboats used in racing, one thing remains constant : the need for skilled and experienced sailors who can navigate their boats through a wide range of conditions and challenges . Whether you’re racing a dinghy, a keelboat, a multihull, or some other type of sailboat, mastering the unique characteristics and challenges of your boat is key to achieving success on the water.

To become a successful sailboat racer , it’s important to not only master the technical skills needed to sail your boat effectively , but also to develop a deep understanding of the rules, tactics, and strategies that govern sailboat racing . By immersing yourself in the world of sailboat racing and learning from experienced sailors, you can build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this exciting and challenging sport.

In conclusion, participating in a race can be very enjoyable in both cases. The first case is where someone is learning the art of sailing or like in the second case where one could be trying to gain some prior expertise on the sea.

If winning the race is one’s main aim then the key thing to remember is to make sure that you tack at the right moments. To trim the sails to completely catch the wind and last but not least, to communicate well with the rest of the crew.

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I worked as an officer in the deck department on various types of vessels, including oil and chemical tankers, LPG carriers, and even reefer and TSHD in the early years. Currently employed as Marine Surveyor carrying cargo, draft, bunker, and warranty survey.

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Sailors to flock to San Francisco for $2 million race prize

This weekend, some of the world’s top sailors are gathering in San Francisco for a winner-takes-all racing competition.  

SailGP , a high-profile tournament launched four years ago and backed by billionaire Larry Ellison, will be held in the waters off of Marina Green as sailors compete for a $2 million prize — double the amount from last year’s race.

The city is known to have one of the best and most challenging race courses for sailing due to its iconic scenery, strong currents and high winds while spectators have an easy view from Marina Green. San Francisco has hosted many sailing competitions, mostly famously the 2013 America’s Cup, which is believed to have reinvigorated the sport.

Starting on Saturday, five fleet races will take place until the top three teams compete for the final prize on Sunday. Teams representing New Zealand, Australia, Spain, France and other countries will brace the winds of the Bay. Viewers can expect to see catamarans, a boat with two hulls instead of one, race at speeds up to about 60 mph.

Reach Ida Mojadad: [email protected]

Local News | Photos: SailGP Season 4 Grand Final this…

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Local news | what to know about sf giants’ 2025 schedule, from holiday games to dodgers showdowns, local news | photos: sailgp season 4 grand final this weekend in san francisco, top sailors from around the world compete on f50 foiling catamarans.

Top sailors from around the world will reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour as they compete in this weekend’s Sail GP Season 4 Grand Final in San Francisco.

Boats from Australia, Canada, Denmark, Emirates Great Britain, France, Germany, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and the USA. Following 13-events of intense racing at the most iconic venues in the world, the F50 fleet returns to San Francisco to decide the ultimate winner of Season 4 and battle it out for a $2 million-dollar prize pot.

To achieve these top speeds, the F50’s hydrofoils lift the boat out of the water to reduce drag, and they use a vertically-mounted airplane wing as a sail. Each boat has a crew of five members, consisting of a helmsman, wing-trimmer, flight controller and two grinders.

SailGP has an ongoing commitment to embed environmental and social sustainability into the fabric of sport and they also run the Inspire program, a community, education and outreach initiative for youth.

The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday near the St. Francis Yacht Club by Marina Green. Click here for more info on the races and to buy tickets for special grandstand viewing.

Update: The Spanish SailGP Team won their first SailGP Grand Final, upsetting the Australian team who’ve won the title the past three years.

“Beating the Kiwis and Aussies in the Grand Final here in San Francisco – it’s amazing. We’re over the moon. It’s been a big grind and we’ve been through a lot in this League,” said helmsman Diego Botin of the Spain SailGP team.

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The most boats ever will compete in the 100th Bayview Yacht Club race to Mackinac Island

Billed on its website as the “world’s longest continuously run long-distance freshwater yacht race,” the 100th Bayview Mackinac Race is set to start Saturday.

A record-setting 334 boats have registered for the 100th year of the race, shattering the record of 316 in 1985 and a huge contrast compared with the 200 boats that raced last year, said David Stoyka, spokesman for the Bayview Yacht Club, which puts on the race.

Bayview Yacht Club says boats start leaving the Black River in Port Huron around 8 a.m. on race day and will continue leaving until around noon. From the Black River, they will proceed up the St. Clair River, under the Blue Water Bridge, into Lake Huron.

The first scheduled start time in Lake Huron is 11:30 a.m., with starts every 10 minutes until approximately 1:30 p.m. The starts may be delayed due to weather conditions.

This year, for the 100th running, the race will follow the original 1925 route and span 204 nautical miles. From the starting point, the boats will head north along the Michigan shoreline, passing south of Bois Blanc Island, sailing west to east at the finish line between Round Island and Mackinac Island, organizers said.

The range of boats are expected to finish in between 30 and 60 hours.

The sailors

Teams at all skill levels have entered the race, which draws competitors from around the world.  The highly skilled racers know they will cross the bow of competitors within inches. Still, there's always risk of a crash with the slightest miscalculation.

"Everybody recognizes this is super intense," said champion sailor  Tim Prophit , 65, of St. Clair Shores, past commodore of Bayview Yacht Club and owner of Fast Tango, a North American 40 sailboat.

The teams are vying for trophies and flags to show their accomplishments.

The J.L. Hudson Trophy is awarded to the boat with the best corrected time in Division I, and the Canadian Club Classic Trophy is awarded to the boat with the best corrected time in Division II.

How can spectators follow the race?

Spectators can go to bycmack.com during the race and click on “RaceTracking” link to watch real-time GPS positioning of all the race boats, or, on your mobile device, download the free app YB Races and select the current race.

Boats will start arriving at Mackinac Island on Sunday afternoon and continue until Monday evening, all dependent upon the wind.

Finishes can be seen from Windermere Point on Mackinac Island at the south end of Main Street.

Sailors who have completed 25 Bayview Mackinac races are called “Old Goats,” according to the club, while those who have completed 50 are called “Grand Rams.” 

"Double Goats" are sailors who have completed 25 Bayview Mackinac races and 25 Chicago Yacht Club race to Mackinac races. This year’s Chicago to Mackinac race encountered strong winds in Lake Michigan , snapping some boats’ masts and tossing one sailor overboard. No one was hurt.

Volunteers who have served for 15 years on the Race Committee are honored with the title “Old Forts,” as designated by the Race Committee.

This story includes material from a staff report by former Free Press reporter Phoebe Wall Howard and from the Bayview Yacht Club.

Politics latest: Starmer announces £84m to 'grip' migration 'crisis' after summit with European leaders

Sir Keir Starmer pledges to "deepen" UK connection with the EU following European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace. The prime minister announced new funding for humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the Covid Inquiry concluded government 'failed' to prepare for the pandemic.

Thursday 18 July 2024 20:26, UK

• General Election 2024

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• Sir Keir Starmer announces extra money for humanitarian support in order to 'grip' migration crisis, following summit with European leaders
• The COVID Inquiry released a report on UK preparedness for the pandemic
• Ed Davey and Pat McFadden gave evidence at the Post Office inquiry
• Beth Rigby: How to survive a general election
• Listen: What are Labour's key plans?
• Jon Craig : Sunak apologises to Tory MPs eight times at party 'wake'
• Live reporting by Faith Ridler and (earlier)  Tim Baker

That's it from the Politics Hub today so thanks for joining us. 

Don't forget to tune in to our special documentary tonight, Election: Behind The Scenes At Sky News, airing at 9pm on Sky Documentaries and 10.30pm on Sky Showcase.

You can catch it at 9pm tomorrow night on Sky News too.

Have a good evening!

Finally, we talk about MPs being told to smarten up in the Commons.

Earlier, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said male members needed to "wear a tie or you just might not catch my eye" if they want to speak in a debate.

So how important is it?

Labour's John McDonnell quotes a party colleague, saying: "It's not the smartness of the clothing but the smartness of the decisions you make."

But Conservative Alicia Kearns says they discuss "the most solemn of issues" in the chamber, so there is "something about the respect to the mother of all parliaments" in dressing smartly. 

Now we turn to the director of the thinktank Civil Exchange Caroline Slocock to discuss the first report from the official COVID inquiry. 

It was published today , and said UK citizens were "failed" by their governments' processes, planning and policy leading up to the pandemic. 

Ms Slocock, who was a senior civil servant who worked under both Margaret Thatcher and John Major, says the report is "humbling" for government and the civil service, and "speaks to a failure of government".

She adds: "It's time for governments really to think differently about how they plan. I know from, not just from working with those two prime ministers, but also my wider experience of government that it's not very good at thinking ahead or thinking preventatively.

"[Government] tends to be better at crisis management and new initiatives than it is really managing the sorts of underbelly of issues which if you don't get that right, things come back to bite you."

Ms Slocock also echoed the report in her condemnation of so-called "group think" in Whitehall.

She said ministers do not "listen enough to people outside of central government", and that is "vital" in a situation like a pandemic.

Now we move over to our panel, Labour's John McDonnell and Conservative Alicia Kearns.

Ali Fortescue asks Mr McDonnell whether he ever imagined Donald Trump would get back into the White House.

He says after 6 January insurrection, he thought "America had learned his lesson with regard to Trump and his attitude towards the law, the constitution, democracy."

And he says it's "the worst nightmare they could possibly have" in America for its politics.

Ms Kearns agrees with her Labour counterpart over his concerns about what a Trump presidency means for Ukraine too.

Calling it a "grave concern", she added: "It is important we have a partner we can rely on for going forward to Ukraine."

Ali Fortescue then asks Labour's Nick Thomas-Symonds about the looming presence of the US election and the impact a Donald Trump victory could have on support for Ukraine. 

Was it talked about at the EPC summit?

"Well we've been talking here about Europe," he tells Ali. "We've been talking about European solidarity backing President Zelenskyy and Ukraine. 

"In respect of the American presidential election, that is a matter for the American people to decide, whoever they elect as their president. 

"We as the UK government will work with them. We have a special relationship, a deep special relationship forged in the most difficult of historic circumstances, and I've no doubt that will endure into the future."

But surely European politicians have concerns, especially after the announcement of JD Vance as his running mate - who has been very critical of spending American money on a war in Europe. 

"Well, let's let's just see what happens," says Mr Thomas-Symonds. "I'm not going to start going into hypotheticals, starting to anticipate what may or may not happen. 

"What happens here is that the American people have a decision to make. They make that decision. We will respect that decision.

"We will always act in the UK's national interest and work with whoever is the president of the United States, because that is what is in Britain's national interest. And that's precisely what this government will do."

The government's minister for European relations Nick Thomas-Symonds is now talking to Ali Fortescue after what he deemed a successful day at the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace.

He points to the announcement made by Sir Keir Starmer to fund £84m of projects in Africa and the Middle East to tackle illegal migration at "source" and stopping people feeling the need to flee from their homes in the first place. 

But Ali asks him when the public will see if the plan is working.

"Well, one person who is in those boats putting their lives at risk is one too many," he says. "So we are starting that work now. 

"Of course you will judge, as will the British public judge, its success or failure on whether it is effective or not, whether it does actually crack down on this vile trade in people smuggling.

"And of course, you'll be able to see evidence of that as the government starts to implement its policy."

But he warns it could be a long wait, adding: "We have to bear in mind as well the really dire nature of our inheritance and the scale of this challenge.

"We know the scale of this challenge. We know how difficult it is, but we are determined to do the work to tackle it."

We start with our political editor Beth Rigby talking to us from outside Blenheim Palace, where the European Political Community (EPC) summit has been taking place.

She says the tone has been "very positive", with lots of diplomats and officials on the sidelines telling her "the reset is real and that the Labour government is really making progress".

The prime minister kicked off the conference by reassuring the European leaders that he would not leave the European Convention on Human Rights, says Beth - something often threatened by the former Conservative government.

"I'm told by one EU diplomat that this went down extremely well, that European leaders were not expecting it, but they really welcomed it and they saw it as proof, if you like, that Keir Starmer really does want to reset relations."

But while our political editor says "the reset is on", changing the relationship is "going to take time".

"Sir Keir said himself that it will be a combination of bilateral talks and then dealing with the European Union as an institution," she adds.

"But the mood music at Blenheim Palace was extremely positive. And Sir Keir and his team are very pleased with how things have gone down."

Now it's time for the Politics Hub with Ali Fortescue in the chair tonight. 

Ali will be talking to the director of the Civil Exchange thinktank Caroline Slocock about the first report from the official COVID inquiry.

From the government, she will also speak to the minister for European relations Nick Thomas-Symonds .

And on the panel is Labour's former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and the Tory chair of the foreign affairs committee Alicia Kearns .

You can watch the show in the stream above, or follow our updates for all the highlights. 

It may have been two weeks since Labour was voted into power, but they are still filling roles on their frontbench.

We have just had a list through of some new appointments, so take a look below...

• Hamish Falconer - parliamentary under secretary of state in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; 
• Baroness Chapman - parliamentary under secretary of state in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; 
• Mary Creagh - parliamentary under secretary of state in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; 
• Martin McCluskey - assistant government whip; 
• Kate Dearden - assistant government whip. 

By Jennifer Scott, political reporter

More than 192,000 children in England and Wales have parents who are currently in jail, new figures have revealed.

It is the first time the government has shown the scale of young people impacted - an estimated 192,912 - who, without support, often follow their parents into crime, studies show.

But charities say releasing the statistics is only "the first step", and are now calling for the new government to do more to support the "invisible children" who are "falling through the cracks".

Labour has a history of campaigning on the issue in opposition, with the now energy minister Kerry McCarthy bringing forward a private members' bill, calling for national guidelines, ensuring the state identifies any children at the point of sentencing, and accountability for giving them support.

The thrust of her bill made it into Labour's general election manifesto, which said: "The children of those who are imprisoned are at far greater risk of being drawn into crime than their peers. We will ensure that those young people are identified and offered support to break the cycle."

However, the commitment failed to appear in the King's Speech on Wednesday, which outlined the government's policy agenda for the next 12 to 18 months.

Read more below:

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100th bayview mackinac race boasts record lineup, new sponsors.

Jay Davis is a reporter covering restaurants, retail and small business issues for Crain’s Detroit Business. Prior to joining Crain’s in 2020, Jay held roles covering prep sports, local government, and education. 

This weekend's Bayview Mackinac Race is ready to mark a few milestones, not the least of which is its 100th consecutive start.

The sailboat race, also commonly known as the Port Huron to Mackinac race, launches at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Lake Huron, with additional starts every 10 minutes for a couple of hours. 

This year’s event will be the biggest ever, with 332 boats registered to compete in the race hosted by the Detroit-based Bayview Yacht Club, according to race officials. That breaks the record of 316 set in 1985 and is far more than the 200 or so last year . The first race saw 12 yachts compete.

This year's race includes sailboats from 17 states, including California and Washington, along with vessels from Canadian provinces Ontario and Manitoba.

Bayview Mackinac Race Chair Charlie Trost called this year’s event more than just a sailing competition.

“... it’s a celebration of history, community and sporting excellence,” Trost said in a news release. “To everyone who’s participating, whether sailing or helping to organize it, the 100th running symbolizes a century of tradition and achievement, marking it as a landmark event and a significant occasion for all involved.

“The large and diverse fleet reflects the inclusivity and wide appeal of the race, drawing competitors from various regions and backgrounds, which enhances the competitive spirit and camaraderie among sailors.”

This year’s race will be contested on one course: the original route used for the first Bayview race in 1925. Starting in southern Lake Huron, the course covers 204 nautical miles. The boats will run north up Lake Huron along the Michigan shoreline, then head west before finishing between Round Island and Mackinac Island.

The race, presented by National Fleet Services, has some new sponsors this year. 

Bayview Yacht Club and notable Peanuts cartoon brand have established a licensing partnership that includes some limited edition T-shirts that feature Peanuts characters including Snoopy and Woodstock. The shirts are available to purchase online.

Other sponsors for this year’s race include Deep Eddy Vodka and Deep Eddy Vodka Hard Seltzer, Casamigos, Goat Yard Marine, Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, Mission Point Resort, BlueDot Farm and Vineyard, Aperol Spritz, Detroit City Distillery, Aitken & Ormond Insurance and Frankenmuth Insurance, and MicroCode Inc. and High Wing Graphix.

Detroit-based Detroit Liquid Ventures is a new sponsor and brewed the official beer of this year’s race. The company was founded by Mark Rieth, who founded Atwater Brewery in 1997 and sold it to Molson Coors Beverage Co. in 2020. Rieth said he’s proud of the new race sponsorship, for which his company race has released Century Sail Ale: a low-alcohol, low-carb citrus blond "boat beer."

“(The Bayview race) is an iconic event that’s an important part of Detroit’s past, present and future — it’s Pure Michigan all the way,” Rieth said in a news release. “Our full line of crisp, refreshing craft and non-alcoholic beers and natural energy drinks are a perfect complement to a glorious day spent racing on the Great Lakes, with the wind in your sail and, hopefully, blue skies above.”

Bayview Yacht Club 2024 Commodore Michael Helm, chief officer responsible for commanding the fleet, called reaching 100 races monumental for the club.

"As we near the start of this historic event, we reflect on the occasion with profound gratitude,” Helm said in the release.

Trost said this year’s race will be fun.

“Anyone up the Thumb Coast of Lake Huron should be in for quite a show as the entire fleet sails up to Mackinac,” Trost said. “And if there is a downwind blowing and spinnakers unfurled it will be a spectacular view from the shore.”  

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Sports | Sanford Burris skippers Maverick to record time…

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Sports | Sanford Burris skippers Maverick to record time in Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

That was 1 hour, 6 minutes and 11 seconds faster than the record set by Roy P. Disney aboard Pyewacket in 2002.

The Maverick crew celebrated briefly as it crossed the finish line between Mackinac Island and the Round Island Lighthouse on Sunday. It then kept sailing as part of the “Super Mac” race, a combination of the Chicago Mackinac and Bayview Mackinac races that continued into Lake Huron for a total of 496 nautical miles.

Maverick also claimed the Royono Trophy for being the first racing monohull to finish the 115th edition of the race, which is sponsored by Wintrust. Southerly winds and overnight storms created the perfect conditions for an incredible downwind race.

Burris, from Kirtland, Ohio, is co-owner of the carbon fiber Andrews 80 along with William and Ward Kinney. Burris sails with his sons and many longtime friends. Also among the 20-member crew is Evolution Sails founder Rodney Keenan.

“I will tell you from my perspective, I wish the record had lasted longer, but these things are inevitable,” said Disney, a grandnephew of Walt Disney. “Given how long it took to break that record shows how difficult a course it is and what a classic sailboat race it is.”

Photos: 115th Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

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How to watch

Everything you need to know about watching from home, the racing schedule and the race courses

FOLLOW FROM HOME

To watch the action from the Olympics live you will need to head to Discovery+. A £6.99 subscription will get you access to every moment of Paris 2024, including all of the sailing taking place on the Marseille and Corniche racecourses and all medal races. The BBC will run some live coverage plus daily highlights shows, as per its output for Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

The British Sailing Team social media channels will bring you all the goings on in Marseille as they happen. Check us out on Instagram, Facebook and X, and give us a follow to stay in the loop.

Real-time results can be found on the official Paris 2024 website and if you’re a real racing aficionado wanting to watch every twist and turn play out then there will also be live tracking available. Racing schedule

Don’t miss any of the action! See when our sailors will be racing in the schedule below. There is a reserve day the day after each medal race should the original schedule be postponed. 

RACING SCHEDULE

There are four racecourses in use for Paris 2024: Marseille, Corniche, Frioul and Calanques. The Marseille course is just a few hundred metres off the beach, and will be where the medal races are held. The marathon course for the iQFOiLs takes in the whole of the Bay, covering all four course areas.

LATEST NEWS

Targeting the top

26 Jun 2024

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19 May 2024

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14 May 2024

Published on April 17th, 2023 | by Editor

Guide to running sailboat races

Published on April 17th, 2023 by Editor -->

John Palizza, a Regional Race Officer and Club Judge from Lake Bluff, Illinois, shares this practical guide to acting as a Principal Race Officer:

The best race committees are transparent, races start on time, courses are clearly designated, the starting sequence runs smoothly and scoring is done quickly and accurately. The competitors come in after racing and they don’t even think about the race committee. Alas, in the real world, it ain’t necessarily so.

As a competitor, how many times have you headed out to the course area ready to start racing only to be forced to sail back and forth for what seems to be an interminable period while you waited for the race committee to do its thing? Or how many times on weeknight beer can races has the starting line been so skewed that there is a pileup at one end because you can barely lay the line on the other tack?

Or it’s your turn to run your club’s weekly races, which everyone has to do once a year, and although you’ve been racing for many years, you only have a vague notion of what occurs on the race committee boat?

What I hope to lay out in this article is a practical guide to acting as a Principal Race Officer so that you won’t embarrass yourself and to help you can avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made over the years. It won’t make you ready to run the Olympics, but it should allow you to competently run most club events.

If I’m lucky, I may even persuade a few of you to give back to the sport, take US Sailing’s Club Race Officer certification and to take on a regatta or two.

Step One: Do the Paperwork All races are governed by a Notice of Race and the Sailing Instructions. These two documents form the blueprint of what the race committee has to do.

Important things such as a requirement to check in with the race committee, the starting sequences for the classes of boats sailing, the class flags being used, the courses that can be sailed, what the marks and the starting and finishing lines look like, time limits, and scoring are all covered in these documents.

If you have been asked to run a regatta, you should be intimately familiar with them, as you should have either written or reviewed them.

With season long series, it’s a little different, as the Notice of Race and the Sailing Instructions are usually posted to the club’s website at the start of the season and often thereafter forgotten. Competitors who have been sailing in the season series for years are often guilty of not re-reading the Sailing Instructions each year.

So here’s Practical Tip Number 1: Just because a competitor hasn’t read the Sailing Instructions doesn’t mean the race officer can skip them. It is absolutely crucial that the race officer knows the content of the Notice of Race and the Sailing Instructions.

The ideal is that you know them off the top of your head, but practically, it’s enough to know where to look when a question arises. So take 10 minutes to give a close read to these documents, and have them with you on the RC boat. It can save you a lot of heartburn later.

Step Two: Get Your Ducks in a Row When I was a Boy Scout, I was taught to “Be Prepared”. The same holds true for a race officer when it comes to equipment. At a primitive level, you can run races with just a piece of string on a stick, a good sense of direction, and a watch. However, if you want to do things right, there is a lot of equipment that is needed.

This is complicated by the fact that you are never quite sure what is going to be provided by the club. Some venues do a great job.

For example, at the Houston Yacht Club when I first started working on race committee, the harbor master prepared a bag with all of the flags, zip ties, score sheets, and everything else you needed. You just went to his office and picked it up. If the bag was zip tied shut you knew that he had checked it and you were good to go.

Many clubs, especially smaller clubs, are not as well organized and will have some, but probably not everything you should have, scattered around the club and the RC vessel.

The very best race officers I have known assume nothing will be provided and show up at regattas with their own flags, GPS, startbox, and assorted paraphernalia they need to get races off. As this is not practical unless you are planning on doing a lot of race officer work, here’s Practical Tip Number 2: Work from checklists to see what they have, what may need to be gathered up, and what you need to bring. Click here for checklists for both the RC vessel and mark set vessels.

Step Three: Let’s Get Things Going There is an easy, but commonly overlooked way to insure that races start on time and it occurs when you set the schedule well in advance of race day. This is because most schedules leave inadequate time between the competitors’ meeting and the first warning. This results in sailors being forced to sail around under a postponement flag and wait for the race committee to get the course set up.

Now it’s time for Practical Tip Number 3: When writing the schedule in the Sailing Instructions, leave adequate time between the competitors’ meeting where the race officer is expected to speak, and the first warning.

The amount of time will vary depending on the venue, how far you have to go to set up the course, whether you are using drop marks, and other factors. But, I guarantee that the 30 minutes you often see in SIs is not enough time to get things ready to go.

None of this means that you have to delay the start of racing for the day. There is no rule that says that the competitors’ meeting has to be after the skippers have rigged their boats and are ready to go. Simply hold the competitors’ meeting earlier in the day and then let the skippers go back and rig their boats.

If you are race committee for a season long series where there typically is no competitors’ meeting, the solution is even simpler: leave the dock with enough time so that you are not rushed in setting up the course.

Step Four: Getting Things Set Up Race officers should always keep one important maxim in mind: The competitors did not come out to watch the race committee set up courses; they came out to race. Therefore, setting the course quickly and efficiently goes a long way towards making for successful races. This means you get to the race course well in advance of the racers and decide where the start line should be and then start taking wind readings.

After 15 – 20 minutes you should have a pretty good idea of what the wind is currently doing. That, combined with the forecasts you have looked at and, if you are lucky, local knowledge, should allow you to formulate a plan for the race(s). Now you can set your windward mark and start line, announce the course and get the starting sequence going.

Wait, you say, don’t all of the marks need to be in the water and the course completely set before you start the sequence? The answer is no. As a matter of fact, although I don’t recommend this, the windward mark doesn’t even have to be set before you start the race and you can be moving a starting mark up until the preparatory signal.

So if you really want to move things along efficiently, I recommend you get your upwind mark set, get your start line done and start your first sequence. Your mark set vessels can worry about setting the other marks while the fleet is headed up to the first mark. This will save the fleet from sitting around waiting for everything to be set up and it really speeds things up if you are working with limited resources, such as only one mark set vessel.

Step Five: Things Change As sailors we all know that the wind is not constant; it changes speed and direction with some frequency. This is just as true for race committees as it is for sailors. It is a rare occasion when the wind direction remains constant throughout the day. And on inland lakes? As they say in New Jersey, “fuhgeddaboudit”.

A corollary to the maxim listed in Step Four is that most sailors would rather be racing on a course that is slightly off than waiting around for a perfect race course. If the wind is oscillating, find the median of the oscillation and get your race off before things change dramatically. If the wind is shifting persistently, try and anticipate where it is going and set your course a little ahead of it.

I’ve worked inland lake regattas where we were getting oscillations of up to 60 degrees. If we had waited to set a perfect course, we would have made the fleet wait all day. Sometimes you just have to pick a course you think is reasonable and fair, given the conditions, and go with it.

If you are running multiple races, you may find that the wind has shifted enough during a race that you want to reset the course for the next race. Here’s Practical Tip Number 4: Don’t wait until all boats have finished to reset the marks.

Have your mark set vessel waiting at the windward mark to move it to its new position as soon as the last boat rounds the mark. Then you can reset the start line, get the fleet off and worry about the other marks. Obviously, if you are using a combined start/finish line, you can’t move the line until the last boat finishes the race.

Step Six: Starting and Finishing As a race committee, the two areas you can get into trouble are the starts and the finishes. Racers may grumble that the course was not perfect, but there is no rule that says that it has to be. But, if the race committee doesn’t get the start right or screws up the finishing order, you may be spending time in the protest room as a competitor may ask for redress for those errors.

The standard five minute starting sequence is relatively simple; two flags and four horns. There is simply no excuse for getting it wrong, yet I have seen it done multiple times at beer can races. Charitably, I put this down to inattention.

The person who is responsible for the horn or the flag is chatting with a friend or otherwise distracted and is late with the horn or the flag. Don’t let this happen!

The principal race officer or timer should be counting down to each action, for example, “30 seconds to P flag up and one horn.” Never assume that people know how the sequence works or where they are in the sequence. A little attention to detail here can save a lot of pain later.

The opportunities for distractions or missing something are even greater at the finish, as competitors may be sailing up to the committee boat and informing you of their intent to protest, just as a bunch of boats are approaching the finish line or five or six boats all finish at the same time and your scribe simply can’t keep up.

So here is Practical Tip Number 5: always have the scores taken down by at least two sources – the race officer dictating into a recorder (almost all smart phones have voice recorder functions these days) and a scribe writing things down.

I can’t tell you how many times this has cleared up things post race, when you discover that a finisher did not get written down in the heat of action. Having a voice recording to go back to sure beats tracking down competitors and asking them who finished around them.

Step Seven: Work from a Playbook Commercial airline pilots still utilize a checklist every time they take off. There is no rule that says you have to remember everything that you have to do to run races and when to do them. With the multitude of things that should happen to run a good race, it makes sense to work from a checklist. For people who don’t run races all of the time, using a checklist will insure that all of the bases are covered. Click here for the PRO checklist.

Step Eight: It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over Once the races are over, the race committee needs to record the time and publish the time limit for filing a protest or request for redress. The rules state that this is two hours last boat finishes, however, this is often changed by the Sailing Instructions.

Commonly used at events are when the committee boat docks or when the last competitor reaches the shore or docks. Once you’ve done this, it’s time to score the event. Finally, put away all the RC stuff and strive put it away better than you found it – DONE!

Reprinted courtesy of US Sailing Race Management Committee, [email protected] .

Tags: education , John Palizza , race management

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Basic Race Course Starting Knowledge

STARTS are challenging and fun! If you are new to the sailboat racing world, it can really seem intimidating. Thats alright, dont let it intimidate you, because once you get it wired you will love the STARTS! In order not to overwhelm, we will begin with some rudimentary basics. More advanced starting topics and techniques will come once these basic skills are mastered.

Your Objective – Always focus on your objective above all things!

For Sailboat racing, the objective is always to be the winner of the race. This is true for fleet and match racing, but maybe slightly different for Team Racing. Right now though we are going to set this aside until later. It all begins with the Starting Line though and to be the winner of most races, you have to get off to a good start! Here are a few bullet points of the most basic issues to concentrate on for beginners.

• Identify where the Start Line is and which direction you are to go across the line and what mark you are heading toward after the start.
• Understand the Starting Sequence and time line and how to use your own watch for the start countdown
• Avoid hitting and fouling other boats, which means understanding the basic right of way rules
• Controlling your boat’s speed, stopping and starting, sail control, rudder control, crew weight and positioning
• Do your very best to be at the line at the start signal, moving at top boat speed, in the right direction… yes this might sound easier than it is, but its what you want to strive for. Don’t be hard on yourself if it you are not able to do this every time!

The Racecourse Options

Regattas and sailboat races have several different layouts, based on how the club running the race decides to set it up. The diagram below is a typical set of options that the Race Committee usually might choose from. During the day of racing, they may even change the course layout. This decision is usually based on the weather, number of boats and the speed of the boats based on the current conditions. The race committee options for the regatta are in the racing instructions and this is something you need to keep in a dry bag on your boat with you during the regatta, so you can identify how, where and how many times around the marks you are suppose to sail.

The next diagrams are of the start line and some basic wind information that you need to understand to optimize your start.

Starting Sequence

Racing starts have different start countdowns. Its pretty hard to time things if you dont have some sort of digital watch with countdown timer options. There are nice expensive racing watches…. click here for one example , otherwise most standard inexpensive water resistant watches will work, they are just a little more complicated to get to the timer settings and this takes practice, but thats what I grew up using, so it works. For our club practices we will use the following sequences for training.

• 1 Minute Preparatory Warning Signal
• 5 Minute Starting Signal
• 1 Minute Warning Signal
• Starting Signal

The 1 minute prep signal allows you to make sure your timer is setup and ready so you can press the start button on your watch exactly when the 5 minute countdown signal is made. If you miss this, then you have a second chance to get in time with the 1 minute warning signal… dont miss your second chance, because its your last chance.

Now once you have the time on your watch, you can start focusing your attention on the boat speed and maneuvers to get you at the line on time.

Most important factors now are……

Advanced Racing

Yacht race training is what we do. it is not an occasional offering. j/world provides sailboat race coaching and clinics every week of every year, so when it comes time that you are ready to advance your game, look to the leaders in sail training, course description.

J World Sailing School and Sailing Club , the top rated sailing school in the country, has been offering advanced sailboat and yacht racing instruction and coaching since our founding 40 years ago.  For more info about our entire range of racing courses, visit here .

The five day Advanced Racing class is a sailing course designed for the experienced racer. The course is taught aboard our identical J80’s with no more than four people plus an instructor aboard each boat, so you get lots of personal attention!

The class covers advanced sail trim and boat handling, attacking and defending on the start line, powering and depowering the sail plan, mark roundings, advanced spinnaker skills (including both the symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers), tactics and strategy around the race course, practical application of the racing rules, and elements of efficient team work. The week of training culminates on Friday with competition in the J World Friday Regatta.

Topics in this sailing course include:

We teach on the latest generation of sportboats, our fleet of evenly matched J/80s: more comfortable, safer, faster, and better learning platforms. Offshore rated, yet nimble and responsive, these boats have huge cockpits, high booms, and are extremely well balanced. Their responsiveness provides prompt feedback, teaching you what works, and what doesn’t.

Our staff of racing instructors are some of the best coaches in the business.  Consisting of sailors with wide ranging skills and deep sailing resumes, they are selected not only for their sailing skills but also for their abilities to share their knowledge and maintain a productive learning environment. With no more than four students per boat, everyone gets a tremendous amount of personal attention.

Our Curricilum

J/World has been coaching racers for over 40 years. In that time, we have developed the leading curriculum for making sailors faster.  Often imitated, never duplicated: our format has been adopted and copied by many organizations around the world, but none of them are able to deliver the results that J/World is known for.  We continually update our material and remain the undisputed leaders in sail race training.

More time sailing. More course days. Exceptional boats. Phenomenal instructors. But don’t just take our word for it. See below to read some of our customers testimonials to read why we have been selected as the “Best in the Business” for over 19 years running. And please ask sailors and do lots of web searches… we feel confident that the more you ask around, the more great things you will hear about us and the more likely you will come to J/World!

Improve your sailing skills with the top rated sailing school in the country, J/World

Lecture Schedule

1) Boat orientation, Crew positions and responsibilities defined, sail handling (spinnaker work) overview

2) Upwind sail trim strategy, and tactics

3) Downwind sail trim, strategy, and tactics

4) Starting strategies, tactics, and rules

5) Boat tuning, regatta prep

On-The-Water Schedule

1) Sail trim, boathandling, crew coordination/workflow, spinnaker handling

2) Windward/Leewards, mark roundings, straight line speed, optimizing tacking and jibing

3) Starts, starts, and starts!

4) Short courses, close quarters racing, mark roundings, boat-on-boat tactics, rules

5) Regatta day!

Advanced Racing – Requirements

Previous racing experience as skipper and/or crew.  Spinnaker experience, and basic working knowledge of racing strategy and tactics.

Advanced Racing – Price

Standard: $1795 per person Alumni: $1615 per person

Visit our pricing page for full details.

US Sailing Certified

Private instruction.

If you prefer a private experience over a group course, we offer the opportunity to receive fully personalized attention from one of the best sailing instructors in the country.  You can come alone, or limit the enrollment in a particular course to your group of friends or family.  We provide custom sailing instruction for individuals or groups at prices which compare favorably to standard courses, and will custom tailor the curriculum to meet your specific goals on a schedule which accommodates your plans.  Visit here for more info.

Testimonials

We had an absolutely fantastic time and achieved one of my life long goals – learning to sail!  The Instructors were truly great and we appreciated their very professional and friendly teaching style.  We’ll be back for sure!  Thank you for a great experience, J/World. Please send our regards to everyone….

Just wanted to say thank you for a great week taking the Performance Cruising class at J/World. Sailing the J80 was mucho fun and that J105 is a rocket!  Both of my instructors are super talented and I definitely learned more in that one week than I have in quite a while.  I’ll be in touch to do more sailing with J/World!

I wanted to thank you for a wonderful trip and the experience of a lifetime. I was and remain extremely impressed with all the preparation and hard work that you put in to make this trip a success. I took from this experience not only a great deal of knowledge on ocean sailing, but also increased confidence in my ability as a sailor.

[Our instructor] did an incredible job of ensuring that we both had a positive experience. I have been an educator for almost 30 years. Currently I am Superintendent of Schools for a jurisdiction of over 10,000 students with 1050 staff. I can assure you that [our J/World instructor] is a natural teacher with a broad range of skills.

I just wanted to take a minute to express my appreciation for this weeks class, and to let you know I was really impressed with [my instructors]. You have a great team there!  I certainly got everything I’d hoped for… and more. The J/80 was a blast, and the time on my own boat was invaluable. The Friday race was the perfect end to an excellent week…

Absolutely exceeded my expectations in every dimension. The boats were exceptional… new modern and in good shape. The instructors were awesome. It was hard to believe you could get that level of experience and accomplishment and at the same time have great teachers. Thanks you J/World Team!

As someone who’s been teaching and evaluating teachers for a quarter of a century, I’m writing to tell your instructor is one of the best I’ve seen. He’s tremendously skilled at communicating knowledge and also has the rare talent of being able to tell what his students do and don’t understand.

J/World Sailing

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J/World Performance Sailing School is the preeminent source for sailing skills development.

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Part of US Sailing’s vision is to introduce as many people as possible to this great sport. We want to make sure you’re learning in a safe, fun, high-quality environment…because if you’re a well-trained, competent sailor you’ll love sailing as much as we do.

US Sailing provides education and instruction in four separate areas: Small Boat (i.e. day sailing), Keelboat, Powerboat and Windsurfing. Learn more about the different programs offered by US Sailing schools and instructors. We’ll help you decide what kind of boat you want to learn on and find a course to take – and we’ve written the books ourselves to make sure they’re the best around.

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Represent us sailing on the race course.

Race officials ensure quality, integrity, and consistency for all participants in the sport of sailboat racing, from casual weeknight club racing to world championships. Our training and certification programs allows sailors to give back to the sport by supporting the racing sailor out on the water.

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Sailing the Race Course – Starting for Beginners

In this series of articles, we will introduce the key concepts of sailing a race from preparation to the starting sequence, buoy roundings and finishing. The target audience for this information is sailors that may have never competed in a formal race environment or want to better understand what is going on during a race. The target could also include someone who spectates and wants to better comprehend what is happening. Throughout, we will link to more advanced information, but the body of the article will be the basics. We will not go into rules details, but will mention rule areas that pertain to various situations, for further study. If we missed a basic concept, feel free to comment below. There will be links to lots of articles at the end.

We’ll begin with Pre-race Preparation to Starting .

Weather Forecast and Current Conditions

• Wind shifting through the racing period? Persistent (shifting one direction further and further) or Oscillating shifts (shifts back and forth, but generally around the same average direction). For example, if there is a Persistent Shift moving clockwise , the starboard tacks will get increasingly favored, assuming that the marks are not moved.
• Will the wind speed be increasing? If so, you may need to adjust your boat and sail controls for the changing conditions.
• Storms – Is there a storm system moving through that might bring changes to the winds?

Preparation Checklist – Equipment

We suggest a checklist to remind you of things to look over and things to ensure that you have for the race. These might include the following:

• Fittings – Are they secure and all present? Do you have spares?
• Control Lines & Blocks – Are your lines (ropes) all in good shape, untangled and running through the blocks (pulleys) in the correct directions for any ratcheting?
• Spars – Are your lines clear of your shrouds (sidestays) for when you hoist your sail(s)? Have you adjusted your mast “rake” (tilt)? Does your boat require setting “rig tension”? Are your shroud fittings connected securely? Are your shrouds / stays in good condition without any broken strands / wires?
• Blades – Centerboard / Daggerboard, Rudder: Are these clean and moving smoothly? Do you have the safety line attached to the daggerboard, if appropriate.
• Sails – Are your sails all on board and connected properly? Make sure that nothing gets in the way of hoisting them and battens are all in place and secure. If you have sail ties, are they properly tied and knots tight? Are the “Outhaul” and “Cunningham (Downhaul)” attached?
• Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Safety Gear – Do you have approved PFDs for all crew?
• Racing Timer – Do you have your timer and is it set to the proper timing sequence? Usually 5 or 6 minutes, but will vary somewhat.
• Water – Do you have water to stay hydrated?
• Suntan lotion & Sunglasses – Is your skin protected? The water reflects the sun and can make burning more likely. Same issue with sunglasses. I prefer polarized lenses to reduce the glare off the water and the boat surfaces.
• Hat – While protecting your head, a hat can also reduce distracting sun glare when trying to see the water.
• Sailing Gloves – Purpose-built sailing gloves (properly-fitted) or gardening gloves can really protect your hands from abrasion and helps to hang on to the sheet lines.
• Launching – Are your bailers up? If launching with a trailer, is the lighting harness disconnected from the towing vehicle to prevent electrical shorts? Do you know where you will put the boat to finish assembling it while allowing others to launch?
• Current – Is there water flow / current that may impact your sailing? Which way is it moving and how fast? A tip is to look at any fixed buoys and see how the water is moving around them.
• Shoals / Weeds – Do you know where shallow areas and weedy areas are?
• Wind Obstacles – Look for hills, trees, peninsulas, tall buildings, etc that may reduce or bend the wind direction and think about how that will impact your sailing.
• Local Insights – Have you checked with local sailors for any insights they may have about the venue?

On the Water

Before the sequence.

Be Early – Try to get to the racing area no less than 30 minutes ahead of time so that you can get familiar with what is going on and form a “strategy” for how you want to sail the course.

A Strategy is the path you would sail with no other boats on the race course. Tactics are what you do when you encounter other boats to get back on your strategy. – Dave Dellenbaugh

Survey the Course – Sail both sides of the course and the top mark rounding and the starting line area to learn about the tacking angles and wind pressure (force) across the course. Take note of where the wind seems to originate, if there is any current and are the shifts happening the way that you predicted from the forecast.

Learn From Others – Watch how the other competitors are sailing, who is lifted (sailing straighter to the marks) and who is knocked and who has better wind pressure, where.

Benchmark Against Others – Try to get somewhat near another competitor and see how well your boat is performing versus the other boat. Are you pointing higher or lower while watching your sail telltales to make sure that your sail and point (how close to the wind direction you aim) is correct? Can you match or exceed their speed in similar breeze? Try adjusting controls if you need to to test things out.

Check-In – Check-in with the Race Committee to let them know that you’re sailing, if necessary. Home port fleet races may not require this.

Ready To Start

Anatomy of The Line

Typically, the starting line is between an anchored Race Committee boat with an orange flag on the starboard end and a mark (buoy) on the port end. The line is usually roughly perpendicular to the windward marks.

Getting Ready

So you’ve sailed around the race area and have a preliminary strategy. What should you be thinking about now?

• Wind angle has shifted right of center (looking up the race course).
• Wind is centered, but the breeze is stronger on the RC Boat end.
• Wind angle has shifted left of center.
• Wind is centered, but the breeze is stronger on the Pin end.
• The Mob: If a lot of boats want your spot, then it might be best to stay beside the pack, but on the starting line , and not stuck inside pack. You want clear air and ability to accelerate off the line.
• Line Length – A rule of thumb is that the line length should be 1.5 boat lengths X # of boats competing. If it’s less than that, be ready for it to be a tight start.
• Wind Angle Change? Watch competitors who are still sailing upwind and down to see what their angles are.
• Wind Pressure obviously better on one part of the leg? Again, watch competitors to see who is in the breeze.
• Wind Shifts – Are the shifts Persistent (more and more in one direction) or Oscillating (back and forth, but generally on either side of a similar direction)?
• Equipment and Crew Ready for action – Is everything untangled and gear is on correctly so that there is no last minute problem?

In The Sequence

This graphic show the timing sequence and flag signals and what they mean. The Preparatory Signal flag(s) are important because they tell you what is permitted during this start and what the penalties will be. Some penalties can be remedied and some disallow you to sail in the race.

Note the Racing Triangle diagram. The Racing Triangle is the area between each end of the line and the windward mark.

Ready, Set, Go!

• Timing to Get Your Spot – Know where you want to start on the line and position yourself to be there ahead of time, at least with enough time to hit the line at full speed at the gun.
• Make and Defend a “Hole” – For best results, you want space to leeward of your boat on the line so that you can bear off (point down) to accelerate before crossing the line. This is usually hard against good sailors and takes practice.
• What’s Your 0-60? – Know how long it takes for your boat to accelerate from a stop in different breezes. This will help you to know when to “pull the trigger” on accelerating during the countdown sequence. Drill: Stop next to a buoy (not during a race) and see how long it takes to get to full speed and review your distance from the buoy location.
• Prepare to be fast and smooth – lines clear, controls set, ready to hike, know who is around you and what they’re doing.
• Wind Shifts While Starting – See this article .
• Note the penalties for being over the line early and avoid them or know what your rights are if you mess up.
• Fouling Someone – Be ready to figure out how to save yourself if you have to take a penalty turn.
• Bail Out – If you get jammed in a spot, know whether the best option is to just stay in the bad spot or if tacking off will improve your situation. Many times tacking off will result in ducking boat after boat or being forced back, so assess the options quickly.

Further Learning: Starting well takes practice and has a lot of aspects. There are a number of links below that can help you to dig deeper into this topic.

Related Content

SailZing Category: Starting Strategy and Tactics Category

Individual articles:

Starting Strategy and Tactics for Youth: ILYA Seminar

Starting  Strategy and Tactics: Where to Start – SailZing

Starting  Mentality: Learn to Be Aggressive – SailZing

Starting  Line Approach: What Kind of Creature Should You Be …

Wind Shifts While  Starting : Impacts and Tips – SailZing

Starting  Tactics Quiz: Boat Thoughts at 30 Seconds – SailZing

Bad Start? Four Recovery Options

Line Sag: Illusions and Opportunities

Wind Shifts While Starting: Impacts and Tips

Execute the Start with Four Key Skills – SailZing

Related Posts

Pre-Start Routine – SailZing Aha! Insights

Starting Tactics: Six Tactical IQ Scenarios

Starting Performance Observations: Race Course Notes

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8 Tips For the First Time Sailboat Racer

By: Pat Reynolds Learn To Sail , Sailing Fun

Once you get through the ASA 101 course and are beginning to experience sailing in a more second nature sort of way, you may want to challenge yourself to a sailboat race. Racing is a great way to accelerate the learning curve. It mandates all of the lessons into a short amount of time, with the power of consequence as a motivating factor. On a normal round the buoy race sailors are forced to make sail changes, tack , assess the conditions and maximize performance every step of the way. Some don’t care for the pressure it can bring about, but a few sailboat races is great for learning the ropes quickly. Here are eight tips for the first time sailboat racer that will make the challenge a bit more manageable and a little less daunting :

• Choose the right race Ask around and pick a race that’s not ultra competitive. There are always races that are more mellow than others. Choose one that is centered around fun, maybe a benefit regatta or a barbecue race. Allow some time to get ready and view it as a learning goal. Ask a racer along for the ride.
• Ask a racer along for the ride Find an experienced racing friend to crew and be your safety net. Nothing will take the edge off more than having a patient pal along with you to whisper in your ear as you make your way around the course. Lean on him or her as you need, but try to manage as if they were actually just crew.
• Enter non-spin class. Even if your boat has a nice spinnaker and you’ve used it a bunch of times, do the first race without that complication. Depending on what kind of boat you’re sailing you might not have a choice, but if you do, go spinnaker-less for the first couple of times out to get the rules figured out.
• Learn the fundamental rules Sailboat racing is fortunately one of those sports where you don’t have to learn every rule in order to participate, but you do have to know the basics. Check out Peter Isler’s Sailing for Dummies or Getting Started in Sailboat Racing to get up to speed on the absolute must-know rules. Once you have those pretty clear you can get out there and get some on-the-job-training without hurting anyone or spoiling anyone else’s day.

• Read the NORs Make sure you grab the Notice of Race on the website of the hosting club and read it thoroughly. This precious document will tell you lots of important information for game day. It will discuss the course(s), order of starts, communication channel and lots more. Looking at them prior to the race and having a solid understanding of what’s going on is extremely important. Go to the skipper’s meeting.
• Go to the skipper’s meeting Lots of experienced racers might skip the skipper’s meeting for races they’ve done before, but as a newbie, definitely schedule that into the plan. There you can solidify your understanding of the NORs and ask any questions you might have.
• Blow the start If you’ve done everything according to plan up until this point you may feel like you could actually win this thing! That may be so, but don’t push too hard at the start. This is the one place that gets reliably intense – boats are very close to each other and a firm understanding of the rules is on full display. In time you’ll find this is one of the most exciting parts of racing, but in the beginning, watch and learn.
• Follow the leader Once you’re off the start line and there isn’t any fiberglass dangling from your boat, just watch what others are doing and emulate. If you like racing, there will be plenty of time for waxing the fleet, but today just be a copycat. Watch what better sailors do and attempt to understand why they are making these choices. There is arguably no better way to learn than immersion and imitation.

After the last race, the most important lesson of all is revealed – that beer tastes better after a day of racing. It’s a scientific fact – Einstein proved it, but it was never published… Enjoy!

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Welcome to the MC Sailing Association

Upcoming Events

2024 regatta results.

“HISTORY OF THE SCOW”  Film Proposal Woody Woodruff has been sailing scows a long time and is using his talents as a film producer to make a documentary film on scows:  The Project    Donate Here

Notice of Election & Annual Membership Meeting

As part of its annual rotation, the Board seeks nominations of candidates to fill the positions of retiring members of the Board of Governors. Nominees must be current MCSA members and available to actively serve a three year term of office beginning January 1, 2025.  The elected individuals will fill the expiring term of Scott Slocum, Scott Harestad, & Natalie Sinn. When contemplating prospective nominees, consider the value of maintaining a Board balance in sailing, administrative, and leadership skill sets as well as a geographical representation of MCSA members.

The following member has accepted a nomination to fill one of the three open positions of the retiring Board members and will be placed on the ballot for a verbal vote:   The following is a list of the current Board members whose terms expire on December 31st of the year indicated:

Natalie Sinn      - Minnetonka YC, MN (2025) Dana Nelson    - Club de Voile Deux-Montagnes, CN (2025)

Kevin Neal       -  Florida (2025) Christy Will      -  Beulah YC, WI (2026) Matt Fisher       - Hoover SC, OH (2026) Sean Bradley   -  Barnegat Bay YR Assoc, NJ, (2026)- Commodore Chris Kubicek   -  Lake Beulah YC, WI (2028) - Vice Commodore Scott Harestad - Spring Lake YC, MI (2024) - Rear Commodore

The election will be held during the Annual Membership Meeting to be held at the MCSA National Championship August 21-24, Lake Geneva YC, WI.   Inquiries should be submitted to Chris Kubicek at [email protected]

© MC Sailing Association, Inc. 2024. All Rights Reserved.

• Guidance for Setting a Race Course

Recommended Courses

The following table shows recommended courses for each fleet based on wind direction. A notation of (2|3) indicates to select 2 or 3 laps based on wind speed, forecast, and sunset. A notation of (2) indicates to select between 1 and 2 laps based on wind speed, forecast, and sunset.

Background Information

After you have been racing a while, you will probably notice that most sailboat race courses are slight variations of a few basic themes. The starting line is square to the wind, the first mark is directly upwind from the middle of the starting line, the marks are left to port, and the course itself is a combination of triangles and straight upwind/downwind legs. While the racing rules allow nearly any shape of course design, there are some good reasons why most Race Committees follow these basic guidelines.

The first rule of thumb is that the starting line should be square to the wind and square to the course to the first mark. This is true whether the first leg is upwind or downwind, but is particularly important for upwind starts. The reason is simple: if the starting line is not square then the end that is closer to upwind or closer to the first mark has a significant advantage and all of the racers will want to start in the same place. Or course, not all of the boats will fit in the same place at the same time and the result can be difficult right-of-way situations, fouls, and even collisions.

The second rule of thumb is that the first leg should be upwind. First, this makes the start easier without boats going over early, but the main reason is to spread the boats over the course so that they don’t all arrive at the first mark at the same time. Because racers have to tack to go up wind, the best direction to sail is a matter of opinion and fleet tends to split up on windward legs with some going more right and others going more left. The result is a less-crowded mark rounding at the weather mark and fewer chances for anyone to break a rule

Marks are usually left to port in fleet races for a slightly different reason. When two groups of boats are approaching the weather mark with one group on port and the other on starboard tack, the mark rounding tends to go more smoothly and the rules are easier to apply if the mark is rounded to port so that the boats that do not need to tack have the right of way on the approach. If a port-tack and a starboard-tack boat are approaching a starboard mark rounding, the right-of-way boat (starboard) must tack in order to get around the mark. When she starts to tack, she retains right-of-way only until she reaches head-to-wind and then becomes a sitting duck for any other boat on the course, port or starboard. Once she is on port tack she regains some rights, but now she must keep clear of any boats approaching on starboard tack. The result can be real chaos if very many boats reach the mark at about the same time. Starboard roundings are used in match racing because each boat only needs to worry about one other on the course and the extra tactical complexity makes the race more interesting.

Finally, most race courses have in common the overall course design. Most race course designs, except for long-distance races, are variations of triangles and windward/leeward legs. First of all, this makes life easier for the Race Committee because they don’t have to worry about accidentally breaking one of the other rules-of-thumb and in addition these types of courses are easy to set up, describe, and operate. Upwind and downwind legs provide the most opportunity for tactical decisions that allow you to pass other boats, and as a result are very popular for racing high-performance boats. The triangle course has the advantage of keeping the lead boats away from the large group of boats still coming upwind by making them sail to the gybe mark first, and it also had the advantage of keeping the boats moving on hot summer days when no one wants to sail straight downwind. For this reason a triangle is often preferred for club races and is pleasant to sail. An Olympic course where a triangle is followed by a windward/leeward lap combines the two and by the time the straight downwind leg starts, the fleet is usually spread enough to reduce the number of interactions between downwind and upwind boats.

Setting the Starting Line

As a racer you should know how to set a starting line. HOW else Will you be able to criticize the race committee if you haven’t done it yourself? Believe it or not, this activity alone can be moderately challenging for all race committees

Instructions :

• Make sure you have enough anchor line to let out a scope of 3-to-l (three feet of line for every one foot of depth)
• Pull your boat alongside the chosen starting mark and take a wind reading on your compass.
• The bow of the committee boat should be pointing almost directly into the wind
• Watch the wind for several minutes to see whether it shifts to the right or left.
• Drive your boat at a 90-degree angle just abeam from the starting mark when you are satisfied with the wind direction. The committee boat is usually on the starboard end of the line when facing windward per US Sailing, but set it up on the side that makes the most sense due to the constraints of our marks and the river.
• Make sure that there is enough room for the largest fleet to safely negotiate the starting line You don’t want to be at the wrong end of a short starting line!
• Drop your anchor when your distance is safe enough to fit the largest fleet and the line you draw from your starting mark to the committee boat is perpendicular to the wind. Keep in mind how much anchor line you will be releasing to keep yourself perpendicular.

Understand that the wind sometimes shifts unpredictably, which can make your starting line seem overly favored on one end. Try not to make it the committee boat end unless you want to get close and personal. Weather reports may indicate if wind shifts are predicted

This is not the America’s Cup — it is Thursday night racing. do the best you can. It is better to get in a race than to sit around waiting for the race committee to perfectly’ set up the starting line

No matter how good a job you do, some racer will still have a complaint for you back at Tidewater.

Just smile and know that they will have their own night of race committee duty.

Goals/Guidelines for Suggested Courses

1) Weather mark is the same for all fleets

2) Leeward mark should be different

3) All fleets finish from the same direction

4) Avoid “buttonhook” roundings

5) Avoid the mooring field on an East wind

6) Confirm there is enough water depth when approaching the starting line – especially when starting at F, G, and H marks

7) Avoid E to F direct courses, or use G as a boundary mark to keep boats away from hazard

8) Use Z in courses to provide flexibility in shortening courses if the wind dies.

9) When a Tug with barge is coming into the starting area, use the postponement flag to allow them to pass.

S/SW Wind: The Nonspin course is stretched out to F rather than H, but a once-around is suggested with an option for twice, while the Spin fleets could go 2 or 3 laps. Since the Nonspin course goes from E to F, you can put in a green G, to keep the fleet further away from the uncharted shoal area between E and G. Note that G then is a Boundary mark, not a Rounding mark (no buttonhook around G).

NW Wind: On the second time around for the Nonspin fleet, only they use B to separate fleets. The Nonspin course is complex enough that it could not carry a 2 for twice around.

W Wind: Note that these courses can’t be shortened once posted.