Sail boating is one thing, but racing sail boats is another thing entirely. Leisurely being blown around a lake is a very different experience from competing against others. If you’re new to the sport of sail boat racing, there are some specific principles and priorities you need to keep in mind:

Beating

Beating is the idea of staying on the wind. You need to learn to recognize which way the wind is blowing just by feel. In the same way that recognizing the road conditions in a car becomes second nature to the driver, so feeling the wind becomes second nature to the sail boat racer.

Transitions

Transitions include both tacking and jibing. Transitions does not refer to roll tacks, but really has more to do with the basic maneuvers.

Close Sailing

You need to be able to sail close to other boats confidently and without being nervous. You literally need to be able to get within a few centimeters from another boat without hitting the boat, and without being afraid of hitting the boat.

Consistent Starting

A bad start will keep you from winning a sail boat race every time. You need plenty of practice getting away from the “gate” at a consistent speed and rate of acceleration, and being able to catch the wind as soon as possible.

Mark Roundings

Roundings are key, as well. Roundings are where you will make some of the most consinstent gains on your opponents, so being able to make your roundings effectively is one of your most important tools.

Reaching and Running

These two techniques will give you a serious edge. If you can master them, you’ll be ready to take full advantage of an opponent’s weak spots.

You’ll notice that the important techniques rely nearly as much on the speed of your sailboat as they do the handling of your sailboat. Raw speed does very little for you if you can’t get the boat positioned effectively.

Finally, make sure your boat insurance is up to date before you race your boat. You want to make sure your investment is secure in case something bad happens during a race.

Photo via dragonseye