Race checklist
October 27, 2007
BEFORE LEAVING HOME
- Equipment is in 100% working order.
- Gear is packed securely on the car or trailer.
- Sailing bag is packed and includes wetsuit, towel, sunscreen, food, drink sailing instructions and any necessary race registration information.
- Toolbox is packed and includes screwdrivers, [Read more]
Racing sails – shape & rigging
August 27, 2007
Barracouta Sails has been building longboard racing sails since 1980, over that time the sails have evolved a lot from Dacron soft sails set on soft fibreglass masts, to the monofilm and camber induced sails set on carbon fibre masts of today. Longboard sail design is very different from Formula sails, I consider that what works for one won’t work for the other.
Raceboard handling – the basics
August 27, 2007
1. KEY POINTS
- - Be decisive.
- - Do not give up.
- - Use the art of visualisation.
- - Be observant.
- - Trust yourself. If you think that there is a lift go with it.
2. UPWIND
- - Railing the board is critical – push the leeward rail down [Read more]
Railing a raceboard – The key to good Pointing
August 27, 2007
The art of railing a race board is one of the keys to upwind success as it delivers critical extra height compared to riding the board flat. If you are to be a successful “uphill” Raceboard sailor you will need to master this in all wind conditions. While there is no hard and fast rules on how to do it and different people have different techniques the following points may help.
[Read more]
Race tactics – The basics
August 27, 2007
The following basic race tactics are a must for all LB racers.
1. PRE RACE
Make sure that you go to the briefing.
Get to the coarse area early to investigate wind including patches, lifts and knocks.
If possible sail the course before the race. [Read more]
Getting a good start
August 27, 2007
We have discovered over the years that one of the most critical elements to any race is the start. If you don’t get it right and end up at the back of the fleet it can be very difficult to fight your way through all the dirty air and your position will often get worse as a consequence.
The key to a good start is preparation. [Read more]