Tactics Sailing Articles

Winning the pin at the start can give you a huge advantage. You are able to foot off and get your bow out on the competition, and can control the left hand side of the course. This article from Betsy Alison gives some pointers on how to win the competitive pin end.

Picking the correct side on the first beat can really define your race. Choose wisely, and you'll be rounding the windward mark in good shape. Choose poorly, and you'll be fighting your way through the fleet the entire race. This article by Gary Jobson goes over some of the factors to consider when developing your strategy.

This is an easy to read article going over some crossing and ducking scenarios that you may encounter on the race course. It's good to know which strategy to apply, so ready up and be sure to have a full arsenal of moves ready.

This is an article from Sailing World, written by top American Laser sailor Andrew Campbell. This article touches on just about everything you need to know if you want to sail a laser properly. Detailed description of the rigging is followed by some tuning suggestions.

Some advice on when to sail your own race and when not to.

The only accurate way to measure subtle differences in speed is by comparing yourself with a similar boat that is sailing nearby in the same conditions.

This is a great article by Steve Cockerill of Rooster Sailing. He tries to demystify the art of using your compass, and in my opinion he succeeds. This will be one to read and re-read.

Article by Terry Hutchinson for Sailing World, describes when one should go into footing versus pointing mode. Must read for the serious racers.

Hobart/Wm. Smith coach Scott Iklé shares a number of ways to improve your average score, from smart starts to conservative upwind tactics.

From David Dellenbaugh's Speed&Smarts, an articles discussing some of your options as a port tacker when approaching a right of way starboard tacker.