First Beat Tips
So, you’ve made that perfect start, or maybe not so perfect, the first beat is where big gains and also big losses can be made so it’s important we make some correct decisions. These decisions can be made before the race starts; getting to the race course a few minutes before the start and sailing up the beat can help us paint a picture in our head of what’s happening with today’s course.
The first consideration is which side of the beat could have more gains. For example, if tide has an effect, thinking which side has less tide if you’re beating into it and vice versa if the tide’s behind you. Another key gain to be made up the first beat is differences in pressure from one side to another; this could be due to effects from the shoreline if racing close to the shore.
The easiest test to discover which side of the beat is favoured is a simple “split tacks” exercise. This takes 2 boats of similar speed, for example two Comet Trios. Both boats start next to one another, one on port, one on starboard. Set your start watch for around 3-4minutes depending how much time you have before your start. Each boat will hold the tack which they started on, once the clock gets to zero, both boats tack and continue until one crosses ahead, or both boats come together. The benefit of this is that there are no uncertainties, but remember, this is sailing and it’s never that simple. Just because something has worked once, it doesn’t mean it will happen again, but the more information we can compile pre-start, the more of an educated guess we can make!
Some days it will be pretty random and even the top guys will be getting it wrong, let’s face it you can’t be right all the time, you’re only human! On days like that, think about minimising losses. Let the other guys make mistakes, so do this. Plan your beat about where the majority of the fleet are. If you break away from the fleet, there’s a chance you will be first to the windward mark… there’s also a much bigger chance you will be last, as I have discovered on more than enough occasions! So ensure you have clean air but are sailing in the same direction as the fleet!
The final place to make gains is the lay line into the windward mark. Being on the lay line too early is a costly choice. One small wind shift and you will find yourself sailing extra distance and if you are not at the front, you will find boats tacking in your wind and you losing vital boat speed as a result. Think of an imaginary line down from the windward mark to the start boat, the closer to this line you stay the more options you give yourself. Next time you’re sailing upwind, just think to yourself, where am I compared to the centre line of the course. If you’re off to a side, think about bringing yourself back central, unless there is something out on the sides which you feel is worth getting into – more wind – more tide – less tide.
To summarise
The essentials for a good beat.
As always, clean air in sailing is number 1 priority
If in doubt sail with the majority of the fleet – having some background info in your head from your pre start testing
If you think one side is better than another, have a go. Go with your gut and if you’re wrong learn from the mistakes and find out why it didn’t work!
Happy Sailing! Ben Cornish
Last updated 12:34 on 30 April 2024