Two boats sail at the same speed to identical leeward marks. One goes in tight, the other goes in wide. Which one comes out ahead?
The wide boat. Get the kite down early and swing out about two lengths before the mark. Start the turn early in one smooth curve, pulling the sheets in as you go, and pass the mark close, already close-hauled. The boat that comes in tight has to turn late and hard, slows and slides out wide, and ends about a length lower. In a fleet, close any gap before the zone so no one gets their bow in inside you.
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/r3ply80ceUs/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett — Racing tactics, explained simply.
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
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