Five of us started on the gun at full speed, side by side on starboard, and it looked dead even — then I tacked onto port and crossed the whole fleet. Nobody sailed faster, so why?
The wind had swung ten degrees left, so the pin end of the line sat further upwind. Starting at the pin, you were ahead from the gun — you just couldn't see it until the boats crossed. On port you must keep clear of every starboard boat (Rule 10), and you can, because you're ahead. To spot a pin-favoured line before the gun, sit on the line and point your bow straight into the wind: if it points nearer the pin, start at the pin.
📖 Want more situations like this one? Bryan Willis's The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 works through the rules as they happen round the racecourse. (affiliate link)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vdEsWeVscCc" title="Sailing Kiwi" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/vdEsWeVscCc/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Ronstan Clear Start race timer — A countdown timer made for sailing starts.
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Situations round the racecourse, worked through for the current rules.
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett — Racing tactics, explained simply.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through a link in the list it helps fund the channel and keeps the videos coming for everyone.