Getting Started in Sailboat Racing - Brossura

Introduction

Chapter 1—Welcome to the Racecourse

A Hypothetical Race

The Course

Flags, Guns, and Other Signals

The Rules

Q & A

Chapter 2—Starting

Basic Tenets of Starting

Starting Strategies

Q & A

Chapter 3—The Windward Leg

Sailing Smart on the Windward Leg

Playing the Shifts

More Tips/Rules for the Beat

Q & A

Chapter 4—Windward Mark Roundings

The Rules at the Mark

Approaching the Mark

Boat Handling at the Windward Mark

Q & A

Chapter 5—Downwind Legs/Reaches

Sailing Dead Downwind

Reaching Legs

Rules for Sailing Downwind

Q & A

Chapter 6—Leeward Mark Roundings and Finishing

Rules at the Leeward Mark

Strategies at the Mark

Finishing

Q & A

Chapter 7—Basic Tactics and a Few Tricks

Smart Port-Starboard Crossing

Covering and Passing Downwind

Knowing Where to Go

Q & A

Chapter 8—Weather

How Weather Works

Weather Sources and Race Day

Q & A

Chapter 9—Boat Speed, Part 1: Sail Controls and Concepts

Balance

Sail Shape: The Jargon

Sail Controls

Mast Tuning

New Sails: How Do You Know Your Sails Are Good Enough?

Q & A

Chapter 10—Boat Speed, Part 2: Sailing to Windward

The Way Sails Work to Windward

Putting Sail Controls into Action

A Quick Look at Keels

Q & A

Chapter 11—Boat Speed, Part 3: Sailing Off the Wind

Sail Trim to Leeward

Spinnakers

A Quick Downwind Trimming Guide

And Now . . . The “Disappointment”

Q & A

Chapter 12—Getting Involved

Kinds of Racing

Finding a Fleet

Yacht Clubs: Should You Join?

Buying a Boat

Q & A

Epilogue—Some Final Thoughts

Appendix

Resources

Outline of Racing Rules

Glossary

Index