When he who hesitates is lost

Published on October 30th, 2024

In his recent column for SpinSheet magazine, David Flynn of Quantum Sails discussed the situations that required being patient on the racecourse. In this column, he will look at the flip side: when it is critical to be decisive and aggressive. When he who hesitates is lost.


The start, with all the chaotic movement and sailboats headed in every direction, is full of moments that demand quick and decisive action.

Protecting space
You have set yourself up nicely on your final starboard tack approach with plenty of room to leeward so that you can bear off and build speed before the gun. Suddenly, a port tacker appears with an eye on tacking underneath and usurping your precious space. Attack! Bear off hard and aim straight at the port tacker forcing them to tack early. Dig lower than you think. You will need the room to kill the speed you have built up. As soon as they turn, use momentum to head up hard and aggressively (this is no time for a subtle turn) reclaim as much distance to windward, killing excess speed, and reestablishing the all-important hole that will enable you to build speed before the start. – Full report

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