Tips on going faster in bad air

Dave Dellenbaugh, member of the 2025 Class of the National Sailing Hall of Fame, shares in WindCheck magazine how to survive when getting gassed:

It often seems like there’s a lot of bad air on the second beat. One time when it can be difficult to find a lane of clear air is just after the leeward mark. Then there are wind shadows created by boats still sailing downwind. And it’s not uncommon to find yourself in the dirty air of boats that are trying to cover you.

One thing for sure is that bad air is slow, so try to avoid it when possible. Look ahead to find lanes of clear air. Stay away from the boats that are coming downwind (or at least pass on their windward sides if you can). Don’t get to the layline too early (because you’ll be tacked on), and avoid the middle of the course early in the leg since you won’t find many lanes of clear air there.

Sometimes, however, it’s just not possible to sail in clear air. Maybe you’re in bad air on a big lift, or you’re on the layline, or you just have to wait a minute until you can clear your air. In these situations, your immediate priority is to keep going as fast as possible in the conditions you have. – Full report