A quick comment on using the sound to start your watch. While the sound
is usually very accurate it is not the official signal. The flag or
shape always takes precedent. In reality, the RC will almost always be
judging the line based on the person calling the countdown. So the horn
could be late and the start may still be considered a good start,
depends on the PRO.
Jim Lyle
jim@lylegroup.com
(206) 979-0809
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-seattle-laser@sailpix.com
[mailto:owner-seattle-laser@sailpix.com] On Behalf Of Willsie Todd
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 8:44 AM
To: 'MJohns77@aol.com'; seattle-laser@sailpix.com
Subject: RE: Seattle Laser (Starting Basics)
Mike,
Good info, thanks. One item I find a bit surprising is your comment about synchronizing with the timer person on board the RC. I would think a two second error between the sound signal and the actual time used for starting would not be acceptable. It should not be necessary to use any other time reference than the horn since it would be very impractical to get all the boats that close to the RC! We do not want new sailors to now worry about getting the "real" start time.
Todd
-----Original Message-----
From: MJohns77@aol.com [mailto:MJohns77@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 8:32 AM
To: seattle-laser@sailpix.com
Subject: Seattle Laser (Starting Basics)
Starting basics
Here is a quick review of some of the basics of starting.
The Big Picture
Think of the first beat as your playing field with the start and the
first mark defining two points of a diamond. The laylines define the
four sides of the diamond. It is made easier if you think of the
playing field as a steep hill that must be climbed on a ladder. To
picture this in your mind, think of a very wide ladder laid on the
course with the ladder rungs at right angles to the wind direction.
With this grid laid on top of the playing field, you now have a
reference with which to make strategical decisions. Very simply, the
boat on the highest ladder rung is in the lead. If you watched the
A-Cup on OLN they occasionally drew a line from the bow of the boats to
determine who was ahead. That line was similar to a ladder rung.
Choosing the Correct End to Start
Using the ladder rung reference, the preferred end to start (in absence
of all other boats) is the end that will place you on the highest ladder
rung. If the starting pin and the RC boat are on the same ladder rung
then the line is square to the wind and any place on the line should
result in an equal start. Normally one end of the line is on a higher
ladder rung and that is the end where you will usually find the bulk on
the fleet fighting it out. If you are a beginner, you may not be
confident enough to mix it up on that favored end, however you will want
to get as close as you comfortably can. I've seen many a beginner get a
great start just out of the fray of the mess at the favored end because
they are not affected by all the disturbed wind.
Positioning
In the 30 seconds before the start it is critical that you position your
boat for maximum acceleration. To accelerate from a dead stop the boat
will slide about ½ boat length to leeward before you are fully up to
speed. In an ideal world you would have some distance to leeward as you
accelerate to allow for this leeward slide. Down speed boat handling is
very helpful when establishing and protecting your leeward hole. This
is significantly more difficult as the fleet gets larger and/or the
lines become shorter.
One of the most critical things to know when positioning during the last 30 seconds is "where exactly is the line"? From a position in the middle of the line it is very difficult for even the best sailors to evaluate this. There is a parallax phenomena that happens when those in the middle try to evaluate where they are relative to the line. This parralax usually causes a sag to leeward mid line. The tip here is to do a little homework well before the start. Luff your boat up right next to the RC boat and sight down the line. Extend the line through the pin so it extends to the nearest shore or fixed object. Select a prominent feature on shore that lines up with the extension line. Carefully sail toward the pin keeping your mark on shore lined up with the pin and you should be able to sail perfectly down the line. This sail down the line will also give you a picture of how the current will affect the start. During the last 30 seconds this is how the best sailors evaluate "where exactly is the line".
Acceleration
Set your rig up (vang, cunningham, outhaul, ...) for maximum
acceleration. The settings will vary for different wind/sea/current
conditions and is beyond the scope of this email. In a large breeze be
ready to sprint for the first 30 seconds in order to get clear wind.
Timing
It takes about 4 - 8 seconds for a laser to go from dead stop to full
speed and stop sliding to leeward. You must judge this just a little
better that the boats on either side of you in order to get a clear
start. If you've done your homework and know "exactly where the line
is" this is made much easier. Getting your watch set exactly with the
RC's watch is also critical. The RC boat will typically hail the last 5
seconds of every signal such that anyone withing about 20 ft can hear
it. Setting your watch by watching the signal or listening for the beep
is not nearly as accurate as hearing a countdown from the person holding
the official watch. One to two seconds can make a difference so you
want to be as accurate as possible.
Conclusion
If you are a beginner, practice doing your homework by understanding
which end is favored and finding a line sight on shore. In addition
practice your down speed manoevering skills. These items must be part
of your routine before every start if you desire not to be pushed out
the back. If you are a mid fleeter understand all the concepts well,
get yourself on the RC boat and ask for the volunteer position of line
sighter for a few Wednesday nights on the Sound or Tuesday nights on the
lake. Understanding the stress that the line sight person feels is a
critical skill to understanding how to get a good start. I was the line
sighter for the US Youth Champs in 2000 (55 lasers) and can attest that
the experience was an eye opener for me. Finally, feel free to compare
your notes with your favorite mentor before any start to confirm the
favored end and line extension. Have fun, sail fast and keep it flat.
Mike Johnson
161978
Received on Mon May 12 10:20:35 2003