The Final Windward Leg By Ian Pinnell

Your tactics should vary depending on your position on the final beat © Anthony York / www.chunkypics.co.uk

The Gul P&B Race Team © Gul International

As you get closer to the finish of the race, your tactics should vary depending on your position in the fleet If you are leading then you need to defend, by positioning yourself always between the competition and the finish line.

If you are positioned in a pack of boats then you have to identify the competitors around you that you could possibly overtake, and ones, which threaten your position.

As the last leg approaches you should have a good plan for your general direction to the finish, whether it is going to be out to the port or starboard side of the course, or more defensively perhaps up the middle. You should also know whom you want to attack and defend against and be on the look out for their manoeuvres and directions.

The last leg is where consistent winners usually pick the safest, fastest route, and where competitors more desperate to win take "flyers", sailing out to the edges of the course in the hope of find some magical windshift. Watch out for wind changes, as you would expect to do on any leg of the course, as changes on this leg could affect your final position.

It is important to know your competitors well, because if you are trying to get past an opponent who is nearby, then he will probably be trying to cover. You have all the advantages of tacking first and drawing him into a duel, which could gain you a place on the line, but this type of two-boat tactic can only take place if you have distance to give away on other competitors.

By the last leg you will have really settled into the race and should be obtaining your best boat speed. Windshift and direction decisions should be a little easier because you will have gained a "feel" for which side of the course is more favourable, and the likely changes in wind direction. In stronger winds fatigue, however, could be a factor, which takes away your concentration. If you ever get the opportunity to watch a race, then it is noticeable just how the leaders will show total concentration from start to finish, whilst sailors in the middle or latter part of the fleet tend to loose concentration during the last stages of the race - always keep trying, because it will improve your next race!

Approaching the finish line you need to continuously update your relative position with your closest competition and begin to identify which end of the line is favoured. Look for clues - early finishers will be crossing at the nearest end! Watch also the committee boat, as the tide or current may have changed the boats' riding position at anchor. The finish flag will give a good indication of wind direction.

A well-trained crew should be able to give a regular commentary on the changing picture as the boats approach the mark, and he or she can probably more quickly assess the fastest, quickest course to the finish in clear air.

It is not necessary to sail to the finish lay line, especially with boats around you. Many places are lost by boats who over stand the finish line and eventually have to ease sheets and reach down to the line. They end up sailing further in the last critical moments of the race, whilst competitors who sail well inside the lay lines can still take advantage of any last minutes windshifts, even though they may have to take a tack at the very end to cross the line. Remember that you only have to get your bow across first to confirm the position.

If you find yourself out in front in any race, then always remember the most important tactic - keep between the finish line and your competitors - even if it costs you some distance. Dennis Conner didn't, and it cost him the America's Cup.

Several things to think about after crossing the line keep away from the course, because other competitors are still racing and it is very unfair to get in their way. Take the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of boat speed and tactics with your crew. Discuss the mast and sail settings so that you have a better picture of your boat speed and tuning. It is a time to relax, but keep good control of the boat as in stronger winds you can often end up with a capsize!

P&B On Winning

Check out our website www.pinbax.com for the latest gear to keep you cool this summer on and off the water.

Summer Sizzlers

Summer hats and sunnies, to help reduce the glare on the water and keep your eyes in focus.

The latest rash vests and shorties to keep you feeling comfortable and looking good on the water and great deals on Musto casual clothing.

Pinnell and Bax - The Sailing Specialists