Three Winning Team Race Moves
Three Winning Team Race Moves
At the upper levels of team racing, many sail according to the same “playbook.” In the end it all comes down to which team can execute the play the quickest. Here are some moves to help you execute and get your team across the finish line in a winning combination.
The “Patrick” Super Low
Skill Level: Champion
Former Silver Panda sailor Patrick Hogan and crew Carlos Lenz surprised opponents all the time using this move.
The scenario: Kelly and Ryan are running downwind on starboard with both sails to leeward at position 1. As the clear astern boat, Kelly is closing the distance to Ryan. Ryan will likely head up in order to keep his air clear and maintain the lead. At the same time, he wants to protect the right-hand side of the run (looking upwind) to preserve his starboard advantage at the leeward mark; Ryan is eager to jibe to port once a serious threat is detected.
How to execute:
1. Patience is required. Kelly sails “super low” by the lee with the wind flowing from leech to luff and filling the jib, possibly taking the vang off too. She’s looking to create some separation to the inside and make Ryan nervous. When Ryan jibes to defend the starboard advantage at position 2, Kelly gets him on starboard.
2. Timing is everything. Kelly keeps an eye on Ryan; when he turns forward to take stock of the rest of the race, she breaks low to a wing while heeling the boat to windward. She has to sail as far by the lee as possible to create the illusion that she’s going to jibe. Ryan will likely go with Kelly in the interest of protecting his starboard advantage. This time, she will catch him more by surprise on starboard.
