From Japan to SL

The yacht practice on June 12 was canceled due to SIM maintenance. So this time is written lesson only. We had practiced two ways to start a yacht. This time let us practice starting using the methods.

Method A:
1. Direct the yacht toward the wind and stand still.
2. Set the sheet angle to desirable number (ex.25) and stand by.
3. Start the yacht by changing the direction toward the target (ex.50).




Method B:
1: Direct the yacht toward the wind and stand still
2. Set the sheet angle to a large number (ex. 60)
3. Turn the yacht toward the target. (ex.51)
4. Type in “Sheet -35” (=60-25) in the chat window without touching Enter and stand by.
5. Start the yacht by touching Enter.




Please take a close look at the right side of each picture. The blue allow showing wing direction is different. The yacht is facing toward wind in Method A and toward the target in Method B. When there are other nearby yachts, Method B may be beneficial in changing position or making a feint.

Now let us practice starting. Prepare a watch that has second hand.

Starting practice procedure are:
1. Open the sail along the wind and let the yacht stand still while raising.
2. Check own yacht position regarding a map or surrounding terrine.
3. Start the yacht with Method A or B and measure the time to the start line.
4. Repeat the above from different position and see how long it takes from each spot.

Important points are 3 and 4. It is better to have as many spots as available for your stat.

Seconds to the start line could be depicted like the following picture. This is not actually measured. The time is different according to the starting method or personal line that is used. It is the best to create own image and to be able to start from any spot.




The lines are not set equally spaced considering time for acceleration. It can be said that the farther the starting point, the more the speed gained.
These yellow lines are also related to the ranking toward the goal. After turning the yellow buoy, yachts on the same line are in the same ranking.

Now let us activate the timer and practice starting actually.
At the first time, do not hesitate to make flying and pass the line as it is. Check by how many seconds you made flying and adjust the next start with that number.

By practice, you may be able to start from any position or during making circle with a good speed.

When two yachts are coming into collision, there are many rules, but at this time let us use only two rules in this club.

1. Right yacht priority
It is OK to come to the start line from either side. But if there is a possibility to collide, the yacht from the left should give a way to the one from the right.




2. Leeward yacht priority
There may be a case to change the way toward parallel to the line when coming in too early, but if there is another yacht next to you, you should not disturb the course of the other. If you come in too early, only you can do is to open the sail and reduce speed.




Strictly saying, when two yachts are getting wind in opposite side, the right yacht has priority, and if getting wind in same side, the leeward yacht has priority.

If you started too early toward the starting line, in most cases there is no way to recover. So practicing is very important.

Next time, let us practice spinnaker, centerboard, and Button HUD.
June 19:　21:30~
June 26:　22:30～
See you!