From Japan to SL

Let us see some more rules at starting.

At the last mini-race, Max Starostin swept the sea. He said he had practiced seriously.
The results of his three races are:
　Start　　Lap　　Goal
　0:00　　1:41　　3:31
　0:00　　1:41　　3:29
　0:00　　1:42　　3:29

The goal time is also hot, but it is amazing that the all three starts are at 0:00.
It should be very accurate since he speeded up from far away.
It seems that the battle at the start line will become harder, so let us practice a bit more about starting.

The Rule 4 said that the leeward yacht should not change the course toward wind beyond the proper course to block the windward yacht.



Rule 6: During the countdown (before the start), the leeward yacht can change the course freely toward the wind (to luff).

Only before the start, and only when there is a space for the windward to change course, the leeward yacht can luff freely. In that case, the windward should avoid the leeward. It means that the leeward can block the windward during the countdown.

If other yacht is not moving, it is OK to stop next to it or in front of it. But not to collide. ‘Right side preference’ and ‘Leeward preference’ are both effective also during the countdown.




Checked several ways of positioning as starting tactics.
　A. To start at the start line.
　B. To start from the pier or the island.
　C. To start from right side of the start line and cut in.
　D. To accelerate from far away and pass yachts near the start line.



A. To start at the start line
Stop the yacht in front of the line and start moving a few second in advance. Possibility of flying is small, few chance to be blocked by other yachts, and possible to block others, but it takes time to get speed. So this method is not effective except there are many yachts doing the same. For instance, if four or more yachts are lined along the start line, yachts behind are difficult to pass.

B. Stop the yacht by bumping into the pier or island, and start moving about 20 seconds before the zero. It is easy to set the position and to get speed, so this could be recommended for beginners. The drawback is that someone can get in front of you to block.

C. To start from the right side of the start line
It is easy to pick up speed, but you should avoid a yacht on your left and there is a danger to make flying.

D. To accelerate from far distance
The way that Max used last time. Getting speed at abeam (side wind) and jump into the start line passing other yachts. It could be possible to gain speed with using spinnaker. This is cool but difficult. You should avoid yachts in front of you and there is a danger to be in the shadow when passing leeward.

Max’s time is wonderful, but he said he is using ISDN, so there could be some delay that makes chances for us.
The key factors to get speed could be:
　1. To find out the best line and timing for spinnaker and centerboard use.
　2. To keep the sail angle precisely. (half of the wind for sail, wind minus 90 for spin)
　3. Never make mistake in operation
　4. To make the picture quality and avatar clothing as light as possible.
　5. Do not touch SIM boundaries.

Max is using F-keys for command preset, but Button HUD will do the same.
Let us practice to get below four minutes at least!