Rathmullan sailing school notes

Hull Inspection:

• Check for cracks, damage, or soft spots in the hull and deck
• Inspect rudder and tiller for wear, cracks, or loose fittings
• Ensure centreboard/daggerboard moves freely and pintles/retaining systems work properly
• Check buoyancy tanks are intact and sealed (no water inside)
• Ensure drain bungs are secure and self-bailers function correctly
• Verify boat complies with class measurement rules (if applicable)

Rigging Inspection:

• Mast and Boom: Check for cracks, bends, or corrosion. Ensure all fittings are tight.
• Standing Rigging: Inspect shrouds and forestay for broken strands, wear, or corrosion. Check all pins and shackles.
• Running Rigging: Examine halyards, sheets, and control lines for wear, especially where they pass through blocks or cleats. Replace if frayed.
• Blocks and Fittings: Ensure blocks spin freely, shackles are secure, and cleats hold firmly.
• Sails: Check for tears, worn stitching, or damage to battens. Ensure sail numbers are clearly displayed and meet class rules.

Ensuring Sufficient Adjustability in Boat Controls:

Racing demands precise control. You must verify that all control systems have appropriate range and adjustment:

• Mainsheet System: Can you ease and trim the mainsheet smoothly through its full range? Blocks should run freely, and there should be sufficient purchase (mechanical advantage) for the conditions.
• Jib Sheet System: Check that jib sheets can be adjusted quickly and have adequate length. Ensure fairleads are positioned correctly for upwind and reaching.
• Cunningham/Downhaul: Verify you can tension and release this control to adjust luff tension. Important for depowering in strong winds.
• Outhaul: Ensure you can adjust foot tension on the boom. Tight for upwind, eased for downwind.
• Vang/Kicking Strap: Check the vang has enough power to control boom height and leech tension. Must be adjustable under load.
• Centerboard/Daggerboard Controls: Ensure the board can be raised and lowered easily and locks securely at different positions.
• Jib Fairlead Position: Confirm fairleads can be moved fore/aft (if adjustable) and are set correctly for the conditions.
• Traveler (if fitted): Check the traveler moves smoothly across its track and can be cleated securely.
• Test All Systems: Before launching, pull every control through its full range to ensure it works smoothly and nothing binds or jams.

De-Rigging Procedure:

• Lower and remove sails carefully, avoiding dragging them on rough surfaces
• Disconnect halyards and control lines methodically to avoid tangles
• Lower mast (if stepped/unstepped each session) with assistance, supporting it to prevent damage
• Remove boom and store safely
• Coil all ropes neatly and secure them

Sail Care:

• Washing: Rinse sails with fresh water after use, especially in saltwater. This removes salt and dirt that degrade fabric.
• Drying: Hang sails to dry completely before storing. Never store wet sails—they can develop mildew and rot.
• Folding/Rolling: Fold or roll sails loosely along the panels (not across seams). Avoid sharp creases which weaken fabric over time.
• Storage: Store sails in breathable sail bags in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Battens: Remove battens if storing long-term to prevent permanent creases.

Hull Care:

• Washing: Rinse hull with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and organic matter. Use mild soap if needed.
• Bailing: Remove all water from the boat using bailers, sponges, or self-bailers. Check buoyancy compartments are dry.
• Drying: Leave boat inverted or on its side to drain completely. Wipe down interior surfaces.
• Covers: Fit boat cover or tarp to protect from UV damage, rain, and debris. Ensure cover is secure but allows ventilation to prevent condensation.

Final Checks Before Leaving:

• Damage Check: Inspect hull, rigging, and fittings for any damage sustained during racing. Note any repairs needed.
• Tidy Lines: Coil all sheets, halyards, and control lines neatly. Secure them so they don't trail or tangle.
• Secure Equipment: Stow all loose equipment (paddle, anchor, safety gear, tools) securely in the boat or take home.
• Lock/Secure: If leaving boat at club, ensure it's secured with covers, tied down, or locked as per club requirements.
• Logbook Entry: Update your sailing logbook with hours sailed, conditions, and any notable experiences or skills practiced.

Pre-Sailing Warm-Up (10-15 minutes):

• Light Cardio (3-5 min): Gentle jogging, brisk walking, or jumping jacks to raise heart rate and body temperature.
• Dynamic Stretches:
  • Arm circles (forward and backward) - 10 each direction
  • Leg swings (front-to-back and side-to-side) - 10 each leg
  • Torso rotations - 10 each direction
  • Neck rotations - gentle circles, 5 each direction
  • Squats - 10-15 repetitions
  • Walking lunges - 10 each leg
• Hiking-Specific Prep: Practice hiking position on shore, hold for 20-30 seconds, repeat 3 times.
• Wrist and Finger Mobility: Rotate wrists, flex fingers - important for rope handling.

Post-Sailing Cool-Down (10-15 minutes):

• Light Movement (3-5 min): Gentle walking to gradually lower heart rate.
• Static Stretches (hold each 20-30 seconds):
  • Quadriceps stretch (hold foot behind you)
  • Hamstring stretch (reach for toes, legs straight)
  • Hip flexor stretch (lunge position)
  • Calf stretch (push against wall)
  • Shoulder and tricep stretches
  • Lower back stretch (knees to chest while lying down)
  • Neck stretches (gentle tilts and turns)
• Hydration and Nutrition: Rehydrate immediately and consume protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes for optimal recovery.
• Equipment Check: Use cool-down time to inspect equipment for damage or wear while muscles are still warm.

Common Race Signal Flags and Sounds:

• Class Flag (5 minutes to start): Warning Signal - Identifies the class starting. One sound signal.
• Flag P (Preparatory - 4 minutes): Blue flag with white square. Indicates 4 minutes to start. One sound signal.
• Flag I (1 minute - I Flag Rule): Yellow flag with black circle. One sound. Boats OCS (On Course Side) in the last minute are disqualified.
• Flag Z (1 minute - Z Flag Rule): Yellow and black diagonal flag. One sound. Boats in triangle area in last minute receive 20% penalty.
• Flag U (1 minute - Black Flag Rule): Black flag with white square. One sound. Boats OCS in last minute are disqualified from that race.
• Flags Lowered (Start - 0 minutes): Class flag and P flag removed. One sound. Race has started!
• Flag X (Individual Recall): Blue X on white background. One sound. One or more boats were OCS at start.
• First Substitute (General Recall): Yellow triangle on red/white/blue flag. Two sounds. All boats must return; the start sequence will be restarted.
• Flag AP (Postponement): Red and white vertical stripes. Two sounds. Races are postponed. Race will start no sooner than 1 minute after AP is lowered (one sound).
• Flag N over X or H (Abandonment): Three sounds. The race is abandoned.
• Flag S (Shortened Course): Displayed at a mark with two sounds - the race is shortened, finish between nearby marks.

1. Compass Method: Sail head-to-wind and note the wind bearing (e.g. 000°). Then point your bow exactly along the start line and read the line bearing (e.g. 085°). Subtract the wind direction. If the line bearing is rotated to the left (anticlockwise) of perpendicular, the pin end is favoured; if rotated to the right, the committee boat is favoured.
2. Boom Angle (Head-to-Wind) Method: Stop at the middle of the line. Turn head-to-wind and sight which end looks more “ahead” of you toward the wind. The end closer to the wind is favoured.
3. Transit / Sight Method: Line yourself up just below the line and sight through the pin to a background object (tree, building). Repeat from the committee boat end. If one end appears slightly more upwind (closer to perpendicular to wind), that’s the favoured end.
4. Close-Hauled Test: Start near the middle; sheet in and sail close-hauled toward each end in turn. If you can sail closer to the wind toward one end without pinching, that end is favoured.
5. Time & Distance Feel: While practising approaches, note whether sailing a straight close-hauled course from just below the line “reaches” one end earlier. Earlier = favoured.
6. Quick Maths Advantage: Distance gained (metres) ≈ Line Length × sin(bias angle). A 5° bias on a 150 m line gives ≈ 150 × sin(5°) ≈ 13 m (≈ 7 Laser lengths) advantage to the favoured end.
7. Rule of Thumb: 1–2° = mild (choose for clear air), 3–5° = strong (fight for it early), >5° = dominant (plan approach specifically for that end).
8. Dynamic Check: Re-check bias if the wind shifts after the 4-minute or 1-minute signals; a shift can flip favoured ends.
9. Caution: Don’t sacrifice a clean lane for a tiny (1–2°) bias if it forces you into a congested, slow start.

Windward-Leeward Course:

• Description: A simple two-mark course with one windward mark directly upwind and one leeward mark downwind. Often sailed multiple times (e.g., "twice around").
• Legs: Beat (upwind) to windward mark, run (downwind) to leeward mark, repeat.
• Finish: Usually at the windward mark after completing required laps.
• Strategy Focus: Upwind speed and tactics are critical. Downwind positioning and wind awareness matter greatly.

Triangular Course:

• Description: Three marks forming a triangle, often with the windward mark at the top and two reaching marks to port and starboard.
• Legs: Beat to windward mark, reach to wing mark, reach to leeward mark, beat back to windward mark.
• Variations: May include multiple laps or different rounding sequences.
• Strategy Focus: Tests all points of sail—upwind, downwind, and reaching. Requires versatility in boat handling and tactics.

Trapezoid Course:

• Description: Four marks creating a trapezoid shape—windward mark, two reaching marks at different angles, and a leeward mark.
• Legs: Beat to windward, reach to first wing mark, run or broad reach to second wing mark, reach to leeward mark, beat to finish.
• Strategy Focus: More complex course requiring strategic decisions on each leg. Tests boat handling on different points of sail.

Coastal/Passage Race:

• Description: Longer races following coastal features, headlands, or navigational marks. Can be several miles long.
• Legs: Variable, depending on geography. May include long beats, reaches, and runs.
• Strategy Focus: Navigation, local knowledge of tides and currents, long-term strategy, and boat speed over extended periods.

First Upwind Leg Strategy:

• Start Strategy: Get a clean start with clear air. Avoid the mid-line traffic jam where boats are bunched.
• Favor the Favored Side: Identify which side of the course has more wind or a favorable wind shift (usually determined during pre-start reconnaissance).
• Tack on Headers: If the wind shifts and "heads" you (forces you to bear away), tack immediately to take advantage of the shift.
• Stay in Pressure: Sail toward areas of better wind (darker water, ripples). Avoid light patches.
• Account for Current: Sail in weaker current when beating against tide. This often means favoring the shoreline in tidal waters.
• Don't Overstand Lay-line: Approach the windward mark on the starboard lay-line, but don't sail past it—you'll sail extra distance.
• Fleet Management: Avoid getting buried in large groups. Clear air and boat speed are more important than perfect positioning early on.

Subsequent Upwind Legs:

• Learn from First Beat: Apply lessons about wind shifts, current, and favored side from the first upwind leg.
• Cover if Ahead: If leading or in a good position, "cover" boats behind by staying between them and the next mark, matching their tacks.
• Split if Behind: If behind, don't follow the leaders. Split from the fleet and gamble on a different side of the course to gain positions.
• Wind Shifts: Continue to tack on headers and sail on lifts. Be aware if shifts are becoming more persistent or oscillating.
• Maintain Clear Air: Avoid being pinned to leeward or blanketed. Tack away early if necessary.
• Mark Approach: Plan your final approach to arrive at the windward mark on starboard tack with right of way and inside position if possible.

Downwind Leg Strategy:

• Sail the Angles: Don't sail dead downwind. Sail by the lee or on a broad reach, gybing downwind in a series of angles (often faster VMG to the leeward mark).
• Seek Pressure: Head toward areas of more wind. Downwind speed is all about wind pressure.
• Avoid Blankets: Stay out of wind shadows from boats ahead. Sail to the side if necessary to find clear air.
• Favorable Current: On downwind legs, position yourself in the strongest favorable current. This is the opposite strategy to upwind legs.
• Use Waves: In wave conditions, surf down waves by bearing away on the wave face and pumping the sail (within rule limits).
• Gybe on Lifts: Similar to tacking on headers upwind, gybe when the wind "lifts" you (allows you to head up) to stay on the favored gybe.
• Leeward Mark Approach: Plan your approach to round the leeward mark smoothly. Arrive on starboard gybe if possible for right of way. Avoid overstanding the lay-line.

Reaching Leg Strategy:

• Optimal Angle: Sail slightly high (closer to the wind) of the direct rhumb line to the mark. This gives you better speed and tactical options.
• Clear Air Priority: Get to windward of the fleet early to ensure clear, undisturbed wind. Windward position also lets you control boats to leeward.
• Speed and Trim: Focus on boat speed through optimal sail trim and balance. Small adjustments make big differences on a reach.
• Protect Inside at Mark: As you approach the reaching mark, position yourself for an inside overlap at the two-boat-length circle.
• Watch for Lifts/Headers: Wind shifts affect reaching legs too. Adjust your angle to take advantage of favorable shifts.
• Traffic Management: Avoid getting boxed in to leeward or trapped behind slower boats. Use your rights under the rules but sail conservatively to avoid penalties.
• Current Considerations: Factor in current pushing you toward or away from the mark, adjusting your course to compensate.

Starboard Tack Advantage Approaching Marks:

• Right of Way: Starboard tack has right of way over port tack. This gives you priority when approaching marks or in crossing situations.
• Windward Mark Strategy: Plan to approach the windward mark on starboard tack. Port tack boats must keep clear or tack away.
• Timing Your Approach: Tack onto starboard at the right moment—not too early (overstand the lay-line) or too late (have to tack again).
• Control the Fleet: Being on starboard gives you control. You can force port tack boats to alter course or tack.
• Inside Overlap: If approaching on starboard with an inside overlap, you have both right of way AND mark-room rights.
• Defensive Use: If ahead, approach on starboard to prevent boats behind from sneaking inside you on port.
• When Behind: Even when behind, approaching on starboard gives you opportunities. You can force boats ahead to tack away, potentially opening gaps.

Finish Line Bias and Strategy:

• What is Finish Line Bias?: Like the start line, one end of the finish line may be closer to the final mark, making it "favored."
• Identifying Bias (Theory): Stand at one end and sight along the line. The end that is further upwind on a windward finish (or further downwind on a leeward finish) is favored.
• Practical Challenge: At the Start Racing level, identifying bias while racing is difficult. Focus on crossing the line at the end closest to your current position.
• Final Approach Strategy: If finishing upwind, approach on starboard tack when possible. If finishing downwind, approach on starboard gybe.
• Don't Overshoot: Cross the line as soon as you can. Don't sail past the favored end—you'll sail extra distance.
• Clear Air to Finish: Ensure you have clear air in the final approach. Getting blanketed just before the finish can cost you positions.
• Know the Line: Be certain which direction to cross the finish line (usually the opposite direction to the start). Check the Sailing Instructions!

Mark Rounding (Wide In, Tight Out):

• Approach Wide: Start your turn 2-3 boat lengths before the mark to give yourself room and maintain speed through the turn.
• Turn Smoothly: Use the rudder progressively rather than harsh movements which slow the boat.
• Exit Tight: Aim to pass as close as safely possible to the mark on exit, positioning yourself for the optimal course on the next leg.
• Speed Through Turn: Keep the boat balanced and sails powered throughout. Ease the mainsheet slightly mid-turn if needed, but sheet in quickly as you exit.
• Crew Coordination: Crew should move smoothly across the boat, helping maintain balance without jerky movements that slow you down.
• Anticipate Traffic: Look ahead for boats on the new leg and plan your exit to get clear air.

Effective Racing Tack:

• Before the Tack: Build speed by sailing low for 2-3 seconds. Check behind and to leeward for clear space.
• Initiate Smoothly: Push the tiller steadily (not violently) while keeping the boat flat. Call "Ready about... lee-ho!"
• Through the Tack: Helm moves across early while boat is head-to-wind. Crew releases jib at last moment when it starts to back, crosses quickly but smoothly.
• Sheet In Fast: Pull both jib and main in quickly on the new tack. Delay = lost boat speed.
• Minimize Rudder: Once through the wind, straighten the tiller quickly. Excessive rudder acts as a brake.
• Accelerate: Bear away slightly (sail "low and fast") for 2-3 seconds after completing the tack to rebuild speed before heading up to close-hauled.
• Common Mistakes: Tacking too slowly (boat loses speed), over-steering (too much rudder), or not sheeting in fast enough on the new tack.

Effective Racing Gybe:

• Preparation: Build speed before the gybe. Check behind for boats. Call "Ready to gybe... gybe-ho!"
• Initiate Turn: Bear away smoothly. As the boat turns dead downwind, pull the mainsheet in quickly (but controlled) to bring the boom across.
• Cross the Boom: In light winds, physically pull the boom across. In stronger winds, sheet in most of the way and let it flip across with minimal force.
• Control the Boom: As the boom crosses centerline, ease the mainsheet out quickly but in a controlled manner to prevent the boom slamming across.
• Crew Movement: Crew should cross the boat smoothly, helping to keep it balanced. Avoid sudden weight shifts.
• Exit the Gybe: Once on the new gybe, head up slightly to optimal downwind angle and adjust sail trim.
• Safety: Keep your head low during the gybe to avoid being hit by the boom. Maintain balance throughout.
• Common Mistakes: Letting the boom crash across (loses control and speed), turning too sharply (can cause capsize), or poor weight distribution.

Identifying Upwind Lay-lines:

• What is a Lay-line?: The lay-line is the furthest line you can sail on one tack and still fetch (reach) the windward mark without tacking again.
• Why Important?: Sailing past the lay-line means you sail extra distance. Tacking too early means another tack is needed.
• Visual Method: Look at the mark and imagine a line extending from it at your boat's close-hauled angle (roughly 45° from the wind). You're on the lay-line when the mark is at this angle relative to your course.
• Practical Test: When approaching the mark, head up to close-hauled. If the mark is directly ahead or slightly to leeward, you're on or past the lay-line. If it's to windward, you need to sail further before tacking.
• Using Other Boats: Watch boats ahead on the same tack. If they tack and easily fetch the mark, you're near the lay-line.
• Account for: Current/tide (may push you sideways), wind shifts (can lift or head you), and boat leeway (sideways slip).
• Strategy: Avoid overstanding (sailing past the lay-line). Tack just inside the lay-line to arrive at the mark on starboard tack with right of way.

Overtaking on Reaches:

• Speed Difference: To overtake, you must sail faster than the boat ahead. This requires better boat handling, sail trim, or tactical positioning.
• Sail High and Fast: If you're faster, sail higher (closer to the wind) than the boat ahead. This gives you clear air and a better angle.
• Overtake to Windward: Pass to windward when possible. This gives you the tactical advantage and cleaner air. Once ahead, you can bear down and control their wind.
• Avoid Their Wind Shadow: If overtaking to leeward, ensure you get far enough ahead quickly to avoid their wind shadow blanking your sails.
• Use Waves: Skilled sailors can surf waves to gain extra speed bursts on reaching legs. Pump the sails (within rules) and use body movement to catch waves.
• Optimal Sailing Angle: Experiment with sailing angle. Sometimes sailing slightly higher maintains better speed and VMG (Velocity Made Good) toward the mark.
• Right of Way: Remember - windward boat keeps clear. If overtaking to windward, you must stay clear. If overtaking to leeward and establishing an overlap from behind, announce "water!" if approaching a mark within two boat lengths.
• Strategic Patience: Don't force a risky overtake. Wait for an opportunity when you have clear speed advantage or the boat ahead makes a mistake.

Single-Handed Dinghies:

• Laser/ILCA: Single-handed, single sail dinghy. Three rig sizes (4.7, Radial, Standard). Simple, responsive, and popular for youth and adult racing. Excellent for developing boat handling skills.
• Topper: Lightweight single-hander, ideal for younger or lighter sailors. Features a single sail and is known for being user-friendly and fun.
• RS Aero: Modern single-hander with three rig options. Lighter and faster than Laser, becoming increasingly popular in Ireland.

Double-Handed Dinghies:

• 420: Two-person dinghy with mainsail, jib, and spinnaker. Popular training boat for developing crew work and advanced boat handling. Used extensively in youth racing.
• Mirror: Traditional, stable two-person dinghy with main and jib. Great for learning and family sailing. Simple rigging makes it accessible for beginners.
• GP14 (General Purpose 14): Versatile two-person dinghy, very popular in Irish club racing. Main and jib configuration, stable and forgiving.
• RS200: Modern, fast two-person dinghy with asymmetric spinnaker. Excellent for developing racing skills and crew coordination.
• Fireball: High-performance two-person dinghy requiring skill and athleticism. Main, jib, and spinnaker. Popular in competitive racing circuits.

Catamarans (Multihulls):

• Key Differences: Two hulls instead of one. Much faster than monohulls due to reduced drag. Wider beam provides stability but requires different balance techniques.
• Handling: No heeling—catamarans stay level or lift one hull ("flying a hull"). Weight placement is critical. Capsizing results in a turnover (boat inverted) rather than a simple side capsize.
• Common Classes: Hobie 16 (recreational and racing), Formula 18 (high-performance racing), Dart 18, Nacra 15/17.
• Rigging Differences: Often use fully battened mainsails, rotating masts, and trapezes for both helm and crew in racing configurations.

Keelboats and Cruiser-Racers:

• Key Differences: Fixed keel instead of centreboard, making them self-righting and more stable. Heavier and generally larger than dinghies.
• Handling: Slower to respond to helm and sail adjustments. More momentum means better planning for manoeuvres. Often raced with larger crews (4-8 people).
• Common Classes in Ireland: Squib (one-design keelboat), J24, Sigma 33, SB20 (modern sportsboat), and various IRC/ECHO-rated cruiser-racers.
• Rigging Differences: More complex sail inventory (multiple jibs, spinnakers, often genoas). More controls and adjustments (backstay, checkstays, cunningham, etc.).

Understanding Class-Specific Features:

• One-Design Classes: All boats in the class are identical (e.g., Laser, 420, Fireball). Racing emphasizes sailor skill rather than equipment differences.
• Handicap Racing: Different boat types race together using handicap systems (e.g., Portsmouth Yardstick, IRC, ECHO) to level performance differences.
• Local Variations: Check with your local sailing club to learn which classes are most popular in your area and which have active racing fleets.