Departure procedures

A good start is often the key to a successful regatta.

In catamarans as in dinghies, the last 5 minutes before the signal are the most intense.

Here are the procedures and techniques for crossing the line first.

1. The Preparation Phase (H-5 minutes)

As soon as the warning signal is given, your priority is to understand the body of water.

• The wind: Observe the gusts to anticipate shifts.
  

• The line: Identify which side is favored (the committee boat or the buoy). A line is never perfectly perpendicular to the wind.

• The current: Determine if it is pushing you towards the line (risk of early start) or away from it.

2. Standard Starting Procedure

Most regattas use the 5-4-1-0 sequence.

• 5 minutes (Warning signal): Class flag hoisted. This is the time to check your stopwatch.

• 4 minutes (Preparatory signal): A flag is hoisted (often P, I, Z or Black). This is where starting rules (like the one-minute rule) come into effect.

• 1 minute: The preparatory signal is lowered. You should be positioned and ready to accelerate.
  

• Start: The class flag is lowered.

3. Positioning and Boat Control

Managing space on the line is crucial to avoid being "boxed in."

In Dinghies

• Balance and Trim: Keep the boat as flat as possible to maintain responsiveness.

• Daggerboard Management: Keep the daggerboard fully down to avoid slipping sideways (leeway) on your leeward competitors.
  

• Braking: If you are too far ahead, ease your sails and briefly turn into the wind to kill your momentum.
  
  

In Catamarans

• Apparent Speed: Catamarans quickly create their own wind. Avoid staying stationary for too long, as it is harder to get a heavy machine moving again.
  

• Visibility: With large overlapping sails, leeward visibility is reduced. A vigilant crew member forward is essential.
  
  

4. The Last 30 Seconds: Acceleration

This is the moment when the start is won.

1. Create a gap: Leave enough space to leeward so you can bear away and gain speed without hitting another boat.

2. Acceleration: At about 10 seconds, start sheeting in progressively. Use the tiller extension to maintain precise control while hiking out.
   

3. Crossing: You must cross the line at the boat's maximum speed at the 0 signal.

5. Equipment and Safety in Regattas

A successful starting procedure requires reliable equipment to stay focused on tactics.

• Stopwatch: Essential for following the 5-minute sequence.

• Life jackets: Use a compact "regatta" type vest for total freedom of movement during quick maneuvers.
  

• Gloves: Essential for firmly sheeting in your mainsail or jib sheets during final acceleration without risking injury.

• Tension gauge: Check your rigging tension before the start to ensure your shrouds transmit all the wind's energy to the boat.