Sea Scout Skipper simplifies set of sloop sailing skills needed to win some Sea Scout races at regattas. To compete and win in sailing clubs, additional and more refined skills are needed. The most important thing to do beyond what is presented here is to read, understand, and apply the Racing Rules of Sailing controlled by the International Sailing Federation. Many sailors will argue our methods don't work. We are unconventional and we win races. Our techniques also work well in recreational sailing.

1. Basic Sailboat Racin’
Skipper’s Guide

2. Topics
• Boat Check
• Set Traveler
• Wing-to-Wing Downwind
• Point Boat, Then Trim Sails
• Mind the Wind
• 45° to Wind
• Move ~Perpendicular to Starting Line

3. Topics (Continued)
• Limit Tacking
• Backwind Jib While Tacking
• Turn When Mark’s Abeam
• Pull Down Jib

4. Notice
• These are basic maneuvers that will win Sea
Scout races
• After mastering basics, ask for advanced
methods
– Know the rules

5. Right Now, I’m Happy if . . .
• Don’t crash your boat
• Round windward mark w/o drama
• Ensure boat is configured correctly
• Helmsman focuses only on steering
• Crew focuses on smooth tacking
• Travel 45° to the wind
• Avoid uncontrolled jibes

6. Windward – Leeward Race Course
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7. Race Course Implications
• Two Points of Sail
– Close Hulled (up wind)
– Running (down wind)
• Boats will scatter until they get to a mark
• Getting around the marks is the challenge
- Everyone going around at once
- Congestion
- Wind change at marks

8. Boat Implications
• Crew
– Helmsman (Skipper) steers boat
– Crew controls jib sail
– Helmsman may control main sail
• Review boat configuration on boarding
• Point the boat, then trim the sails
• Limit course corrections for faster sailing

9. Boat Check
• Down-Up-Down-Disconnect-Tight-Stowed-Ready
– Keel down
– Motor up
– Rudder down
– Pigtail disconnected
– Sails tight x 4
• Jib Halyard, Main Halyard, Down Haul, Out haul
• Outhaul: Light winds loose, otherwise stretched
– Fenders stowed
– Boat hook ready

10. Set Traveller
• Going Upwind, Limit Main Sail Movement
– Set boom to swing to edge of deck
• Main sail is set for close haul
• Main sail switches sides automatically on tacking
• Going Downwind, Limit Traveler to Shrouds
– Avoids heavy wear on sails
– Puts boat sails wing-to-wing
– Helmsman holds boom when turning (controlled jibe)
– Crew uses boat hook to hold jib out

11. Mind Wind at Starting Line
• Move boat 45° either side of wind direction
• When course is set up
– Windward mark is up wind
• Wind direction changes throughout day
– Use face to determine wind direction
– Nose is pointing upwind when wind sound is the
same in both ears

12. Starting Line Strategy
• Always be Moving
– Be well behind the starting line at 1 min (30-40 ft)
– Generally, be perpendicular to starting line
– Move slowly 45° to wind (either side)
• Intermittently luff slightly for speed control
• Goal: Move in straight line as long as possible
– Boats on the starting line foul each other up

13. Limit Tacking
• In Theory, 2 Tacks
- Turn toward mark
- Go around mark
• Ideally Start Starboard Tack
– Right of way established
– Priority: Go opposite direction of the fleet
• Travel straight until mark is abeam, then tack

14. Backwind Jib on Tacking
• Use back-winding to push bow through tack
• Sound orders
– Prepare to Tack (helmsman)
• Crew loosens & holds jib sheets
– Ready (crew)
– Tacking (helmsman)
• Crew controls jib through the turn
– Let sail come to center to back wind during swing
– Luff sail after turning through wind

15. Tack When Mark’s Abeam
• Geometry
– Boat sailing 45° to wind
– Boat has to tack 90° through wind
– At conclusion of tack, point boat behind mark
• Procedure
– Nose and body oriented with bow
– Stick arm straight out from body in turn direction
– Sight down arm
– Turn when mark is sighted down the arm

16. Upwind Geometry
45°

17. Pull Down the Jib
(Advanced Technique)
• Pull Down Leech to Remove Some Twist
– If boat has adjustable jib leads, use them
• Find best position to put them, then leave alone
– If a Crew member is available
• Pull down on active jib sheet
– By hand or boat hook
• Crew member control
– 3rd Crew member or
– Crew if helmsman can control jib sheets