Here is the scenario:
We are upwind on starboard tack about five boat lengths below the starboard tack layline, converging with a rival who is on port tack and about a boat length behind. The mark is still a fair distance ahead. No other boats are a concern. Since we are about one length ahead and need to make one more tack than the port tacker to reach the upwind mark, we are essentially even with her.
What’s the goal?
Our first goal is to round the windward mark ahead. If the other boat is within a length or two behind us, our rounding is "under pressure", but still better than being behind. A more ambitious goal is to round several boat lengths ahead. That would allow us to “sail our own course” downwind without fear of an immediate covering threat.
What should we do?
There are 4 tactical options for dealing with the port tack boat: lee-bow, cross and tack (slam dunk), cross and carry on on starboard, or cross and delayed tack.
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| The scenario and 4 options approaching the starboard tack layline |
Option 1: Lee-bow
A lee-bow tack under the port tack boat would allow us to give her bad air, but given the short distance to the layline, this play could leave us pinned – unable to tack until our rival tacks. This move might actually leave us behind and on the outside rounding the windward mark. Note that a lee-bow can be the right move if we have a large enough lead and can push our rival back and be free to tack. In fact, this might be the first choice in that case. But not here, with the short distance to the layline.
Option 2: Cross and tack (slam dunk)
We cross by a length and tack, leaving us to windward and bow to bow headed to the layline. Our rival is pinned and we can make a safe layline call. When we tack on the layline, our rival tacks, and we lead to the mark, rounding 1 to 2 lengths ahead. We are leading, but under pressure.
Option 3: Cross and carry on on starboard
Rather than tack and make a long layline call, carrying on is a passive approach that leaves us at the mercy of a wind shift or puff. After we split and both boats tack, we may hold our 1 boat length advantage, but we will be on port in a weak position.
Option 4: Cross and delayed tack
We sail past the port tacker 2 or 3 lengths, less than a “speed build” - the distance it takes to get back up to full speed after a tack - and then tack. Our rival will be bow out and first to the layline. When she tacks on the layline, we will tack on her lee-bow. Note that by extending less than a speed build before our tack, we assure that our rival will not be back to full speed at our next meeting. On the starboard layline, we give her bad air all the way to the mark, hold the inside position at the turning mark 3 boat length circle, and extend our lead. In this way, we are able to turn a small advantage into a lead of several boat lengths.
A lee-bow tack under the port tack boat would allow us to give her bad air, but given the short distance to the layline, this play could leave us pinned – unable to tack until our rival tacks. This move might actually leave us behind and on the outside rounding the windward mark. Note that a lee-bow can be the right move if we have a large enough lead and can push our rival back and be free to tack. In fact, this might be the first choice in that case. But not here, with the short distance to the layline.
Option 2: Cross and tack (slam dunk)
We cross by a length and tack, leaving us to windward and bow to bow headed to the layline. Our rival is pinned and we can make a safe layline call. When we tack on the layline, our rival tacks, and we lead to the mark, rounding 1 to 2 lengths ahead. We are leading, but under pressure.
Option 3: Cross and carry on on starboard
Rather than tack and make a long layline call, carrying on is a passive approach that leaves us at the mercy of a wind shift or puff. After we split and both boats tack, we may hold our 1 boat length advantage, but we will be on port in a weak position.
Option 4: Cross and delayed tack
We sail past the port tacker 2 or 3 lengths, less than a “speed build” - the distance it takes to get back up to full speed after a tack - and then tack. Our rival will be bow out and first to the layline. When she tacks on the layline, we will tack on her lee-bow. Note that by extending less than a speed build before our tack, we assure that our rival will not be back to full speed at our next meeting. On the starboard layline, we give her bad air all the way to the mark, hold the inside position at the turning mark 3 boat length circle, and extend our lead. In this way, we are able to turn a small advantage into a lead of several boat lengths.
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| Crossing on starboard and delayed tack |
To counterattack
If our rival sees us execute option 4, what can she do? An early tack would be a gift to us – as two extra tacks would hand us a comfortable lead. The other option would be to over-stand and wait for us to tack. That too is a gift, as each length she over-stands gives us a length’s advantage (minus a small payback for her reaching angle after tacking).
If our rival sees us execute option 4, what can she do? An early tack would be a gift to us – as two extra tacks would hand us a comfortable lead. The other option would be to over-stand and wait for us to tack. That too is a gift, as each length she over-stands gives us a length’s advantage (minus a small payback for her reaching angle after tacking).
Our rival's best action is to trade speed for height, that is, pinch up to close gauge with us. To do this, overtrim the main to help the boat turn up and trim the jib slightly, too. If she sails high rather than fast, we may reach the layline first and tack, but she is close and may be able to hold that to the mark. If we see her pinching to close gauge, we should also pinch to open it.
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| Trading speed for height to remain closer |
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