As a follow up to the racing that 16(?) blokarters enjoyed last Saturday here are a few thoughts on the most efficient way to have got around this course quickly.
Please feel free to give feedback in the comments section below.
Below is an overall view of the challenging course that we sailed. I’ve numbered the course markers to help clarify the following analysis.
Start Line to Markers 1 and 2
- The black line is what I’m calling the “Straight Line” course.
- The red line indicates a faster alternative. IMHO!
- I made the dip just before mark 1. (Not halfway down from the start line as indicated in the diagram above.)
- If you can pass mark 1 higher to the wind than the karts in front you’ll get cleaner air on the first leg up to mark 2.
- If the karts in front of you, but below your sailing line, tack, you’ll be on port and they’ll be on starboard so will have right of way. If you’re not sure of the right of way rules you can find them here. (Part E–Section 1-Basic right of way rules)
- I thought the extra distance traveled past the lay line before tacking halfway to mark 2 was worth it for the extra speed you had at the start of the next leg to mark 3.
Mark 2 to 3 and on to 4
- A direct line from 2 to 3 was more or less straight downwind. Slow.
- Pass mark 2 and keep on a reach to gain speed.
- Turn downwind and you’ll maintain this extra speed.
- Dip before mark 3 so you can pass close to the mark and stay high to the wind.
- I was able to point low approaching mark 4 which gave me extra speed to start the next leg.
Mark 4 to 5
- Avoid turning sharply downwind after rounding mark 4.
- Stay on a broad reach and gybe gently at speed.
- Pull on out of the gybe into a reach to pass mark 5 at speed.
All the above would be easy if you were racing around the course by yourself but in reality all those other pesky blokarters are forever in the way!
Hope this helps. Look forward to your feedback in the comments below.