Strategies in Finishing a Race or Series

As the series grinds onward and one competitor after another is struck by disaster, few remain in contention - a new phase begins. Consistency, the avoidance of mistakes, is no longer the determinant of victory. Now the watchword becomes, Beat the boats that have to be beaten. Where previously it was essential to ignore one's competitors, it now becomes essential to watch them constantly. The good start and the sensible first leg are as important as ever, but now what is good and what is sensible becomes relative to the boat or boats in contention. Fifteenth at the weather mark may be quite acceptable if the contender is twentieth. Fourth is of little value if the contender is first.

Careful preparation before the race, concentration and the avoidance of distraction during it is as important, more important than ever. The overriding requirement is to know what is advantageous, so as to obtain a little more of that advantage than the competition. Unless only one boat is in contention then all others may be disregarded. The proper start is the same as in the previous races: one, which insures clear air and freedom to tack. The ideal start at the upwind end of the line is fraught with potential disaster and may terminate the contest on the line. It should not be risked in a large fleet unless it is uncontested. Once on the beat the contender or contenders must be carefully watched. They must not be allowed to continue farther than oneself to the advantageous side of the course. On the other hand, one should not continue a tack significantly beyond them. If two or more are in contention one should stay with the boat on the most advantageous course, leaving it to the others to make the mistakes. On each leg, the course presumed better should be selected but only pursued to a degree slightly in excess of the contenders. If one is ahead, it is only by adhering to the basic strategic principles, avoiding mistakes and win. If astern, the same adherence to basic principles should provide ultimate victory, and the certainty of that victory should be assumed and contained at least until the final legs. Doing the obviously wrong thing never pAY or, at least, often pAY insufficiently to warrant doing it. For two good reasons it is better to continue dead astern, if necessary, to the bitter end rather than assume a major risk of loss. One keeps the pressure on the leader, who may consequently do something stupid, and one remains in the proper position to be in contention if something unforeseen occurs. The leader may have been over the line early, may have a breakdown, may be disqualified because of a prior incident. The only way to win is to continue to do the right thing until the finish line is crossed; and doing that, one must confidently assume, will he enough.

If only one other boat is in contention-with the others so far behind in points that they haven't a chance - then, and only then specific action against the contender may be justified. (If more than one is in contention, the third will be delighted at the advantage gained from any conflict between the other two.) If superior ability in the conditions can he taken for granted, the game plan should be unchanged: get a good start, do the right thing, get on top, and cover. But if superiority is questionable or if the conditions are subject to major flukes-light air with the imminence of unpredictable persistent shifts-the lone contender should be attacked. In these circumstances, match-racing tactics are appropriate. Obviously, such tactics are as suitable to the contender behind in the scoring as to the contender ahead - to one's opponent as to oneself. The intention of applying match-racing tactics against a contender must thus be coupled with an expectation that he will apply them as well, at the same time and in the same manner.

When only two boats are in contention, the Scoring System becomes significant. (When more than two boats are in contention, direct involvement of one boat with another is usually disastrous; the only effective approach is to sail well, ignoring the score.) If a throw-out is available, the boat with the best score in the preceding races may throw out the finale, using it to force the contender into a worse position. A minimal Iead can best be protected down in the fleet, where in order to win, the contending boat must acquire and maintain a weak competitor between her and her opponent. When more than one contender has a mathematical chance of victory, it is sometimes to determine in advance that only one boat will threaten, thereby justifying using match-racing tactics.

Match-Racing Tactics are intimidating to some helmsmen. Their use in pre-start maneuvering may threaten such opponents that they surrender (unconsciously) in advance. Although a series victory by gift is unlikely amongst high-caliber competition the possibility must be recognized in any appraisal of oneself. The winner must not only be able to sail consistently, mistake-free early legs, and press on to a top position in the later legs of all the early races of a series, but must also hold up under the pressure of the final race. There will almost alwAY be at least one other boat in contention in that final race whose capabilities are equivalent to one's own. The helmsman, who in head-to-head confrontation is the toughest, the most determined, and the most confidant of achieving his/her expected goal will attain victory.

Eight Basic Strategies in obtaining a Series Victory.

1. Acquisition of basic performance capability in advance of the series, so that boat-speed determinants and maneuvering techniques can be ignored during it.

2. Confidence, determination, and mental toughness which prevent distraction.

3. Constant awareness of the determinants of victory (concentration upon the avoidance of major mistakes)

4. A conservative start and first round in each of the early races

5. An aggressive drive to win after the first round in all races.

6. If ahead in the standings, conservatism maintained in the latter races, in the expectation that the contenders will make the mistakes.

7. If significantly behind aggressiveness increased and applied earlier in the later races

8. Alertness to the score, and the application of appropriate match-racing tactics when only one contender threatens in the final race.