The Sail Racing Bible: The Complete Guide for Dinghy and Yacht Racers

by Mason Stang, Udi Gal

Overview

The complete guide to racing in dinghies and yachts, packed with hands-on practical advice, user friendly instructional diagrams, and lively, inspirational photography.

Racing in dinghies and yachts is a uniquely challenging sport – no other form of racing puts you at the mercy of something as unpredictable as wind or current. To win, you need an understanding of the weather and of your craft, and an understanding of psychology, whether that's your own strategy and adaptability or your opponents'. The most thorough and comprehensive guide to sail racing ever written, The Sail Racing Bible avoids the overly technical, but includes theory to help you understand what you need to do, when and why.

Packed with step-by-step instructions, clear bird's-eye diagrams showing exactly what you need to do, tip boxes and checklists, tables and charts, this book is the racing coach you need by your side, at every stage of the race, and at every level from beginner to advanced. With up-and-coming racer Mason Stang and his superstar coach Udi Gal to hand, anyone – at whatever level – can turn yesterday's defeat into tomorrow's victory.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399405157
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	07/09/2024
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.45(w) x 9.45(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Mason Stang is a National Champion and currently competes for Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, one of the longest established and most successful sailing teams in the United States. He has been coached by Udi Gal since his teens.

Udi Gal is a World and European Champion, and two-time Olympic sailor, who has won over 20 medals. He was the coach to Team USA's women's sailing team in the 2012 Olympics, and the Israeli men's team in 2016.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Preparation

On land

On the water

2. Tactics for Starting

Pre-start routine

Getting into position

Defending and upgrading your position

Acceleration

3. Tactics for the Upwind Leg

Maximising boat speed

Coming back from bad starts

Upwind strategy

The top mark

4. Tactics for the Downwind Leg

Boat handling and technique

Downwind distribution

The first stage - top rounding

The second stage - the big chunk

The third stage - the black diamond

5. Tactics for the Reach

Boat speed

Step 1 - protect the windward lane

Step 2 - go to your fastest angle and set

Step 3 - sail fast and clean

6. Build your season

Planning your schedule

Showing up to practice

Post-performance routine