Play to sail: starting strategy basics for your rcsailboat regatta

Your rc yacht is already sailing the racing area and the next race is about to start.

The race will begin with a series of warning signals, followed by a starting signal.

Usually, the starting line is drawn between two buoys, and so is also for rc sailing.

The starting area is delimited by an imaginary line between these two floating marks, that separates the pre-start side from the course side, on the first beat. The yachts will cross this line from the pre-start area, sailing in the direction of the first mark of the course, all together at the starting signal.

Here are few basic steps to set your effective starting strategy routine. Having a plan is key.

Be prepared and think ahead first

 
Can you answer these 3 questions?

1#
”What's the favored tack on the first leg?”

2#
”Where is the upwind end of the starting line?”

Related important question:

“Is it useful to start there to reach the favored tack?”

3#
What's your plan to be into the preferred position on the line at the start?

The right start position facilitates to reach the favorite side of the windward leg first.

The place you're taking along the starting line should be consistent with where you're planning to sail on the first beat.

Balance carefully the weight of taking risks in order to be the first boat at the start: keep in mind that a successful position at the first (windward) mark is more related to a right positioning that the yacht achieve on the first leg than any position or advantage achieved at the moment of the start.

So, plan to position your boat in order to be successfully able to enter into a wind-shift from the right position vs. your competitors, or to sail in the side of the course where the waves are more favorable or simply where the wind seems blowing more.

Search for the best wind to determine the favored side of the racing course.

Do practice to analyze and measure the line and the starting area: how far is your boat from the line? Do you notice trends in the sailing of the boats you see around you? Do you see gaps and hot spots?

Sail on the racing area - and on the starting zone particularly, in time to collect the information you need to define your plan.

How to detect the upwind end of the starting line?

•
Luff head-to-wind on the middle of the line - checking if the wind blows perpendicularly to the line (even shorter starting lines are rarely square to the wind) - the bow of your boat will point closer to the end of the line that is more upwind.

•
Compare sail trim while sailing along the starting line on both tacks: start from the right mark toward the other one on the left, on the way, trim the sails accordingly for the wind direction. When you reach the second mark on the line, don't touch the sails trimming, jibe and turn around the mark returning toward the right mark sailing again on the starting line.

Now check your sails: 

if the sails are luffing = the right mark is upwind (starboard end is favorited)

if the sails are over trimmed = the left mark is upwind (port end is favorited)

•
If you don't reach to determine the upwind end of the line merely by identifying the direction of the wind, look around the sailing angles of the other boats: look to see at which end the boats seem to come off the line better.

If the wind isn't perpendicular to the start line, there will be boats sailing close hauled more perpendicular too: if they sail on port tack, is favorited the left end; if they are on starboard tack, is the right mark that is more upwind.

By the way, the start line could also be well positioned (or be extremely short) so no ends are really advantageous.

Keep the right attitude at the start

For your ultimate start is key:

•
MAINTAINING THE RIGHT OF WAY vs. your closest opponents

•
POSITIONING YOUR BOAT to be able to change speed in approaching the line; avoid having yachts closest to leeward (better if you are the leeward boat of your opponent); avoid crowds

In order to position your boat to sail in clear air, the image above shows how the respective blanket and back wind shadows affect the yachts while they are sailing upwind

•
ACHIEVING WIND CLEAR (by luffing of boat windward, or separating and rising from leeward boats)

•
AVOID COLLISIONS

You need a confident knowledge of the rules (make sure to be aware of the basic racing rules for rc sailing), and to have a clear overview of close situations before they become potentially problems or incidents.

Keep in mind these priorities after the gun shot

• SPEED, SPEED, SPEED!

• CLEAR AIR = free of the back wind of yachts to leeward, free of the blanket of yachts to windward

• KEEP FREEDOM to sail toward the desired side of the course (i.e. avoid to be pinned on starboard tack unable to follow your pre set plan).

An “ideal start" means to have your boat at the favorite point of the line at the start signal, sailing at full speed in clear air and free from the interferences of other opponents: free of the blanket of yachts to windward and free of the backwind of yachts to leeward.

It is not entirely easy to achieve all this but whatever happens your departure will be a particularly exciting and engaging moment. Enjoy and sail it fast!

Play2Sail suggests you this readings:

• 5 tips to focus approaching your first rc sailing regatta >

• Fast sailing is a matter of more wind >

Improve your skills fast

To learn easily everything you need to start sailing (faster) your radio-controlled yacht, Play2Sail Radio Sailing Academy shares a complete e-manual that collects the fundamental knowledges, handy diagrams, tips and advice that will improve your skills.

HOW TO RADIO SAILING

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[ E-MANUAL ]

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• The Play2Sail e-manual is a digital publication IN ENGLISH that is downloadable in a printable .pdf format file. Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

DOWNLOAD THE P2S RADIO SAILING MANUAL NOW

(because sailing learning doesn’t have to be complicated! ;)

To start sailing a radio-controlled sailboat is easy but at Play2Sail we like to say also that: "to play is to learn", so here we share some really simple basics and tips, dedicated to everyone who wants to begin the fun of learning how to use the wind to make his rc yacht go faster.

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Play to sail: flags and starting signals of a rc sailing race made easy

Focus:

How to become confident with the starting procedures of a radio sailing regatta

RC Sailors race their radio-controlled sailboats under the Racing Rules of Sailing, as changed by a dedicated appendix: this previous blog post highlighted 10 essential basic rules on which a regatta is based.

The racing rules of radio sailing set a sequence of visual signals and sound signals (to indicate flag changes) to warn sailors of the departure of a regatta.

This diagram shows the International Code of Signals with flags that are used to manage sailing racing.

At the start, all signals - the timing count down particularly - shall be made orally or by other audible sounds.

Rc sailing races shall be started using these signals at one- minute intervals:

• WARNING

• PREPARTORY

• STARTING

(each signal shall be timed from the beginning of its sound).

RC sailing practiciants very offen set the warning, preparatory and starting moments with vocal warnings only. This is allowed by the changes of the appendix of the sailing rules: no visual signals are required unless specified in the sailing instructions.

During the (preparatory) minute before the starting signal, additional sound or oral signals shall be made at ten-second intervals: 50” … 40” … 30” … 20”…

During the final ten seconds at one-second intervals: 10 . 9 . 8 . 7 . 6 . 5 . 4 . 3 . 2 . 1 . START (vocal or sound starting signal).

At Play2Sail Academy, we usually prefere to adopt the procedure for start that integrates visual signals (flags) and the sounds, following what happens during a big boats race: this because for any sailor, flags are a (fun) piece of the game and we like to keep the mood.

Sail races are governed with flags.

At Play2Sail Arena, the sailors can see the simple diagram that explains the starting instructions, with flags and sounds signals (and all the diagrams of the racing courses) on our "notice of race board".

The notice of race board is easily accessible and clearly visible within the "control area" on the pier: it is placed on a wall of the docks (a magic place to sit with a cup of coffee during the day looking at Dockstafjärden and the DF65 sailboats in action :) close to the racing area where the marks of sailing course are just few meters far and not so far from the "launching area" that is located at the very beginning of the floating wharfs.

What happens with flags and sounds at the start, and during the pre-start of a rc sailing race?

During a race and for any signal concerning the race, these flags are defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing but the signal can be modified by the Sailing Instructions that you will receive at your regatta.

The raising (hoisting) or removing of a flag (visual signal) is accompanied by the emission of a sound signal to draw attention to the new signal.

The type of the sound signal (one short sound, two short sounds, one long sound, etc.) is described by the rule according to the type of signal.

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If during a race between sailboats (with crew on board :) flags are usually exposed on the mast of the race committee boat, in rc sailing the flags are usually showed near the starting line at the ground.

•

Like with big sailboats, rc sail races shall be started by using the following signals and times shall be taken from the visual signals (the absence of a sound signal shall be disregarded).

The start procedure that we adopt for sail racing at Play2Sail Arena is showed below.

Rc Sailing Race Starting Procedure

The flags indicate the countdown to the start:

The arrow pointing up or down means that a flag is displayed or removed.

A dot “•” means a sound, a long dash “-” means a long sound, and they indicate the number of sounds signals.

WARNING SIGNALS

3 minutes remaining = "Class" flag up (the “•” indicates the number of sounds signals)

2 minutes remaining = "P" flag up (the “•” indicates the number of sounds signals)

PREPARATORY SIGNALS

1 minute remaining = "P" flag down (the “-” indicates the number of sounds signals)

STARTING SIGNALS

at the START = “Class" flag down (the “-” indicates the number of sounds signals)

During the “preparatory” minute before the starting signal, we count down at ten-second intervals, and during the final ten seconds at one-second intervals.

•

Flags are used also to show which kind of course the competitors have to sail.

At Radio Sailing Arena, we use:

"W" flag for the Windward-Leeward course

"T" flag for the Triangle

"O" flag for the Olympic

"A" flag for the P2S Arena course

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•

There are flags to remember the side boats have to round the floating marks:

• the RED flag indicates to keep the marks to port (to the left)

• the GREEN flag to keep them to starboard (to the right)

•

There are flags used as recall (visual) signals:

• X flag means individual recall

  It is displayed (with • one sound) when one or more boats did not start correctly and must return and do a proper start. The X flag shall be displayed until all such boats have sailed completely to the pre-start side of the of the starting line. The sound signal is in addition to the start sound signal.

• First Substitute pennant means general recall, the flag is displayed with •• two sounds (one sound when lowered).

  A general recall may occur when at the starting signal the race committee is unable to identify boats that are on the course side over the starting line, or subject to one of the starting penalties, or there has been an error in the starting procedure.
  All boats have to return and then a new start sequence will begin. The new warning signal shall be made 1 minute after the first substitute signal is removed (one sound). The two sound signals when the first substitute is displayed are in addition to the start sound signal.

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•

Be aware of the signals (flags & sounds) during your start execution is key

• to control the temporal and spatial positioning of your yacht in relation with the wind, the race course and opponents at any moment of pre-start and at the start

• to manage to achieve the preferred starting position of your rc yacht

• to have full control of the speed of the hull on the water

In any race, you need that the start of your sailboat is successful vs. your competitors.

Play2Sail suggests you this reading:

STARTING STRATEGY BASICS FOR RADIO SAILING RACING

READ MORE >

In rc sailing, a heat is usually a short race: this puts a lot of weight on the gain of any early advantage.

At the start, you need to sail in your desired position at maximum speed across the line, with an immediate focus on the sail set-up.
 

Talking about how to get the best racing your fast radio-controlled sailboat, we published another blog post where you will find basic tactics and advices to enjoy your first regatta.

To learn easily everything you need to start sailing (faster) your radio-controlled yacht, Play2Sail Radio Sailing Academy shares a complete e-manual that collects the fundamental knowledges, handy diagrams, tips and advice that will improve your skills.

DOWNLOAD THE P2S RADIO SAILING MANUAL NOW >

(because sailing learning doesn’t have to be complicated! ;)

DOWNLOAD the PLAY2SAIL manual >

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DEEPEN RC SAILING WITH OUR BLOG POSTS:

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Play to sail: your first rc sailing regatta made easy

Here we share some fundamentals of sail racing, basic rules and easy tactics guidelines to get the best racing your fast radio-controlled sailboat in joying your first regatta.

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5 tips to focus the first sailing race

•tip•

Be prepared for this event in advance. Practice, practice, practice on water… tacks, gybes, mark roundings, sail trim and boat handling, run through as many points of sail - shifting from upwind, work to reaching and running downwind...

•tip•

Don’t let distractions interfere with your "mission" to sail your rc yacht fast. This means to stay focused on boat handling, steering and trimming sails for maximum efficiency.

•tip•

Plan ahead and anticipate upcoming situations: at the start, at the marks roundings, when other boats are getting closer...

•tip•

Avoid collisions with other yachts, know the rules and stay in control of your boat (and what happens around).

•tip•

Fully enjoy the pressure that prepares you at the sail racing game!

4 pillars to join, and enjoy your first sailing race

1#

Basic tactics to have your boat full ahead at the start

 Get this Poker after the start!

Crossing as soon as possible the starting line after the starting signal:

1. sail in clear air

2. have good speed

3. be on the preferred side of the line

4. be on the right tack.

Play2Sail suggests you this readings:

starting strategy basics for radio sailing racinG

READ MORE >

 

Be aware of the signals (flags & sounds) during your start execution is key

Read more >

2#

Basic advices to properly sail the wind shifts

When sailing racing, wind shifts are a main strategic and tactical factor because they can interfere in different ways on the direction the boat is sailing and because they create opportunities to gain - or to lose distance on the opponent boats

Play2Sail suggests you this reading:

If the direction of the wind is changing, a lift or a header will affect your boat

Read more >

3#

You're sail racing, search for the best wind over the race course

Play2Sail suggests you this reading:

How to make your boat sailing faster, catching the opportunities that the wind offers

Read more >

4#

Basic Rules of Sailing Racing to be aware

There are essential rules on which a regatta is based, but are at least ten the mandatory sail racing rules that you need to master (to be prepared, have fun and… to avoid collisions ;)

Play2Sail suggests you this reading:

Know the rules that set the rights of way between sailboats when racing

Read more >

Now is the day of your first regatta

Here are just few (last) advices:

• Arrive at the racing area early (really early)

• Read the sailing instructions and check the notice board

• Talk and share experiences with nearby skippers

• Figure out the wind and tune your boat for the conditions

• Watch what other sailors do (and learn why they do it)

• Always sail with common sense, safety, and good sportsmanship.

• Stay calm. Mistakes - and learning from them - are part of this game.

• Have fun. (Most important)

To learn easily everything you need to start sailing (faster) your radio-controlled yacht, Play2Sail Radio Sailing Academy shares a complete e-manual that collects the fundamental knowledges, handy diagrams, tips and advice that will improve your skills.

DOWNLOAD THE P2S RADIO SAILING MANUAL NOW >

(because sailing learning doesn’t have to be complicated! ;)

Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

Share your sail RACING passion at coffee time:

Everything you need to learn to start sailing a radio controlled yacht

New in RC sailing? Want to get started in your first practice on water?

“Learning how to sail doesn't have to be complicated!”

To help you be fully prepared for this challenge, at Play2Sail Radio Sailing Academy we've packaged a complete e-manual with simply everything you need to know to get started in the art of yachting but focusing on rc sailing.

• The Play2Sail e-manual Is a digital publication that is downloadable in a printable .pdf format file. Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

The e-manual provides you with smart "how to sail" resources to make sailing easy.

You can learn a lot very quickly and get the most of the enjoyment on the water!

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This smart e-guide collected for you the fundamental knowledges, handy diagrams, helpful tips and practical advices that Play2Sail Radio Sailing Academy shares with those just beginning yachting and by more advanced sailors.

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The sailing e-manual is divided into thematic chapters (you can also print them into handy sheets - A4 size)

WHAT YOU GET:

How to start sailing from practical fundamentals:

• Check the direction of the wind first

• You can’t direct the wind but you can adjust the sails (diagram)

• Use wind and sails to move a boat to the direction needed

• 4 key basic actions to master steering your radio-controlled sailboat

• Trimming to make your radio-controlled sailboat run fast

• 30 common sayings of basic yachting terminology

• When radio sailing, the radio unit provides you with control over your sailboat: on the rudder and sail trim

How to improve your confidence practicing on water:

• Steering your sailboat using the remote controlled commands

• How to leave and return to the pier with a radio-controlled sailboat

• There are 4 different race courses to sail at the Play2Sail Arena

How to get started into sail racing:

• How best to manage to sail the wind shifts steering your radio sailboat

• Fast sailing is a matter of more wind

• Play2Sail ranking (sheet)

• 10 basic rules of sailing racing your radio yacht

Sailing learning made easy and simple: download the Play2Sail e-manual and improve your skills fast!

HOW TO RADIO SAILING

€6.00

[ E-MANUAL ]

DOWNLOAD >

Play2Sail manual is dedicated to beginners and rc yachtsmen passionate that want an easy way to review the basics: it will make you a better rc sailor!

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Play to sail: 10 basic rules of sailing racing your radio yacht

There are some essential rules on which a regatta of sailboats is based.

A basic principle for which the rules of sailing are applied is to avoid collisions. They can also be seen as a fundamental tool to guarantee everyone entertainment as part of a sailing race, which includes a departure, a performance and an arrival.

There are general rules that every sailor should keep in mind:

• Always sail with common sense, safety, and good sportsmanship.

• Right-of-way is not excuse to cause a collision. All boats (sailors) are required by rule to avoid a collision if possible.

• A sailboat in motion shall keep clear of a stopped yacht.

• After finishing your race, keep clear of the course and of other boats still racing.

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Focus: 

These following rules aim to set the rights of way between sailboats when racing.

Basic Rules of Sailing Racing to be aware

Especially when sailboats meet along the course and during the turning points around the floating marks.

[ Radio Sailing Basics ]
 

1.

When sailboats are on opposite tacks, the port tack boat must keep clear of the starboard tack boat.

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2.

On the same tack and overlapped, the windward boat must keep clear of the leeward boat.

3.

On the same tack and not overlapped, the boat clear astern must keep clear of the boat clear ahead. Any vessel overtaking another shall keep clear.

4.

A boat that begins the process of tacking or gybing must keep clear of boats that are on a tack, not tacking or gybing. If you are tacking you lose your rights until you are settled on a close-hauled course.

5.

When a boat acquires the right-of-way (such as gybing her boom to a starboard tack), this boat must initially give the other boats room to keep clear. After a brief period of time, the boat can exercise her newly acquired rights.

6.

When a right-of-way boat changes course (even a little bit), this boat must initially give the other boat room to keep clear. You cannot quickly change your course to force another boat into a foul.

7.

If a boat comes from behind you and begins to overtake your boat from the leeward side, and if that boat is within 2 boat lengths off your leeward side as it begins to overlap you, that boat is not allowed to sail above its proper course. In other words, it is not allowed to push you up into the no-go zone.

8.

When boats are overlapped approaching a turning mark, the outside boat must give the inside boat enough room to round, provided that the overlap was established before the lead boat entered the 4 boat-length zone.

This rule does not apply at a starting mark as boats are approaching the start. The inside overlap boat does not have rights to room at the starting mark.

This rule does apply at the finishing mark. A boat that has established inside overlap prior to the 4-boat-length zone must be given room to finish.

 
9.

You must round all marks in the direction specified (by race committee), and you must not touch a mark.

The penalty for touching a mark is one full penalty turn (360 degrees). 

10.

A boat may take a two-turns penalty (720 degrees) when she may have broken one or more rules, (except #9 above which is one full penalty turn).

How a boat must conduct her penalty? After getting well clear to avoid impeding other boats, making the required number of turns in the same direction, each turn including one tack and one gybe. When? As soon after the incident as possible.

When a boat takes the penalty at or near the finishing line, she shall sail completely to the course side of the line before finishing.

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Sailboat racing - radio yachting particularly - is a self-regulated sport.

A fundamental principle of sportsmanship is that when a competitor breaks a rule he will promptly take a penalty, which may be, depending on the nature of the infraction, either performing one or two turns.

The rules, applied during a regatta of radio models, are identical to those adopted for traditional sailboats.

RC Sailors race their radio-controlled sailboats under the Racing Rules of Sailing, as changed by a dedicated appendix.

The Racing Rules of Sailing refers to the international regulation updated - by the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU) - concurrently with the end of the four-year Olympic period.

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It is not necessary to know all of the rules (In total there are 91 rules but only 15 rules govern what boats do when they meet on the water) to successfully compete in a radio models race, but a knowledge of the basics is recommended and helpful to properly adopt the tactics to enjoy racing against your opponents.

The racing rules of radio sailing set a sequence of visual signals and sound signals to warn sailors of the departure of a regatta. We suggest you this blog post: how to become confident with the starting procedures of a radio sailing regatta

The most important behaviors to adopt when sail racing are:

• to carefully watch out for other boats;

• don’t push the rules too hard;

• give way if another sailboat has the right of way.

It’s simple. Isn’t it? :)

Best way to master these rules is to practice while sailing.

At the Radio Sailing Arena, you can rent fast radio sailboats and train your crew sailing on different race courses within marks: a smart way to focus on sail racing rules and race management, boat positioning, tactics.

HOW TO RADIO SAILING

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Learning to sail made easy and simple: download the Play2Sail e-manual and quickly improve your skills!

Play to sail: basic yachting terminology

The meaning of this post is to share a correct way to talk about sailing and sailboats.

Sailors have been developed specific languages: it's fun because you can recognize a racing sailor or a cruiser not only by how they dress but above all by how they speak! So, to express yourself at best on board or on the dock, from the beginning start to master the right words.

30 common sayings of basic yachting terminology
 

• BOW - The front of the boat.

• STERN - The back of the boat (the stern is also known as the aft).

• HULL - The body of the boat.

• DECK - The upper surface of the hull.

• KEEL - A weighted blade that protrudes from the bottom of the hull as a means of providing lateral stability.

• RUDDER - The hinged vertical blade mounted at the stern used as a steering device.

• MAST - Vertical spar (a pole) that supports sails or rigging. 

• BOOM - It’s the horizontal pole which extends from the bottom of the mast. A radio-controlled sailboat has a jib boom and a mainsail boom that are adjusted in relation of the direction of the wind to harness its power in order to move the hull forward.

• MAINSAIL - It is the big sail located behind the mast of a sailboat.

• JIB - The triangular sail at the front of a sailboat.

• HALYARD - A line used to raise the head of any sail.

• SHEET - A rope used to control the setting of a sail in relation to the direction of the wind.

• ROPES - All cordage, the lines in the rigging. 

• MAINSHEET - Sail control line that allows to trim the mainsail: it is used to control the angle of the boom, and thereby the mainsail.

• FORESTAY and BACKSTAY - Long lines supporting the mast forward and aft, and leading from the head of the mast down to the bow and stern of the vessel.

• RIG - the arrangement of mast, sails and spars.

It is also useful to know the difference between the following terms:

• UPWIND - When you are going against the wind.

• DOWNWIND - When you are going with the wind.

HOW TO RADIO SAILING

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• PORT - This is the left side of the boat when viewed from the stern.

• STARBOARD -  This is the right side of the boat when viewed from the stern.

• WINDWARD - The side of the boat the wind hits first. The side from which the wind is currently blowing from. 

• LEEWARD - The side of the boat the wind hits last: it’s the direction opposite to the way the wind is currently blowing.

• HEADING UP (luffing up or, simply, luff) - Moving the boat’s bow into the wind, or towards the direction it is coming from, to windward.

• BEARING OFF (or bearing away) - Moving the boat’s bow away from the wind, change the direction to leeward.

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• PUFF (or gust) - It's simply an increase in breeze, big or small.

• LULL - The opposite of a puff: it's a temporary reduction in wind strength/pressure.
   

• REAL WIND (or true wind) - The wind strength and direction affecting a static object: i.e. the wind that a boat that is not moving would experience.

• APPARENT WIND - It is how the wind appears on a moving yacht: it is the summation (in direction and velocity) of wind as measured on land and of the wind caused by the boat’s own speed.
   

• VEER - A clockwise shift in wind direction.

• BACK - A counterclockwise shift in wind direction.
   

• LIFT - A wind shift toward the windward side of the boat.

• HEADER - A wind shift toward the leeward side of the boat (opposite to a lift). Helmsman needs to bear away to keep the same wind angle.

Also these few terms to describe how the boat is moving (or how you act to move your sailboat) are important:

• TACKING - It refers to turning the bow through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other side. When tacking, the boom will always shift from one side to the other when performing a tack or a jibe.

• JIBING - The opposite of tacking, it’s the maneuver to turning the stern of the boat through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other side. Performing the jibing, the mainsail boom will always shift from one side to the other.

• LUFFING - Pointing the boat into the wind (sails flapping).

• IRONS - The hull of the boat is pointing into the wind, sails are ineffective and flapping.

• TRIM - Adjustments made to sails to maximize their efficiency. To deepen, see how to trim the sails.

• POINT OF SAIL - The boat’s direction relative to the wind. Well, we’ve dedicated a whole post to describe the different point of sail.

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Few terms related to the courses of sailing racing between marks:

• BEAT - the course  segment to the windward floating mark at a close-hauled sailing angle.

• RUN - The course, sailed at a near dead-downwind sailing angle, between the windward mark and the leeward mark.

• MARK (or buoy) - A floating object of defined shape and color, which is anchored and serves as an aid to navigation.

Few terms related to the wind:

• CLEAR AIR - Air flow undisturbed by the presence of other boats and their sails.

• HOLE - A brief, localized reduction in wind velocity.

• SHIFT - A change in wind direction.

• VEER - A clockwise shift in wind direction.

• BACK - A counterclockwise shift in wind direction.

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HOW TO RADIO SAILING

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To start sailing a radio-controlled sailboat is easy but at Play2Sail we like to say also that: "to play is to learn", so here we share some really simple basics and tips, dedicated to everyone who wants to begin the fun of learning how to use the wind to make his rc yacht go faster.

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Play to sail: how to leave and return to the pier with a rc sailboat

Before you start a radio sailing session, it is important to know how to leave the pier and how to come back.

You need to act in relation of the wind (its direction and intensity) at the moment you will place your model yacht on the water. So, check the prevalent wind direction, first.

Our rc sailboats are really light: a DF65 yacht - ready to sail - weights around 1.2 kg only.

When you handle it out of the water, remember to grip the boat from the aluminum blade of the keel. 

To avoid it does not suddenly fly away while from your hands, let the sails go freely and keep the bow of the hull and the sails pointed in the wind until you will place your boat on the water.

How to leave and return when the pier is downwind

• To start from the dock where the wind comes in front of you, your boat will have to sail upwind.

Place it on the water and then turn the bow slightly away the no-go zone, tight in the sails acting on the left joystick of your radio control unit.

The wind will start to power the sails and the boat will move forward.

Act on the right joystick to control the boat direction by steering. Start to heading off just a bit to accelerate and now your boat will sail away from the pier fully under your control.

• To return back to the floating wharf, sail downwind and start a large turn that will keep the boat on a broad reach that points your destination on the pier.

Let go of the sails to slow down the boat speed. Before to be too close to the dock, turn quickly the bow into the wind and ease completely the sails. Keep the vessel pointed into the no-go zone, in iron, with the sails luffing into the wind.

The wind will slowly push back the boat more close to the pier, where it will be easier to take it out of the water. (Remember to keep the bow pointing into the wind, with the. Sails completely released, and to firmly grip the keel in your hand).

Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

How stop your sailboat

When your radioyacht is sailing, you can always stop your model by just turning the bow into the wind and letting go of the sails control line. When you do this, the wind pressure is off of the sails and they don’t generate push, the boat will stop almost immediately. This also is good for docking when the dock is upwind.

How to leave and return when the pier is upwind

 • Starting from the dock when the wind comes from your shoulders, your boat will sail away running downwind.

Keeping the bow inline with the direction of the wind and the sails well released. Place the boat on the water, turn the hull pointing downwind and leave it running away with the sails powered by the wind.

 • To return back to the pier your boat will have to sail windward.

Sail it, point at a slow speed to your destination on the pier. Steer and luff into the wind and release the sails to reduce the boat speed. When you’re close to the dock, head up the hull in iron just in front of you, so will be easy to take the boat from the water.

On the pier: keep your kids safe

👍 Life Jacket 😎

👍 Rubber-soled shoes 👟

👍 Water bottle 💧

👍 Sunscreen protection ☀️

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PLAY TO SAIL IN THE HIGH COAST IS ALSO #LEARNTOSAIL:

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Play to sail: the wind shifts, a lift or a header will affect your boat

Yes, it does: the wind shifts. This is important when sailing racing because it creates an opportunity to gain distance on the opponent boats or it will influence your losses.

Wind shifts are a main strategic and tactical factor.

How best to manage to sail the wind shifts steering your radio sailboat

[ Radio Sailing Basics ]

Sailors say that a boat can be "headed" or "lifted" because a wind shifts can interfere in different ways on the direction the boat is sailing. 

The lift

If your boat is sailing upwind, the wind is lifting when its direction changes shifting from the bow toward the stern.

This usually is a good shift, because your boat will head more upwind: it will allow you to head up few degrees with the lift and to keep a direction more close to the the weather mark while racing.

If you don’t need to luff and go higher to point your destination upwind, when your boat encounters a lift, just trim the sails: release a bit them to gain speed mantaining the direction.

When your boat is running downwind, the wind lifts when it changes direction by turning towards the stern.

It is usually a negative shift. If you’re mantaining your run dead downwind, a wind lifting will force your sails to gybe, or you will have to head up away from your route to stay on the previous tack.

If your point of sail is a reach, if the wind changes direction lifting, you will have to ease the sails – this means also that your boat will sail slower downwind.

The header

If your boat is heading upwind, header occurs when the direction of the wind shifts towards the bow.

Encountering a header, the sails of your boat will start to luff. You will have to accommodate for the new wind direction by steering: you need to bear away few degrees your route, so, this means that a header will force you away from your destination straight upwind.

Since a header is a shift that heads your boat more downwind, you need to tack your sailboat in headers to sail straight up the course toward the windward mark. If a boat is sailing on a heading tack, by tacking it will sail in a lift on the opposite tack.

When your sailboat is running towards a point straight downwind and the wind shifts towards the bow, you will be able to sail at an angle that will point your boat closer to your destination. At the very least, a header will allow the dead downwind sailor to be sailing on a deep broad reach. If, during a reach, your bow is pointing towards the mark, to trim in the sails is all that’s needed with a header.

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Focus: 

When radio sailing, you can’t rely on the compass or landmarks to determine a wind shift. So, to detect if the direction of the wind is changing, you will relate your position to the other sailboats.

If the direction of the wind is steady, both port or starboard tacks are exactly equal. When a wind shift occurs, one tack becomes more favorable: a header on one tack is automatically a lift on the other.

Look at the opponents boats: how much they are lifted or headed?

In case of differences, consider that one tack becomes more favorable than the other. If you’re sailing upwind, a boat lifted sail more closely in the direction of the weather mark than the other boats do.

If the opposite tack your boat is sailing becomes more favorable, you should consider tacking. 

Try to sail on this more favorable tack as the wind shifts back in a header, then the opposite tack becomes the more favorable route.

Your goal upwind is to sail each tack when it is lifted. By sailing the lifted tack, your boat will sail a more direct route to the weather mark.

Remember to have a long and a short perspective view of the wind conditions.

Stay focused on sailing well in the wind you have (immediate effects) and to manage it at your best - i.e. when your boat encounters a gust - but try to anticipate the wind changes (short terms effects) - like puff or lull - and be prepared to react to them, by proper steering and trimming the sails.

Always consider how is better to position your boat: due to the direction of the wind or its changes or for a better wind pressure in relation of the opponent boats and the next mark.

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Play to sail in the High Coast is also #learntosail:

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Play to sail: fast sailing is a matter of more wind

A key to sailing is to understand what the wind is doing: it’s mandatory to know the direction of the wind but it’s important to focus on the wind’s changes, too.

The wind is rarely perfectly steady, it is always changing, at least a little bit and often you can use this to your advantage. How you do it?

You must stay focused on its changes of direction and speed. And act.

To keep your boat moving fast, trim and adjust sails continuously for maximum efficiency in relation to the wind direction.

To make your boat sailing faster, catch the opportunities looking for more wind strength.

How best to detect the differences in wind speed to gain on other boats 

 [ Radio Sailing Basics ]

Dark patches on the surface of the water represent zones of more wind.

Is it possible that the wind can vary considerably over an area even relatively small of water.

For example, one side of the race course may be reached by the wind gusts first.

Both before and during the race, pay attention to estimate the overall wind flow tendency and wind speed fairly accurately. Look at surrounding flags or look for wind signs on the water to check what direction is the wind coming from and how fast is it blowing.

Search for the best wind to determine the favored side of the racing course.

From the pier, you have a complete view of the race course and can detect the wind gusts...

When radio sailing, you control your sailboat at a distance: you can stand from your point of view on the pier and easily scan the race course.

With experience, it will be easy to "read" the wind by its effect on the water around your boat and look for the most windy side.

Sailors from 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇦🇺🇸🇪🇳🇿🇨🇦🇿🇦🇳🇱🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇳🇭🇰 have already downloaded it.

Where do you see spots of wind?

Wind blowing with increasing strength causes ripples that often can be seen coming on the water surface: they make the water look darker, a good indicator of wind speed.

Remember: dark patches on the water represent more wind.

Reading at a distance the wind by its effect on the water can really help you see the distinction between puffs and lulls on the water (puffs are an increase - big or small, in the prevalent breeze). Simply seeing a wind increase coming helps you prepare for steering your boat and trimming the sails properly. Sometimes, it is difficult to keep your boat sailing in a puff for very long: anyway try! because you will sail a faster route, particularly downwind. 

Is your boat sailing in the most wind available? If not, make a change and go where it is stronger: sail in more wind to gain more speed on the other boats. 

Watch other sailboats to see how they heel when on the wind, particularly if they are sailing in a different area of the course.

Are they faster? Are they encountering more wind? Are their hulls bows pointing the direction to the mark higher or lower?

Pay always attention if a part of a race course may have more wind than another to determine, for example, which tack is better on a windward leg or how to position your boat compared to your opponents.

DF65 yachts sailing close on a windward leg.

If your boat is sailing close behind an other boat that is close to windward or immediately to leeward, their sails will interfere with your wind and this will compromise your boat speed.

Search for clean wind and, if possible, keep your boat sailing an open lane (with no other boats disturbing the wind in which you’re sailing) and you’ll have more wind.

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To start sailing a radio-controlled sailboat is easy but at Play2Sail we like to say also that: "to play is to learn", so here we share some really simple basics and tips, dedicated to everyone who wants to begin the fun of learning how to use the wind to make his rc yacht go faster.

SHARE YOUR #SAILING PASSION:

Play to sail: trimming to make your radio-controlled sailboat run fast

Two Dragon Force 65 yachts engaged on a beam reach.

If you like to start from the basics of sailing, here you approach how to trim the sails of your rc yacht while steering. 

Since we focus on radio sailing, see also this previous post to deepen how to control the sails and the rudder using the two joysticks of the radio unit.

Precise and timely trimming the sails will make your boat move at the speed you need: it will be easier to steer and your sailboat will race faster.

How the sails work.

The mainsail and the jib are the “engine” of your boat: thanks to the action of the wind, they act as wings to “produce” power to move the hull. 

As wings, the sails have shapes with curved sections. The wind flows at different speeds over both sides of the sail, creating a depression that “pulls” the boat forward.

During a close hauled point of sail, the forces that are generated act as a “lift” that moves the hull upwind. Otherwise, when sailing downwind the wind pushes against the sails from behind and simply shoves the boat forward.

Doyle Sailmakers' Team has created a Star upwind simulation that shows the air stream flow over the sails and their differences in speed.

Sail trimming is critical for your boat speed.

[ Radio Sailing Basics ]

A sailboat can’t move if the sails are loose and flapping in the wind. As soon as they are tightened up, the boat is starting to move forward.

Trimming is to move the angle of the sails so that they catch the wind with the maximum efficiency.

First, you must constantly be aware of the wind direction. Second you start to position the angle of the sails and to trim them accordingly. 

A basic criteria to properly trim the sails, no matter what course your radio yacht is sailing, is to ease the sails out until they begin to luff. Next, pull them in until the luffing stops.

In order to maintain the sails effective, you must keep a smooth air flow over both sides of the sail with no luffing.

Anyway, by practicing it will be “automatic” to know how to set the sails in relation of the direction of the wind.

Any “point of sail” that your boat is keeping involves an appropriate position of the sails.

Even if your boat cannot sail pointing directly into the wind direction (in the no-go zone, the sail will luff, or flap like a flag in the breeze), it will be easy to properly set the sails when the hull is at an angle greater than 35/45 degrees from the wind.

RC sailboats above: sails are trimmed to beating upwind.

On a close-hauled course the sails are “in tight” (at only a slight angle to the center line of the hull).

RC sailboat above: sails are trimmed to running downwind.

On a run (sailing away from the wind), the sails should be all the way out: you need them to be perpendicular to the direction of the wind to expose the maximum amount of sails area, ideally by keeping the booms quite perpendicular to the center line of the hull.

RC sailboats above: sails are trimmed to a reach.

Reaching, or sailing roughly perpendicular to the wind direction, has a sail position about halfway between close-hauled and a run. 

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If you change direction or point of sail or if it’s the wind direction that shifts, you must properly re-trim the position of the sails all the time.

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