FAQs about working on speed in pairs
Sailboat racing is competitive. But if you want to finish near the front of the fleet, you must usually be cooperative first. That's because, as I said earlier in this issue, performance is relative. The only accurate way to measure subtle differences in speed is by comparing yourself with a similar boat that is sailing nearby in the same conditions. So find another crew who would also like to work on speed, and go sail together. Here are some frequently asked questions about setting this up:
When should I team up with another boat?
Almost any time when you're not racing. It's especially good when a) you haven't been racing for a while; b) you were slow in your last race; or c) you are sailing in different or unusual conditions. It works well to set up a two-boat session on a practice day when you have plenty of time to do lots of testing. In addition, most top sailors usually test with another boat for at least a few minutes before the start of every race.
Who would want to tune up with me?
Probably more people than you think. All you have to do is ask, either on shore or while you are sailing around before the next race. If you see someone sailing closehauled, drop into a testing position with them and ask if they want to go upwind. I recommend picking another boat that is about the same speed as you.
How can I do speed testing when race PHRF
First look for a boat like yours. If there is another J/24 in your fleet, for example, ask if they'd like to work together between races to improve speed. If you are a one-of-a-kind, look for someone who has a similar rating and is interested in improving.
It's OK if one boat is slightly faster than the other, as long as both boats know this and work to improve their relative performance.
Is it really worth sailing with another boat?
Definitely. Two-boat training provides a great chance to work on speed and much more. It forces you to focus on steering, changing gears and communication among the trimmers and helmsperson. And it gives you instant feedback on how well you are doing this.
If you sail with another boat before the start of a race, this is also a great time to collect wind data and think about strategy. For example, if the boat on the right side of the pair always gains, this may indicate that the right side of the first beat will be favored.
How long should we keep sailing side by side?
Once you are lined up properly, keep sailing until you have a result - i.e. one boat makes a noticeable gain. Stop when the boats are no longer lined up correctly or if you see no apparent change after 10 minutes or so.
Once you finish an upwind test, you have several options, depending on the time available: 1) Line the boats up and start another test; 2) Sail alongside each other downwind and discuss the previous test; or 3) Set chutes and start speed-testing downwind.
Any other ideas on how to learn from a lineup?
Sure. Try to switch sides every second or third test so each boat sails to windward and leeward of the other boat. Also, it's good to sail on both tacks so you learn to go fast on starboard and port. This will also help you identify asymmetries in your set-up.
If one boat is always faster, try swapping helmsper-sons (or even the entire crew). This can be very helpful and will quickly tell you whether the difference is due to boat set-up or sailing technique.
Finally, sailing with another boat will be much mure effective and fun if you communicate clearly with them. For practice sessions, use radios or cellphones to coordinate tests and discuss what you learn.
How should we position the boats to start?
For an upwind tuning session, it usually works best to set up the boats about three or four lengths apart so the leeward boat's bow is roughly half a boatlength ahead.This way the leeward boat (L) is not tempted to pinch off the windward boat (W), and W isn't tempted to foot off and roll over LYou don't have to start in this exact position, but something close is usually the most productive.
Other ways to learn with two boats
If you want a conclusive speed test, this is not a great starting position because it's too easy for the leeward boat to squeeze up and pinch off the windward boat. However, this is a very common (and challenging) position on the race course. If you want to learn how to survive when you are the windward boat, this is a perfect testing lineup. Work on your sail trim, steering and body movement to see how long you can hang in this position. Sometimes in a race all you need to do is 'live' in this position for an extra 30 seconds. By putting yourself in this situation during practice and trying different ways of staying there, you'll be more comfortable and effective when you have a boat on your leebow while you're racing.
There is an argument that two-boat testing on a run is even more crucial than on a beat because there is much more variation in downwind angles and boatspeeds.The ideal position for downwind testing is roughly like what's shown above.You want the boats to be close enough so they are in the same wind (several boatlengths apart), but far enough apart (and positioned properly) so neither one is affected by the bad air or the disturbed wake of the other.
Once you're set up like this, it's a great time to try out different sailing styles. Should you go lower and slower or higher and faster? The only way to know is by having another boat nearby.
David Dellenbaugh, former starting helmsman for America3, publishes Speed&Smarts, a monthly newsletter of how-to information for racing sailors. For subscription information call: 800-356-2200. To order a new subscription, click