How-to
Determine shear
Approach the Mark

Real world sailing
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How-to:
Prestart 2 (Tuning up)

 If you are in a position to do so, you should spend an hour before the start setting up the boat and getting the crew pumped. This is also a good time to determine what the wind is doing.
  • Toss off a few quick tacks to get everything working smoothly.
    Get a feel for the difference in handling between the two tacks. Note boatspeed and true wind angle differences. These can be due to waves or wind shear (as well as sail trim).
  • Deternine wind shear.
    Wind shear will affect sail trim and boatspeed. If you know what it is, you will be better prepared
    How to determine shear.
  • Determine your target speeds.
    Shear and seastate will change your target speed on the two tacks. The tuning phase should be used to determine these numbers, because you probably won't have as good a chance once the race starts. Details are described on this page.
  • Keep an eye on the wind.
    In the hour before the start, you should get a feel for how much the wind is shifting and puffing, and persistant shifting (long term wind direction change).

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