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THE GROWTH OF MATCH RACE SAILING
A match race is a one-on-one duel between two identical sailboats,
testing the skill and mental acuity of the skipper and crew. While
history is vague about when the sport began, it is fair to say that the
first match race probably occurred when two sailors met on the same
expanse of water and tested the speed of each other's craft. This type
of informal racing continues among sailboat owners today throughout the
world.
In modern organized racing, the most renowned match race is the
America's Cup in which one yacht challenges the defender for the Cup.
Basic Match Racing Rules
The basic game of match race sailing consists of two yachts, each with
the objective of crossing the finishing line before her opponent while
complying with the racing rules (and sailing instructions, etc.).
As with the rules of other sports, the yacht racing rules are generally
framed to give advantage to whoever is in the lead. Each yacht's
objective is simple: to be the first to cross the finishing line with no
outstanding penalties, having started correctly, sailed the course, and
complied with any special requirements. The simplest way to achieve this
is to be in an advantageous, controlling position at the start and to
remain ahead and in control for the entire race. With evenly matched
boats and crews, a good start usually results in winning the match,
although the new tendency for downwind finishes means that a small lead
is not always sufficient to ensure victory.
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In the pre-start period there is no 'proper course', which is
significant from the point of view of the rules. The two yachts
maneuver against each other with two objectives: to encourage the other
to infringe a rule so that she will have to take a penalty after the
starting signal, but, if that is not achieved, to be in a controlling
position at the start or to get a significant advantage at the start.
Being 'in control' at the start doesn't necessarily mean being in the
lead at the moment of the starting signal; the object is to be 'in
control' soon after the start. With superior speed and timing it is
possible to be second across the starting line, but achieve a
controlling position very soon after. Depending upon the experience and
confidence of the skippers and crews, there is often a psychological
advantage to be gained by the skipper who is clearly in control during
the pre-start period.
During the race on upwind legs the yacht in control is either ahead and
in such a position that any wind shift will not benefit the other yacht,
or close ahead in a position where her dirty wind or backwind is
adversely affecting her opponent, or her opponent is trapped and unable
to tack because of the proximity of the controlling yacht.
On downwind legs, protecting a lead is often difficult and, unless well
ahead, the leader will be concerned with ensuring he is inside or ahead
at the next mark rather than being 'in control'.
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