2023 Melges 20 Worlds, Race 6 - IB-Sailing Software

Race Area

Start

The start is an example of how dangerous is to go under and behind the line in light air. A bit of wind shadow and you are never able to get back up to the line. Always stay with top row of boats. It is much easier to slow down than to get going. Some maneuvers in no wind take ages to get done.

Crossing the line 17, 22, and 39 seconds after the gun. Boomer trailed the leader 82 meters after just a minute of racing.

1st Upwind

Significant Right shift soon after the start. Most of the fleet has seen it coming and tacked after the start. Just before the top mark, there was a small shift back to the left side.

Top Mark

left shift before the mark and left side having easier approach. For boats in the back, now is hard to do the left approach since it is already taken.

1st Downwind

Overall right shift has skewed the course by 14 degrees, making it 2.35:1. In this case is always safer to go for the long tack first.

Looks like MBlue could have even gained if they gybed on time on the layline. Whenever far from the mark, gybing a bit earlier never hurts. (except in this case, there could be some wind shadow casted by the large group of the boats)

MBlue and Boomer (blue and yellow) missing the lay lines. Going faster, but less optimal.

Gate Marks

Wind going right and one mark becomes better. Always think about it early enough and plan to go around that one. Once closer to the marks, reevaluate and have another look.

Check the Magenta and Purple line of MSun and GhostR. From almost equal to big gap

2nd Upwind

A quick look on the tracks and polar dots and is clear that this upwind was very crazy. Big left shift was the key feature. Is starting the leg in the right numbers, is always a good idea to go left and expect the wind to shift back.

DIstances sailed. MBlue the shortest and Sentinel had 450m more sailing in this upwind

2nd Downwind

Easier life for the boats in the front. Skewed course and just a bit of port tack sailing to finish the race. THe boats in the back got the wind from right and had a long way down.