The Weather Mark

Make these mental notes about the weather mark:

Before the Start
Check the current at the weather mark

30 Boat Lengths Away
What will be the last wind shift or puff (left or right?)

20 Boat Lengths Away
Get a lane of clear air to approach
Decide to approach on Starboard or Port based on last shift advantage and where the crowd is developing

10 Boat Lengths Away
Stay out of the crowd, if lots of boats on starboard set up well above layline
If approaching on Port, decide early how to pick your way through the starboard tackers
Remember the current!

Final Boat Lengths
Note where the puff is and what shift is on (left or right)
Position yourself so you can jibe onto port for a right shift or begin the downwind leg on starboard in the left shift

Comments

[D.H. Wilson]

If there are two puffs one on the right one on the left, which one do you go on?

[Coach]

If the breeze is filled in on both, or there are two significant puffs. When you turn the weather mark and begin heading downwind, get on the gybe that takes you (points you) closest to the leeward mark. This is the headed gybe and for the time being the favored gybe to be on.