Tactics count for far less than most people think. In fact, unless you are racing
against a boat & crew that are almost perfectly matched, they count for nothing.


Donals Dilemma wrote:
Sure, in handicap racing this hold true to some extent, however even
in vastly different boats tactics play an important part, picking
shifts, placing yourself to climb the ladder on that shift etc .

I guess my above statement is largely due to not thinking of picking shifts, reading
the current, etc etc, as "tactics" but rather strategic or route decisions. If you aim
the boat the wrong way, it's hard to do well!

I tend to think of "tactics" as just the interaction with other boats... right-of-way
calls, avoiding dirty air, throwing dirty air at others, and the like.


All gain time over an opponent who doesn't do it right and it takes a
heck of a lot of extra boatspeed to claw back from being on the wrong
side of a 10degree shift.

One of the issues of deciding how to sail the boat, and route by shifts or current etc
etc, is to know how big a shift it takes to make it worth tacking, and wether shifts or
gusts are more important.




Gary Hoyt once said "Give me 1/10 knot better boatspeed, and I'll have everyone
convinced I'm a tactical genius."

Sure, at anytime extra boatspeed is a winner in the hands of someone
who doesn't burn the advantage with crappy tactics

If you ever want to read a fun book that can also be very helpful (altho it's a bit
dated) get a copy of "Go For The Gold" by Gary Hoyt.



It's a RACE! Sail FAST, first and foremost. Aiming the boat in the right direction
counts for a lot, too.... that could be considered a tactic...

Yep, but getting off the line with good speed and clear air is also a
tactic. Pre start prep and positioning are one of the most important
tactics.

Yes, I'd agree that getting a good start with speed, clear air, and the freedom to
choose which way to go, are all important. One of the fascinating things about sailboat
racing is that all the factors are important, yet certain ones will gain key importance
in some conditions.



BTW the cool thing about the Mumm 30 IMHO is the acceleration. They stomp on the
gas harder than most beach cats. This calls for changing sail trim as the boat
accelerates. I bet this is part of what Oz1 is talking about.

Yep, the crew is trimming constantly, they do need to be perfect.
Plenty of sailmakers in Mumm crews.

It's a fun boat but
I wouldn't expect to go against the rock stars for a couple years, and it would be
an expensive boat to campaign.

Extremely expensive and that's without considering the outrageous
purchase price and the amount of time they spend on their side
breaking gear.
Personally, as much as I love the M30, I'd be lookin at a Farr 40

How about a Corel 45? Don't know if there are enough of them to make a one-design clas
anywhere, but it looks like a heck of a fun boat.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King