I read about this story in a Catamaran racing
book. I think it was Randy Smith who actually
did it.

I was quite amazed anyone would try such a
thing. I suppose if it's a big fleet and you can
handle the boat well going backwards, it is an
option.

Walt wrote:
Bart wrote:

You are upwind of the start line on your beach catamarran,
before the gun, on the favored end of the course. Many of the
boats in the fleet are hove-to just under the starting line.

You don't have time to go around, and you decided to
back down (sail backwards) by pushing your main
out on the port side and steer directly downwind to get
below the starting line. You mange to do this before the
gun.

What do you think will happen--aside from a bunch of
****ed off sailors to leeward?

Who has right of way?

Is this a good strategy?


What flag is up? The P flag, the I flag, the Z flag or the Black flag?

I'll assume it's the P flag, because if any of the other flags are
flying, you are required to go around the end (or go home if it's the
black flag.)

As Jeff points out, a boat moving backwards by backing a sail has to
keep clear of all other boats, so the fleet has right of way. It also
sounds like you're to windward, so rule 11 (windward leeward) would
apply after you've stopped backing up.

Is it a good strategy? Maybe, if you're only a little over the line or
if you can do it without fouling another boat.

How long is the line? How big is the fleet? Seems to me that the best
approach may be to sail around the pin end, gybe and then reach below
the fleet on port for clear air. You can probably pull even with
everyone who didn't get a front row seat this way.

//Walt