Harlan,

The absolutely most important book to support your restart into racing
is the "Racing Rules of Sailing --- 2005-2008". There have been many
changes over the past few years. Thorough knowledge of the rules is
essential for defensive purposes, and even offensive purposes on occasion.

A good explanation of the more complex rules is given in Dave Perry's
book, "Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing".

There are many "how-to" books on racing from a large number of authors.
Some are a bit self-indulgent, like the books from Dennis Conner. Some
are pedantic and tedious to the point of opacity, like the books of
Stuart Walker. Some are intended to be humorous, some are written by
sailmakers, etc. If you are near a marine store take a look at a few and
see what might make sense to you. They will all contain many of the same
ideas and strategies. (And none of them will make you an instant winner.)

As for the specific questions:

The favored end of the starting line from a wind perspective is easy; it
is the end that is the most upwind toward the windward mark. However,
the practical answer is not so easy, as it depends on the other boats in
your start. Sometimes one can start on port tack at the pin end, and
other times this would be suicide.

Bad air is bad. Stay away.

Light air is bad, but typically unavoidable. Strategy is sometimes
important, but in almost every case VMG is supreme. Keep clean air and
go fast.

Regards,
Gene Fuller

Harlan Lachman wrote:
After more than a 30 year absence as crew, I find that I will be racing
my boat in PHRF club races this season -- almost all windward - leward
races.

My wife purchased me a book for my birthday but as I read it, I realized
two things: I did not understand a lot of what was written (the terms
and explanations were too confusing) and what I did understand seemed
like common sense (learn where the breezes are -- get your sail maker to
show you how to trim your sails for optimum performance in different
conditions).

I could use some recommendations of a good how to book which assumes you
know how to sail and trim your sails but gives you advice which
addresses the rules which a new racer is unlikely to be familiar with
and tips to avoid common mistakes (more than learn where the breezes
are). Something that might be useful if you know your boat is (supposed
to be) the fastest in your class, how to determine favored end of a
start and when being balled up in bad air eliminates the advantage,
light air strategy, etc.

Thoughts?

harlan