Catch up on windward legs

by David Dellenbaugh, WindCheck
When you’re trying to catch other boats on a windward leg, the good news is that the fleet usually spreads out a lot on beats. If the wind changes very much in direction or velocity, this separation creates good passing opportunities.

But the bad news is that the boats you’re trying to catch are all between you and the wind. This means you must constantly dodge wind shadows, especially when you are sailing toward the ‘favored’ side.

As a result, beats often allow the “rich to get richer.” The leaders have clearer air, go faster and keep getting farther ahead. Here are some strategies that will help you catch up to, or at least stay even with, the boats in front of you: click here