DN Race Starts

by Mike O'Brien - December 1987

Starting an iceboat may seem like a relatively straight forward task. At first glance you may think you can run for a short distance, hop into your boat and go. If you do you will probably find yourself looking at everyone's stern. If you put some thought into the procedure you can make significant gains in a competitive fleet

The start actually begins well before the flag is dropped and the starting gun smoke is visible in the air. Whenever possible, I like to like to sail the course before the first race. This lets me get the feel of the runners, see how my mast is raked and what side of the course is favored. This may take several laps but the time is well worth it. You may learn that there is more wind or smoother ice on one part of the course. Or it may become apparent that the runners you have chosen are no longer suitable for the changing ice conditions. If the wind is building, your mast might need to be laid off a little to reach the boat's maximum speed potential. These few laps can increase your awareness, get your adrenaline flowing and remove any anxiety associated with your previous performance.

Don't forget to leave enough time to find your place on the starting line. You will find it is helpful to take a moment to stretch you legs and arms after getting the boat in position on the starting line. I always feel like it takes forever for a race to get underway. I try to use that time to my advantage. I look at the boats on each side of me. If I know the people I probably know their starting style. If one of them likes to run nearly straight into the wind, I check to see that he has his boat pointed the same way as the rest of the fleet. The race committee will make him change his heading if you bring it to their attention.

If the person above you is a reacher, be ready to head below your normal heading to maintain clear air. Keep in mind, however that the leeward boat (you in this case) has right of way and the reacher must avoid you (but not your air).

Make final course heading adjustments as the flagman checks to see if the fleet is ready. Grip the side of the stay at the shoulder level and hold the tiller and sheet with the other hand. Spread your legs about half your stride with the front leg about 10" behind the plank. To make sure your boat is free from the ice, slowly slide it back and forth.

Now focus your attention on the starter(s). The same people often serve as starters for several years. You can learn their starting sequence by watching them closely over a few races. Remember that it is the drop of the flag that signals the start of the race. Watch for that twitch in the flagman's elbow that signifies it is time to go.

With all your might, take several steps beginning with a short powerful stride. This builds into a long speed producing kick. If your boat hikes, hold it down with the stay. If that is not enough, let a little sheet slip through your hand. When the boat is up to a speed where it can be sailed, step onto the plank and give the ice one last kick.

Once under the power of the wind, continue on an upwind course for light wind and bear off for heavier wind. In order to bear off you may have to pay some sheet to keep from hiking. Once you have achieved maximum speed begin to bring in the sheet as you head back up to your upwind heading.