Hobie Cat 18 User Manual page 57

5. Oscillating shifts are those that swing back and forth, but generally from the same overall direction. True.
They may follow a pattern which can be of use tactically.
6. In a catamaran, wind velocity normally is more important than wind direction, if that direction variance is not
very large. True. In other words, go for the higher winds and thus higher boat speed, even if you can't go as
direct to the mark.
7. Wind tends to cross over a shore line at a more perpendicular angle to the shore than its normal direction.
This would be a geographical shift. True. This can be used to your advantage as a lift along the shore.
8. Darker water on one side of the course usually indicates there is more wind on that side than on the other
side, and thereby that darker side could be considered the favored side of the course. True. The darker
appearance is because the wind has disrupted the surface of the water more in that area than the surrounding
areas. Smoother surfaces reflect the sky and appear lighter.
9. Always stay on the beach until the last moment to conserve your energy; sailing up to the windward mark with
a buddy will only wear you out. False. Sailing up the course especially with another
boat can provide information on the types of wind shifts and favored sides of the course, which is only
important if you want to win.
10. Always sail past the laylines far enough so that you don't ever have to worry about tacking anymore, no
matter what wind shifts come along. False. Over standing a layline does allow you to come in to the mark at
a slightly higher rate of speed, but you had to travel extra distance to over stand and you have to travel extra
distance back to the mark. Your slightly higher speed won't make up for this. If you are fairly certain that you
will encounter a wind shift that will lift you to the mark, you may under stand the layline to take full
advantage of the shift.
Starts
1. The favored end of the starting line is where the race committee boat is anchored.
2. You can determine the length of the starting line by timing yourself from one end to the other.
3. The favored end of the line is determined by looking over the committee boat to a point on shore past the buoy
at the port end and finding something on that shore to line up on.
4. The favored end of the line only means that it is the end closest to the wind.
5. The weather mark determines which end of the line is favored.
6. The favored end and favored side of the course are always the same.
7. Even though starting exactly at the favored end allows you a jump on all the boats, it may not be where you
wish to start.
8. Before each and every start, you must always know the favored end, the length of the line and the transit.
9. Never plan your starts -- it is better to see what develops and then find the weaknesses in the opponents' plans.
10. The best way to get a start line transit is to sit just below the leeward "C" mark and line it up with the
windward "A" mark, then find something behind that to use as your transit.
11. It is extremely important to have total control of your boat on the starting line -- being able to stop quickly,
accelerate quickly, hold a position, backup and generally maneuver in tight traffic.
Hobie University, NAHCA
Page 52
31 Mar 02