FINAL ATTACK

The consistent performer keeps looking for place-making opportunities right until the line, says MARK RUSHALL

- MARK RUSHALL

We are almost there. We chose a start that gave us the best chance of making the most of our chosen strategic priorities, we took advantage of tactical opportunities at the marks without losing sight of the big picture for the legs to follow, and kept the thinking process going on the off wind and reaching legs. The finish line beckons, and we are already anticipating the welcome snack bar…time to relax?

Whether handicap racing at the club or competing at a fleet championship, consistent performers keep looking for place-making opportunities right up to the finish line. In this feature we’ll look at some of the considerations and questions particular to the final leg, whether it is upwind or downwind.

WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES?

Think of the race so far as a rehearsal for the final leg: what have we learned about the conditions? Have all the gains come from chasing the patches of pressure, tacking or gybing on the shifts, making the most of the tidal gradient, or something else? And just how big are the potential gains available if I make the most of them?

In a fleet race, a quick look around should give me a good idea of what might be achievable if we get it right: a place or two? Pass a bunch of boats? A race win? The likely rewards should give us a clue about how big a risk we are prepared to take.

If there are a lot of boats ahead within striking distance, few close behind, and I’m confident that the extra pressure on the right is going to give me a chance to pass them, I might be happy to split with the fleet and go for the gain. If there’s a big gap ahead, boats breathing down my neck, and less certainty about the gain, I’ll probably adopt a more defensive strategy.

And the context is important too: if I need the race win to take the series, I’ll be more likely to take the bold decision than if I just need a reasonable result in this race to achieve my goals.