How about some tips on passing a slower boat?

We sail in a mixed fleet weekly and if we get a not so great start are faced with passing a slightly slower boat or two. We're definately not doing it right as we are losing too much time in the process. Our problem is when going to windward and whatever the solution we are probably not acting early enough,

anytime you go within 25 feet or so under (to leeward) of another comparable boat, you will loose a considerable amount of power. You have two choices: A) outpoint them and get on top (to windward) of them so they eventually fall in YOUR shadow or B) tack away before you get too close. You probably will still loose some ground regardless unless you can point extremly well.

There is a 3rd option.

Most competitors ahead of you have a strong tendency to try and out point you. So head up a little and tempt him to do the same. Do this for a 30 seconds and once he is nice and high and when he is not looking adjust your sailsfor a course lower than close hauled. When he looks threaten him again by pointing high and he will most likely try to up you one. Now bear off and reach through the hole he just lefts. When done right you will have just enough power to push through his lee wind shadow and into clean air. Than you speed up again and head up and complete the pass. Now he will get backwinded by your sails and soon he will have to fall off behind you.

This works best when you have a boarded cat again a little slower boardless boats. You waste a like height but after that you can continue on you top speeds again.

Wouter

My best advice is to make your decission early as to which side you intend to pass (no matter how fast the boat is in front)..... If you leave you dicission until you are nearly on top of the boat it is usually too late and you will lose allot of valuable ground.