What Can Fleet Racers Learn From the Match Race Pros?

Match racing is, of course, a very different discipline to fleet racing. The rules, while similar, have some big differences. Strategically and tactically they are very different too. Match racing is all about beating your single opponent across the finish line and to do that can often mean trapping him/her into a rules violation that incurs them a turn. Forcing your opponent over the line early is also a common match racing move.

But away from all of the protest flags and on-the-water umpire calls, winning in match racing also comes down to excellent boat handling, good communication, and smart analysis of wind direction and strength around the racecourse – all of which are key requirements if you expect to win a fleet race.

Here are a couple pointers I picked up from watching the Congressional Cup action.