We interviewed Andy Burdick, Melges Performance Sailboats, after he won the 2023 MC Scow Train Wreck regatta in Lake Eustis, FL hosted by the Lake Eustis Sailing Club. Our question asked what he was focused on during this competition. His answer was, given the long starting lines and bigger fleet, …the starts.
Andy said that he divides the race course into a right and left side and considers which side has the best pressure (breeze strength) and fewer waves. Then, in the last minute before the starting gun, he again tries to make sure that he’s in the best pressure at the gun.
Zenda University Tips on Pre-start Routine
We previously spoke with Mike Green, Rush Creek Yacht Club, about what he learned at Melges’ Zenda University about starting routine and he shared the following tips that were similar to what Andy suggested, but with additional thoughts.
Draheim on Checking the Breeze Pre-start
Bill Draheim, Draheim Performance Sailing, a winning sailor, sail maker and coach based out of Texas provided his thoughts on pre-race routine in this clip from a seminar that he gave.
Olympians Roble / Shea Sailing on Starting Strategy
Finally, if you want to see more on Starting Strategy from an Olympian point of view, watch this long form video from the Roble / Shea Sailing team that has excellent insights.
Starting: ILYA Fast Forward Seminar – SailZing
