This month marks the opening race of the series, the February race. It's still cold out, but many members gathered despite the cold weather.



With the cup being returned by last year's winner, some members were seen expressing their determination, saying "This year is the year!", and it looks like a heated battle is about to begin!
We are already looking forward to seeing who will take this spot this year!

As predicted, the weather on this day was a cold northerly wind blowing at 4-5m/s, making the temperature a bit tough for the sailors' hands. However, there were no waves, making the conditions perfect for racing.
The RSaero class, Laser class, and double-handed teams immediately set out on their boats.

The first club race was filled with some tension, as expected.
It seemed that those who had been diligently practicing during the off-season, such as positioning before the start and timing of tacking, immediately stood out.
It's impressive to see them hiking out despite the cold wind.



A total of five races were held on the short course, and the key was how to handle the slight changes in the wind.

After the race, as always, there was a results announcement and a mini party in the clubhouse. It was a cold race, but everyone seemed to feel at ease both physically and mentally with the passionate talk and hot drinks.

Everyone exchanged opinions enthusiastically, saying things like, "It was the positioning at the start," and "The wind died down just before the upper mark."
It's a warm scene that can only be seen at a club, and it's heartwarming to watch.
By sharing the information, we can take another step towards the next race.

And the result you're all wondering about is... the winner of the opening race was veteran T!
The key to victory seems to have been his stable course and consistent race management.

The 2025 series has finally begun! I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of drama will unfold from now until December.
The next club race will be in March, when the cold weather will gradually ease, and we look forward to seeing many of you again.

Let's all have a great time this year!

And this time, the principal will give you some special advice on club racing!
Use it for your next race!

One! Point

1. Pre-time estimate: Estimate the time required for the entire course.
If you predict how long it will take to reach the finish line before the race, it will be easier to plan a strategy from the start to the top and bottom marks.
This time the race was short, with the top boat taking just 12 minutes.

2. Pre-start activities: When you receive the signal 5 minutes before the start, immediately run in close hold and check the position of the line and wind direction.
This time we reached the ley line after about 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Wind to the right = long starboard tack.
If the wind is blowing from the right of the mark, the starboard tack will take longer, so carefully consider your positioning and timing of the tack.

3. Start line Even start end selection.
Usually, when starting evenly, you start from the pin end (the opposite side from the headquarters boat) and tack when you touch the downwind side.
However, if you are unable to gain sufficient boat speed on a short course and there is no change in wind direction to break the overlap, it is also an effective strategy to start from the headquarters boat, which has a clear space where it is easy to tack.

4. When the shift is large, freedom after the start is key. If you find it difficult to tack in a crowded place right after the start, it will be difficult to adapt to changes in the wind.
When the wind is likely to shift from side to side, having a clear space to tack is key.
Courses closer to shore often experience more severe wind changes and shifts.
Be sure to keep track of changes in wind direction and speed not only immediately after the start, but also as you approach the upper mark.

5. Strategy is not just about the wind, but also about negotiating with rival boats. It is important to understand the fleet as a whole and your rival boats, but the positional relationship with boats of similar speed can be the deciding factor in the race.
Choose your strategy depending on the situation, such as whether to stay on the same side (course) as your opponent or deliberately go in the opposite direction.
If you check the movements of reference boats such as the RS200 or Laser, it will be easier to gauge your own course and speed.
It is difficult to follow many boats at once, so narrow down your target boats to a few.

6. In the actual race conditions, there are about 3 minutes to the mark and about 4 tacks.
The entire race took about 10 minutes over four legs. With 18 boats crowded together, rather than choosing a complicated course,
In many cases, it is more effective to simply ride while reliably adapting to shifts in wind direction.