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ONBOARD CARD 01 — Start to Block Island

Phase: Race start through Narragansett Bay exit, past Block Island, first 50–80 nm offshore. Typical elapsed time: 0–12 h

TL;DR

  • Clean start > optimized start — clear lane beats pin-the-line with 200 boats.
  • Pre-assign every role before the gun; everyone physically touches their lines in the final 30 min.
  • No kite in the first hour unless drilled and crew is settled.
  • TSS routing requirement per current-year SIs — confirm compliance lane before start.
  • T+4 h: lane check vs comparable boats. T+8 h: pressure parity expected by Block Island.
  • Wake Watch Captain on wind shift >15°/>20 min; Skipper on any TSS/course-rule issue.

DATA TO CHECK

Before start: - Wind: current and forecast for Narragansett Bay and RI Sound (HRRR, NAM) - Sea breeze development timing (if light air start) - OPC surface analysis — front position if W-PF analog - Block Island Sound tidal current - TSS routing requirement per current-year SIs — confirm compliance lane

First 3–6 hours offshore: - Actual wind vs forecast: is the model right? - Pressure gradient building as expected? - Which side of the fleet has more pressure?

TRIM / SAIL

Wind Sail Mode
<8 kts upwind J1 VMG — patient
<8 kts, 80–120° TWA Code 67 Light reaching (J1 if tighter)
8–14 kts upwind J1 Pointing — race hard
8–14 kts, 80–120° TWA Code 67 Prime Code 67 range
14–20 kts reaching A3 / J3 Pressure reaching
>20 kts upwind J3 / J4 Power/survival

TACTICAL OPTIONS

  1. Go with the fleet early — establish position, see who has wind, adjust
  2. Favor left (east) — southerly pressure building from east; tighter angles benefit
  3. Favor right (west) — Bermuda High fills from SW; rhumb-line boats benefit
  4. Cover the threat — if one class competitor is clearly strong, cover early

RED FLAGS

  • Wind angle 20° different from forecast at start: reassess lane immediately
  • One side of the fleet has 3+ kts more pressure: don't ignore it
  • Front timing earlier than forecast: accelerate departure tactics
  • TSS violation risk: STOP and resolve before racing further

DECISION THRESHOLD

T+4 h: If chosen lane is 15+ min behind comparable boats, consider a conservative cross to reassess.

T+8 h: Should have pressure parity with comparable boats by Block Island. If significantly behind on corrected pace, something went wrong in the first leg — review before committing to offshore strategy.