The Gate

An alternative for starting sailing races - a gate start rather than a starting line.

The boat in the picture (1947), known as the 'pathfinder' is sailing along upwind on port tack. She's protected from other competitors crashing into her by the two motorboats (not always successfully...) and the rest of the fleet start the race by passing behind the white motorboat on starboard tack.

The reward for having no choice on where to start (the pathfinder will automatically end up on the right hand side of the fleet when she is 'released' from her duties) is a two boat length head start on everyone else.

We managed a good start here, fast and clear of other boats and finished up in the top 20 in both races - not bad for no practice whatsoever...