Good Starting on a Foiling Moth
May 2005

Clear air and foiling off the line is priority no 1. It doesn't even matter if you are going to the wrong side of the course, as you can always make this up with good speed.

If you have to, hang back near the boat to windward and at 30 secs to go, see if there is any mid line sag, if there is, charge for it aiming to get there at max speed when the gun goes.

Good start off the line by all five foilers here. The boat
end was favoured as you can see, but clear air and
speed is more important than getting the right end
of the start line.

You also got to get a good transit, but even better still know when you are the line even without a transit.

If the hole closes up and you have to stop suddenly, simply lean back to get air and stall the foils. The boat will stop instantly.

You should still have clear air if you point up at the same time so if anyone is above you, they will have to keep clear, plus you will also have room to bear away to get foiling again.

Otherwise, start on port near the boat if you can. Just charge up the back of the fleet on port and look for a hole.

But generally the safest option is to start at the pin end (if you can get it).

However even if you have a bad start, not foiling and wrong end, just tack off and get clear air with max speed the whole time. You'll be up in the front pack in no time.