Match Racing : Meet your Match...

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Known as the Formula 1 of Sailing, Match Racing is perhaps the oldest and most common sort of sailing races ever...and as it's name suggests, requires only 2 sail-boats that match each other's class.


In simplest of words, a match race can be described as a duel between two identically-matched boats with a winner - and a loser.

THE TRUE CHARACTER...

Match racing has its own set of rules, which are slightly different from the regular racing rules that create very close, aggressive competition in which collisions are certainly not rare.


Match racing also has on-the-water judging, with umpires doling out "instant justice" on the water.

Match racing is tremendously exciting to participate in. And, unlike watching other sailing competitions, match racing can be thrilling to watch. Before the start, the boats vie for control, circling each other and trying to wipe each other off on spectator boats in an elaborate game of cat and mouse.

COURSE & RACES

1) The match racing course resembles an oval shape with the Start/Finish line close to shore.

2) The course consists of a starting line, between two marks, laid at right angles to the wind's direction.

3) The boats begin from the starting line and sail upwind to the first mark to be rounded to the starboard (right side). The spinnakers are set, and the duel continues downwind to the second mark that is laid in close proximity to the starting line 100-meters further up the course.

4) The boats round the marks 2-3 times before the winner crosses the Finish line.

5) Series of Short and Quick races - The race spans only 15 – 20 minutes. Several such races are run with the overall winners on points graduating to the next round, and eventually to the quarter finals, semi finals and finals as per the event format.

Also, in order to viewership, lately match-races have a provision for on-board cameras and spectators.

BOATS & RULES

During the World Match Racing Tour, which is held at many cities of the world, upto 8 or 6 identically equipped and prepared one-design boats are supplied by each event. Boats range from 30 - 40 feet in length with 3 - 6 total crew members. Each day of racing crews draw for a new boat to race that day. This helps to control costs and focuses the racing on the skill and strategy of the skipper and crew.


Some of the main rules include (World Match Racing Tour) :-

1) When the wind comes across the sides of the boats in opposite direction, the boat with the wind on the left (port) side gives way to the boat with the wind on the right (starboard) side.

2) When the wind comes across the same side of the boats and there is no overlapping, the boat behind (astern) must keep clear.

3) When the wind comes across the same side of the boats and there is overlapping, the boat on the leeward (downwind) side of the other has the right-of-way.

4) Umpires follow each race and make instant penalty decisions. A boat (colour flag on back) with a penalty (colored ball on umpire boat) must do a 360-degree penalty turn before the finish.

For more information on the same visit the website of World Match Racing Tour.

STRATEGY

1) The start is critical: A 5-minute gun signals the beginning of an intricate, furious pre-match duel, with the two boats engaging in a furious one-on-one battle to gain the leading position on the race course.


2) Windward Leg: On the course the boats commence an upwind battle; the lead boat spilling turbulent air off its sails to slow the boat behind. Furious tacking is likely to ensue with the latter trying to force a crew error to rob their aggressor of the advantage.

3) The end of the first windward leg provides an opportunity for the trailing boat to seize the edge by creating an inside overlap within two lengths of the mark, forcing the lead to allow room which usually means relinquishing its place.]

4) Downwind Run: On the downwind run the trailing boat has a chance to attack from behind, positioning itself so it's spinnaker casts a wind shadow over the leader. To escape, the boat may gibe away, creating heart-pounding onboard action - and spectacular sailing - as each crew furiously swings spinnakers from side to side.


5) Dropping the Spinnaker: At the bottom mark the same overlap rules apply and the action intensifies as crews drop the spinnaker and prepare the boat for the next leg while the skipper jostles for position.

6) To the Finish: Once more around the course and the battle is over. Often the winner is not determined until the final few boat lengths.

WORLD MATCH RACING TOUR

The World Match Racing Tour is the world’s leading professional sailing series.


The 10 event series is the only global series of sailing events in the world touching 5 continents.

Featuring America’s Cup teams, skippers and world’s top sailors in the ultimate "race of truth".

Sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and one of three properties with "Special Event" status alongside the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race.

The WMRT uses the same one-on-one, match race format (course, rules, umpires) as the America's Cup. However, races take place in identical, event-supplied racing yachts for a true test of skill and teamwork. Boats range from 30-40 feet with 4-6 crew on each yacht.

Each event lasts 5 days with racing held as close to shore as possible for a unique spectator and hospitality experience.

WMRT television coverage reaches over 600 million households in 75 countries through 34 broadcasters.

THE MUMBAI INTERNATIONAL MATCH RACE

The Mumbai International Match Race organized by the Match Racing Association of India, is India's effort to take the sport of sailing to the people...


Through regular Match Racing 'Clinics' held at the Naval Sailing Club in Mumbai, there is a healthy participation continuously ringing-in.


Held successfully last year at the H2O complex off the Marine Drive promenade in Mumbai, the event is bound to be a sure-shot success this year when heats start from October, and the finals held in between 30th November to 6th December, 2008.

The event promises to be a star-studded event of both kinds - the best match-racing sailors in the world...and the who's who of the glam world.

The excitement of Formula 1...

The compact format of T-20...

The strategy of chess...

...Match Racing has it all!