An alternative to conventional launch procedures such as the classic line launch or the kangaroo launch is the so-called gate launch, also known as the pathfinder launch. What makes it special: There is no need for a starting boat, a race committee or a laid-out line.
For an uninvolved observer, it is almost impossible to recognise that it is a race if there are only a few starters. So if you don't want to miss out on racing at the moment, you can use this method to easily meet up with a few like-minded people on the water for training.
The gate start is actually often used when there is no coach boat available or there is no possibility of laying out a line. In the 505 dinghy, it is even the standard starting procedure. Up to 180 boats can sail in one race at world championships, which would hardly be possible with a line start. Other classes divide their huge starting fields into several groups for this reason.
You can read about how the gate start works, what tactical considerations are necessary and how to determine the winner in boats of different types in the current issue of YACHT 13/2020, available from 10 June at newsagents or here as a print or digital edition.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
