The Perfect Race Start with SailPro – Step by Step Guide

Nailing the perfect start requires precision, timing, and a clear understanding of your boat’s movement. With SailPro’s advanced timing tools, you can confidently position yourself for a fast and accurate start.

🟢 Step 1 – Set Your TTD (Line Arrival Time) Location

📍 Before the 5-minute warning, sail to your preferred starting position and click the TTD button to capture your position.
⚠️ Tip: Be sure to account for your boat’s length relative to the start line to avoid crossing early.
📊 SailPro will now display:

• Distance and Time to your marked location in the bottom tile.

🟢 Step 2 – Start the Race Timer at the 5-Minute Warning

⏳ When the race committee signals the 5-minute warning, press Start on SailPro.
🎙 SailPro will now:

• Replace the Speed Tile with Line Arrival Time (LAT), giving real-time updates on whether you are Early or Late to the line.
• Provide audible LAT callouts to keep you informed.
• Silence boat speed and COG announcements to prevent confusion.

🟢 Step 3 – Sync SailPro’s Race Timer with the Committee

⏱ When the 4-minute signal (Preparatory Signal) is given, tap the Sync button on SailPro.
✅ This will automatically adjust the countdown timer to 04:00, ensuring your timer matches the race committee’s clock.
⚠️ If there was a slight delay in the initial 5-minute signal, this sync will correct it.

🟢 Step 4 – Sail Away from the Line

🌬️ Sail on a broad reach away from the line, maintaining a speed equivalent to your upwind target speed.
🛠️ This creates runway for your approach, allowing precise control of speed and timing.

🟢 Step 5 – Turn Upwind at 2 Minutes Remaining

🔄 When SailPro announces 02:00 remaining, begin turning your boat to an upwind (close-hauled) course.
⛵ Adjust this turning point based on your boat’s handling and ability to change course efficiently.

🟢 Step 6 – Sail Towards the Line, Using LAT Updates

🧭 As you approach the line, monitor LAT announcements or readouts.
📢 SailPro will call out how Early or Late you are, allowing you to fine-tune your speed.

🟢 Step 7 – Adjust Boat Speed to Hit LAT = 0

🚀 Speed up or slow down to match LAT as close to 0 as possible.
⚡ If Early, depower or slow slightly.
⏳ If Late, trim in and accelerate.

🟢 Step 8 – Countdown to the Start

🔊 When SailPro reaches your Countdown time setting, it will:

• Begin an audible countdown (10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1, GO!)
• Silence the LAT callout, allowing the helmsman to focus on boat handling and bow position relative to the start line.