What smart sailors do in the 5 minutes before the start

The 5 minutes before the start—they feel like a blur of jostling boats and some shouting going on between boats. But for smart sailors, they are golden.

What you do in that window doesn’t just set up your start—it defines your whole first beat. Here’s how to use those 300 seconds like a pro.

5:00 – Scan, Decide, Position

This is the moment to reset, breathe, and zoom out.

• Consolidate where the is pressure building?

• Which end of the line looks better—based on angle, pressure, and bias?

• Where don’t you want to be?

Set your inital plan. Not just where you want to start, but why. Remember: you're not guessing—you're reading.

Coach's Insight: If you can’t explain why you’re starting where you are, it’s not a plan. It’s a hope.

4:00 – Practice & Probe

Now’s your chance to physically test your idea.

• Do a time-on-distance run to your chosen spot. Can you hit the line from here?

• Duck in behind the fleet—who’s defending that end? Will you need to fight for space?

• Get a feel for how much room you’ll need to accelerate.

It’s not about drifting. It’s about confirming your strategy with motion, not theory.

Bonus: If conditions are shifting fast, now’s the time to adapt.

1:00 – Commit & Protect

You’re entering the final minute. The key now is clarity.

• Make small moves to protect your space.

• Keep an eye out for new pressure rolling in—can you adjust your timing?

• Stay calm. You’ve done your prep. React only when necessary.

Bonus: Rushed sailors flap. Smart sailors settle.

A good start is rarely lucky—it’s built step-by-step in those final sequence. The more intentional you are, the more consistent you’ll become.