World Match Racing Tour. ALPARI

The start is critical
4-minutes before the start the boats enter the starting area and begin an intricate, furious pre-start duel, with the two boats engaging in a furious one-on-one battle to gain the controlling position on the race course. At the starting signal the boats will cross the start line and begin the first windward leg to the windward mark.

Windward Leg
On the course the boats commence an upwind battle; the lead boat will try to position themselves between the other boat and the windward mark and spill turbulent air from their sails onto them to slow the boat behind. A furious tacking duel may to ensue with the latter trying to force a crew error to rob their aggressor of the advantage.

The end of the first windward leg provides an opportunity for the trailing boat to seize the edge by trying to create an inside overlap at the mark, forcing the leader to give room which usually means relinquishing their lead.

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 ahead may gybe away, creating heart-pounding onboard action - and spectacular sailing - as each crew manoeuvres furiously to attack and defend.

Dropping the Spinnaker
At the leeward mark the same overlap rules apply and the action intensifies as crews drop their spinnakers and prepare the boat for the next windward leg while the skippers jostle for the best position around the mark.

To the Finish
The race will last two or sometimes three laps before the boats head for the finish line (same as the start line) where the battle ends. Often the race will go all the way to the line with neither boat giving up until the winners coloured flag (blue or yellow) is flown from the signal boat.