1. Use a compass before the race to determine the favored gate mark.2. Sail to the mark that appears bigger. It’s farther upwind and closer to you. 3. Round toward the correct side of the beat.4. If in doubt, round the left gate. You’ll be on starboard when you tack to clear out.5. If there’s traffic at the favored mark, consider the opposite mark.6. Get the leader to question his choice of mark.7. Be ready to change your choice of mark at the last moment.8. At the mark, slow down to create space between you and the boat that rounded ahead.
