Why match race?

If you are a seasoned sailor with a solid dinghy background you might be wondering about this blog. Why sail a match race? Fleet racing is much mor fun you might say...Well, I would agree as my own sailing experience is mostly in fleet racing. But, there are few features of match racing that are highly preferable. First, events are much shorter. If you want to do a real competitive fleet regatta such as the Hyeres Olympique or Kieler Woche, you have to take at least a week off of work, whereas you can have almost the same kind of competitiveness at a weekend-long match racing event. Second, you don't have to worry about finding a rental boat or transport your own. All will be there at a match racing event. You will just have to change and go out sailing! Finally, match racing will give you a much different excitement then you find in fleet racing. There is much less room for correcting errors then in fleet race, things happen much faster (especially during pre-start) and rules are actively used for tactical purposes. It will be a different sailing experience.

Both fleet racing and match racing are highly likeable sports, each having their own exciting features. Ideally, one should be able to do both given that one has enough time. But, if you are pressed with time, find it hard to own or care for a boat, or want to stay at the top of the game despite decreasing physical fitness, then match racing might be the right choice for you.