In starting every caution must be exercised to avoid fouling other yachts ; but frequently a foul cannot very well be avoided if a yacht has no way on, and is simply moving with the tide ; but if the vessel has gathered way she is under control, and no foul should take place.
In an under-way start: great care must be exercised that no part of a yacht (her bowsprit, booms, and sails included) is on the line before the signal to start. The strength of the tide and the wind should be so well judged that the yacht can, with full way on, go over the line at the very moment the blue peter is lowered and the gun fired. In all cases the master should strive for a weather berth, especially so if the start is for a thrash to windward. If the yacht is a little too early she must be stopped : yaw her about ; haul the foresail up to windward ; haul the main boom in ; or if the vessel is by the wind it can be run well off her quarter—this only if there be plenty of help to get it in again. In extreme cases the yacht can be put about, but she should not wear unless there be a lot of time, as it will take her right away to leeward.
If the yacht is on the wrong side of the line when the gun fires she must be careful to keep clear of all yachts that are crossing or have crossed the line properly ; so also must it be recollected that in under-way starts all yachts are amenable to the sailing rules directly the preparatory (five minutes) gun has been fired ; and one of the rules is that yachts coming into position from the wrong side of the line after the signal to start must keep clear of yachts which are starting or have started properly.
Whether the start be from moorings or under way the master should, to the best of his judgment, get the exact canvas up at first that can be carried ; and if it is a case of reefing, always remember that it is a great deal easier to let a reef out than take one in.
If it is to be a start before the wind, a reef may be required when the yachts draw on the wind ; in such cases the practice is to start with a reef down and jib-headed topsail over it ; then when the yacht is brought by the wind the topmast is housed, or got on deck if the rigging is fitted on a funnel).