Time the line. One of the four things to check before each start. Not only will it give you a good idea about how to get to the other end if the wind changes, but a feel for how much distance you go in a certain time and how to position yourself with the rest of the fleet. Sail other little distances and guess how much time and then check it. Dennis Conner was always guessing and checking time and distance.
Try it. Everyone needs better starts.
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Timing the line has become my foundation for great starts. It's the first thing I do. Next in order: check the current—I set up by the committee boat and time 30 seconds while luffing. This gives me a great indication of my drift and distance travelled. Finally a line site because it stinks when you have a great set-up but you're over because you didn't site the line.
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