In his book "Die Geometrie des Regattasegelns" ("The Geometry of Regatta Sailing" – available only in the German language), published in July 2017, Tilo Schnekenburger acknowledged the quality of the "Tactical Sailing" software and described it as being "a decidedly useful teaching and learning aid, ... with its help, as well as the virtual "Regatta Sailing", the "Coach's Toolbox" module shows the visualisation and calculation of a "wide variety of tactical situations becoming outstandingly possible".

The aim and method that Tilo Schnekenburger conveys by using geometry as an academic approach to sailing, is made more comprehensible on knowing why he developed his "geometrical tools". Not only is he a successful regatta sailor but also a lecturer of mathematics! Every professional sailor can use his "geometrical tools" as a basis for his or her personal strategy and tactics.

His "Long Leg" tool geometrically illustrates a clear definition of the "long leg" being a calculable shortcut. New mathematical findings regarding the "Switch point" explain that the long leg could become the short leg and, in addition, there can also be a "long leg trap". With the "Risk Management" tool, Tilo has approached another complicated subject, essential in the "Tactical Sailing Toolbox". Here, specific simulations have been included for the tacking angle and the downwind course in "Reward and Risk" as well as "Gain and Loss".

Tilo Schnekenburger has been sailing from a very early age. At the beginning of 1970s he started with windsurfing. During this time he took part in many world championships, was also European Champion and many times German and Swiss Champion. Since 1981 he has been in charge of varying assignments for the "Regional Sailing Association" in Baden Württemberg. Over many years he was responsible for the fitness training and competition scheduling for young sailors and surfers for the Regional League. As discipline coach for wind surfers in Baden Württemberg, he made it possible for the surfers Matthias Bornhäuser and Toni Wilhelm to qualify for the Olympic Games.
Even in his early years as regatta surfer, he was known as the "Tactical Fox from the Bodensee"! After finishing his professional career, he finally found time to bring his geometrical passion for "strategy and tactics in sailing", at last to paper. "Die Geometrie des Regattasegelns" is available in German as a Paperback and e-book in Shop Geometrical Tools for strategy and tactics in regatta sailing.

Geometrical Tools for strategy and tactics in regatta sailing. In regatta sailing many factors, such as lay lines, bearing angles, shifting winds, distances, or a close hold, can all play a deciding role for reaching the finish line first. Here geometry plays a significant part in strategy and tactics for sailing, thus making it essential for successful regatta sailors to understand the geometrical connection. In his book, Tilo describes the relevant tools needed for a sailor to geometrically analyse a regatta situation.

www.bod.de/buchshop/die-geometrie-des-regattasegelns-tilo-schnekenburger

"Sail the long leg first" - this rule of thumb for sailing certainly knows every regatta sailor from its earliest beginnings. It seems to be one of the simplest strategic rules, compliance with which, according to several tactical books, should open up more chances than sailing the short leg first. Explanations see: Tilo Schnekenburger www.schnekenburger.click.

See following examples as video clips on You Tube:

A) Oscillating wind: In the video clip 1, the green boat shows three "switch points", where the bearing angle is then 45 °. With a wind turn (+/- 15 °) the green boat turns on the "long leg".
B) Permanent shifting wind on one side: In the video clip 2 the green boat shows two "switch points", where the bearing angle is then 45 °. However, it is not sure if the wind will continue to turn in the same direction. The green boat turns to the middle of the field, where it has more freedom to decide on further wind turns.