On Thursday, November 15, 2012 5:15:05 PM UTC-5, Simon Taylor wrote:
As I understand it, a 'regatta start' is where the start line opens at a specific time and pilots are effectively penalised for starting before or after this instant. If this interpretation is right, what methods are used by pilots to estimate their arrival time, and what maneuvers are used to delay arrival?

You need to start after the task opens. Orbiting close to the line, assuming lift reasonably close, should make it not too hard. Since a circle only takes about 20 seconds, timing isn't so hard.
What is hard is starting so you line up the lift on course.
These aren't big, hard to turn sailboats.
FWIW
UH