The sport of sailing is one of the oldest in the world, and for those prepared to put in the time, this uniquely exciting event can be a profitable betting medium.

Sailing is not a high-profile sport, and you won’t be able to get involved in as many markets as the average football punter. But the sport does feature one of the world’s most high-profile events: the Americas Cup. In fact, this is one of the world’s oldest sporting events, a thrilling contest between two rival sailing clubs, which is preceded by the America’s Cup World Series to choose the challenger to the America’s Cup holder. Sailing also makes the headlines during the Summer Olympics, the Vendee Globe and Ocean Race, and the World Sailing Championships.

All of these events will attract a large number of people who have rarely if ever bet on sailing before, which gives those who know the sport a natural edge.

Clubs and Sailors

Sailing is comparatively rare in that it is both a team and an individual sport. While individuals are the main focus of the sport, it is also important to know your racing clubs. The Americas Cup is contested by yachting clubs, and the best clubs will also be where many of the sport’s leading sailors learned their craft. By keeping a close eye on which clubs have the best reputation, you may be able to spot particularly talented new sailors before your rival punters.

Find the Best Bookie

As a sailing punter, unfortunately, you will find that there is a limited number of bookmakers who offer markets. But this can work to your advantage. Trying to compare the best odds on football or rugby game can take a long time, but with only a handful of bookmakers to choose from, you will soon be able to find the best price, and once you have regularly studied their markets, you will be able to get a feel for which bookmaker is adept at pricing up sailing events and which is prone to mistakes.

Know the Rules

There are few sports that are more technical than sailing. The rules associated with the technology of sailing are as complicated and ever-changing as motor racing, but if you’re going to profit from your sailing betting, you have to know the details. This means understanding the basic technology and techniques involved in every type of sailing, as well as keeping up to date with new equipment and new rules, and understanding how the handicapping system works. This means a fair amount of homework, but knowing this sport inside out will give you massive advantage as a punter.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that sailing represents a niche part of the betting world, but you don’t have to be a sailing enthusiast to make money from it. Simply by understanding how sailing works, gaining a knowledge of the rules and regulations, and getting to know the best sailors and their strengths and weaknesses, you will be way ahead of the average punter and in a position to turn sailing knowledge into profit.