Kumilähtöisiin

Kumilähtöisiin is a Finnish term that translates to "rubber start" or "rubber launch." It refers to a specific type of launch sequence used in various contexts, most commonly in competitive sailing and motorsports. The core principle of a kumilähtöisiin is that all competitors begin from a stationary or near-stationary position, and the start is triggered by a signal, often visual or auditory. Unlike a rolling start where competitors might be already moving at a moderate speed, a rubber start requires participants to accelerate from a standstill, hence the "rubber" connotation referring to tires gripping the surface or boats pushing off from a dock or line.

In sailing, a kumilähtöisiin typically means that all boats are anchored or held in place, and at the start signal, they hoist their sails and begin racing. This ensures a fair start for all competitors, as no boat gains an advantage from an early or premature departure. In motorsports, the term can describe a standing start where cars are lined up on the grid and accelerate from a complete stop. This method is common in many forms of circuit racing. The term emphasizes the initial moment of acceleration and the reliance on traction or initial propulsion to gain momentum.