TUESDAY
MAY 27, 2014
A QUARTER IN THE WIND
MACHINE
As we left the harbor, it looked as though we were in for a
major float-fest with the boats floating listlessly around the start buoy. We made our way out wondering: will we be
racing or bobbing? By the time most of
the boats got out, the wind seemed to be gradually increasing. We gave a 10 minute count down and used
course 12A, our shortest course for an easterly breeze. Our usual routine of watching the wind die
during the countdown was reversed, as the wind continued to build during the
count. By the time of the start, we had
8-10 knots of wind.
Sailing Pair A Dice wanted to start right at the pin and
achieved this goal, but were stuck right behind Peter and his C&C 29. Somehow, we were able to head a little higher
and crept up on his starboard side.
Being the leeward boat, he used his luffing rights and tried to pinch us
up. By the time we reached Blacks, we
rounded right behind the C&C, but passed them on the leg to start. About this time we all agreed to make the
race two laps rather than the one.
Homer, who had been close to us passed us on our way to start, so start
was rounded first by Iris then Blue Ribbon then Pair a Dice. Since both Iris and Blue Ribbon had to tack
to make Blacks the first time around, they rounded start and sailed up on port
for a while before tacking over toward Blacks. Pair a Dice tacked immediately
and headed straight for Blacks extending our lead. We were first back to start followed by Blue
Ribbon and Iris. Meanwhile Pacific Spirit and the C&C 29
were battling it out with Pacific Spirit finally prevailing. Just as the last boat crossed the finish
line, the wind died once again. It was
as if someone had put a quarter in the wind machine and had purchased just
enough wind for the race.
After the race, we had a great turnout up at the yacht
club. It was a great end to a beautiful
evening of racing and sailing
The Captain and the Crew:
The dynamic between the captain and the crew is critical for
success. Success can be a pleasant sail
or a properly sailed race. A good captain cannot win races alone and an
excellent crew cannot either. I once
asked a top racer in the club what was the key to winning races? His answer was a crew that works well together!
What qualities about a boat, its captain and crew make you
look forward to your next sail? I think
qualities that are desirable in both captain and crew are a continuing interest
in learning more about sailing.
Additionally, the captain or owner is responsible for the safety of everyone
on board, making certain crew has PFD’s on and nothing dangerous is going on. Additionally, I think the owner is
responsible for improvements and upgrades on the boat and making certain all is
working. I would propose that the captains
demeanor is maybe a little more critical than that of the crew. There should never be any cursing or yelling
between the crew members. Everyone
should check their egos on the dock. Sailboats are too small to contain big
egos!
As a crew member, how can you make yourself a desired asset
on a boat? In addition to the points
above, I think one thing that is desirable is for the crew to pay attention to
everything! Many crew members become
good friends and it is only natural to catch up on old times. Cementing old friendships is a wonderful
thing if you can trim sails while talking.
If you are a sail trimmer, always check to be sure sails are trimmed
properly. Frequently, captains will have
to drive up or down for tactical reasons or changes in wind direction. As a trimmer you can help immensely by
keeping the sails in trim for these transitions. Frequently jib sail trimmers, not on their
game, will round the windward mark and cinch the sail in tight when the boat is
on a broad reach.
As a boat owner I have observed that people that have a
special talent, such as: excellent main sail trimmer, Jib trimmer, know rules
and tactics, have strength and speed when needed, are always in demand. People that show up on time and help get the
boat ready for the sail are also in demand.
As far as learning, I subscribe to almost every sailing
magazine (I'm kind of a nut in this respect). There are two publications
that every racer should subscribe to: “Speed and Smarts” by Dave Dillenbeck
(quarterly) and “Sailing World”. Both of
these cover rules and tactics extensively in every issue. Reading is a great way to improve your
sailing!
Please comment below: what qualities do you look for in captain and crew? Also, any books or publications that you have found to be helpful can be mentioned.
_/) _/) _/) _/) _/)I was lucky to help out with the 505 regatta this last weekend and got some great pics of these red hot sailors. Enjoy
Do you know the mark-rounding rules?
Well written; and some really great pics also. I would say some good Captain qualities would include an individual who was excellent at helping his team stay focused on the task at hand. Someone who is quick with praise and constructive input alike. An individual who is able to see the big picture while, at the same time, is able to participate and understand all of the fine tune nuances necessary for optimal racing. The Captain with the best qualities will be in a position to maintain good comradery among the crew, while at the same time, assuring that all members are competent in their position and performing at the top of their game throughout the entire race. Hmmmm, sounds like being a captain and managing a business may have something in common.
ReplyDeleteSteve