CATALINA SAILBOATS RACING ON MONTEREY BAY ON TUESDAY NIGHTS

June 17, 2014

TACTICS OR STRATEGY

It really doesn’t get better than this.  A beautiful warm evening with a nice Easterly blowing 10 knots with signs of increasing with time.  As I looked over the course chart for an acceptable course to run, nothing seemed to fit. We needed a course that stayed close to the beach for the building Easterly, but without a long downwind slog against the waves.  We decided on a course that was not on the chart.  Start to Blacks,  then to GOV then finish at the start mark.  The boats seemed to be streaming out of the harbor nonstop until we had about 10-12 boats.  We decided on a start time of 6:10 and everyone started their starting routine.

By the time of the start, most of the boats were on the line right on time.  On Pair A Dice, we were in a position to windward of Diver Down and to Leeward of TOAD and Pacific Spirit.  Diver Down, Pacific Spirit and Toad seemed to cross the line in unison and Pair a Dice fell in right behind Toad right at the mark.  We immediately tightened our sails for sailing hard on the wind, attempting to climb above Toad and Pacific Spirit.  It was a straight beat to the mark and everyone made it without having to tack.  It was a beautiful sight to see all of the boats rounding blacks nearly at once.  All the boats were then on a run to Gov attempting to out maneuver the competitors.  On Pair a Dice we deployed our whisker pole and started working our way through the pack.   One by one we passed each boat.  Since we were finally in the lead, valiant attempts were made by several boats to steal or wind and slow us down. By the time we got to Gov, we had a good lead on the whole fleet.

As we rounded Gov, the decision had to be made, inside or outside.  We felt with a building Easterly that there would be more wind toward the beach and tacked over soon after rounding Gov.  The boats that went outside made the correct decision as the wind filled in from the outside.  On the first crossing, Homer on Blue Ribbon passed us and we passed in front of Diver Down and Pacific Spirit.  By the second crossing Diver down crossed in front of us.  Homer’s Blue Ribbon was first with Diver Down being the first Catalina and Pair a Dice next then Pacific Spirit and Aeolian.  It was great seeing all of the boats crossing the line right after each other.  Ultimately, the boats that went outside got the better wind and generally did better, demonstrating that  it’s correct strategic decisions  that often determines the winners.

We had a great meeting over dinner at Johnnies with over 20 people showing up.  A perfect end to the night of sailing, discussing tactics and boating in a casual atmosphere.

Darn Sailing Rules:

Racing sailboats has many components: boat speed, strategy (which part of the course has the most wind) and tactics (using the rules of racing to out fox competitors).   In order to race fairly, rules should be known and followed.  While rules are in effect at all times, there are two main times when following rules is critical because boats are in such close proximity:  At the start and rounding marks. At starts the rules that apply are the section A rules which define right of way.  Rule 11 states: Boats on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat.  This means a leeward boat can legally luff up a windward boat, making them cross the line before the start or crowd out a boat attempting to clear an end of the start line.  This makes it unwise to approach an end to the line if other boats are to your leeward.  The boat to leeward will hail “You are BARGING –NO ROOM”.  We have all tried barging, and when caught barging, your only option is to turn short of the pin end, jibe around and start after everyone is clear.  Of course none of us wants to wreck our boat; so  sometimes, boats will allow a barging boat room especially in beer can races.  Barging is not following the rules and will leave you in a vulnerable position that leaves you in poor position or worse a damaged boat.

 It is important to distinguish that a start is not rounding a mark!  Rule 18 governs mark roundings and does entitle boats to mark room in certain situations.  There is no such thing as mark room on a start line unless there are obstructions such as a pier.

You can learn about Rules by reading the rules book or sailing magazines.  There are many books and DVD’s that illustrate and teach rules. All skippers should become familiar with rules and abide by them. As a bonus, knowing the rules also makes watching regattas such as the Americas Cup much more fun! 

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NOTE: NEXT TUESDAY IS BARBECUE NIGHT AT THE YACHT CLUB.  BRING YOUR OWN FAVORITE FOOD FOR GRILLING. 

Looking forward to seeing you next Tuesday!

Barry

Sailing Pair A Dice