MAY 23, 2017: GLORIOUS SAIL

MAY 23, 2017

GLORIOUS SAIL

It was a beautiful evening in the harbor.  There was a steady northwestern breeze blowing and we had enough crew to share with other boats that were shorthanded.  We left the harbor around 5:30 and there were already a half dozen boats out with even more coming down the harbor to join.  After seeing that the wind was coming from the northwest with a little south in it, we decided on course W3: Start, Wharf, Blacks and finish. By the time of the start, we had 12 boats on the line.  We gave the 5 minute horn and set up for our start.

As is usual for any start, we could not predict the actions of every boat.   Some unexpected moves were made by some boats, we compensated and quickly tacked over to port tack right after crossing the line.  We barely cleared a couple of starboard tack boats and were sailing toward the wharf in a steady 13-15 knots of breeze.  As we approached Gov and the wharf, we noticed we were getting lifted so sailed further.  Finally our estimate of the lay line for wharf mark was a little off and we had to tack to get around the mark.  Perfect 36 was sailing hot on our tails the whole way and rounded just behind us as we all headed toward the next mark; Blacks.

On the way to blacks we went inside to take advantage of the lift on the way toward Gov. Perfect 36 sailed a line that was a little further out than us and Kicks sailed outside, presumably looking for more wind.  We finally jibed our whisker pole to sail directly to Blacks and everyone was sailing toward the mark.  We cleared the mark and sailed directly outside for more wind.  We sailed to the lay line for the start mark and tacked over.  The boats filed through in this order:  Pair A Dice (time 0)  Kicks 1:30 after us, Perfect 36 (2:03), Pacific Spirit (4:28) Fin (dinghy sailed by Guenther 5:50), Sea Quake (6:45), Aeolian (6:56), Odonata (7:21), Aila (Beneteau 36 8:06), Andiamo 9:12, Tara 10:13 and Nola II (Catalina 34-11:41).

We had a great dinner at the Crow’s nest where there was much discussion on tactics and how to sail boats better. 

Headers and Lifts:

On the way to Gov we noticed a lift which we sailed further to take advantage.  When sailing to weather a lift will let you sail closer to your destination, so you want to sail into lifts.  When sailing downwind you are looking for headers that will let you sail closer to your downwind destination.  We sailed inside looking for the lift we used on the way out which would turn into a header on the way back. 

Correct start times:

We try to sail and set starts by GPS time.  On this night I was a few seconds off of GPS time, though we did go by the 5 minute horn we blew over the radio.  I will do better in the future, setting my watch so it is correct GPS time and more correct for the start.

At the crows nest, Homer was giving some tips on sail trim. In jest I  told him he was talking too loud!   In my opinion, this is what Tuesday nights are all about: Improving our sailing abilities!  I love that we can go out and sail against each other and trade stories and tips while eating dinner.  We have amassed some incredible talent in our group.  Sailors are always free with advice and tips.  Take advantage of this opportunity to improve your skills.  Arrange to have one of the many talented sailors in our group sail on your boat with you.  I guarantee, you will learn a lot!

NEXT TUESDAY IS CATALINA TUESDAY BARBECUE NIGHT:  BRING YOU FAVORITE FOOD TO GRILL AT THE CLUB.  THE BAR AND CLUB WILL BE OPEN.

I am looking forward to next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

MAY 16, 2017: SEASONAL WINDS

MAY 16, 2017

SEASONAL WINDS

The flag on the Crows Nest was as stiff as a board showing a strong northwestern breeze with no sign of lightening.  As we approached the start area. We saw winds approaching 20 knots.  We immediately put in a reef so we could control the boat.  We called for Whiskey 1: start to wharf, mile blacks start and gave a 5 minute horn.

As usual, Pacific Spirit and Equinamity were first off the line.  Pair A dice and Kicks came off the line at the same time, near the pin.  We all tacked over soon for the inside run toward the pier.  When Pacific Spirit and Equinamity tacked over, Pacific Spirit had us clear but rather than duck, we tried to tack on top of them attempting a lee-bow but were unsuccessful in getting close enough to affect their wind.  The tacking duel to Wharf was on with no drop in the amount of wind.  Early in the race we had to duck Perfect 36, but as we approached wharf, they had to duck us.  This was turning out to be a close race!

Perfect 36 and Equinamity were first around Wharf followed by Pair A Dice and Perfect 36.  Perfect 36 was slowly closing the gap on us toward Mile but we were able to round just ahead of them.  We then had the long slog down to Blacks.  At Blacks, Pacific Spirit and Perfect 36 rounded first followed by Equinamity and Pair A Dice. 

At the finish it was Pacific Spirit, Perfect 36, Equinamity, Pair A Dice, Kicks, Odonata, Aeolian and Tessa. Andiamo had to drop out due to a blown jib L.

We had a great dinner at the Crow’s nest with the crew of Perfect 36 showing up for the festivities!

To Reef or not to reef?

We all know our boats and when they should be reefed.  Larger boats seem to stand bigger winds without reefing.  On Pair A Dice, with a 135 jib, we like to reef with anything over 25 knots.  I learned a long time ago that being in control and being able to point better is a distinct advantage.  It does no good to slip sideways away from your destination.  Homer talks about being able to not reef and run the jib sheet out onto the rail rather than inboard.  I have yet to try this.

OTHER REGATTAS:

This Sunday, the 21^st will be the second of the SCYC score series.  Nobody took a score on the first race so the score is even.  All you need is a PHRF certificate and entry fee to take part in this official race with committee boats and the whole thing.  We have all learned a lot about sailing and racing.  It may be time to up the ante and take part in a real race. We have 3 boats very interested in entering.  It would be great to get Pacific Spirit out also!  I hope to see you out there.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you next Tuesday if not before (at the SCORE race on Sunday).

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A DIce

MAY 9, 2017: POSITIONING FROM BEHIND

MAY 9, 2017

POSITIONING FROM BEHIND

As I approached the harbor, I got excited as I saw the flag flying briskly from a strong Easterly breeze.  We got our crew sorted out again and headed out.  We decided on course B4 to keep us inside where the Easterly would not die.  There was talk of a transition zone right at the start buoy, but we started the 5 minute count down anyway.  As can be expected, the wind started dying as soon as we blew the horn.

Any start in light wind is challenging and this night was no exception.  Somehow, Equinamity and Pacific Spirit had a great start  and were charging off for Blacks moving into an increasing wind as they approached the mark. At the mark Pacific Spirit and Equinamity rounded very close to each other with Perfect 36 and Rosie right behind. After we all got around Blacks the wind seemed to be getting better as we sailed to Gov. 

  Pacific Spirit and Equinamity and Perfect 36 had built up quite a lead by this time.  But wait!  There was a hole (an area of no wind) right at Gov and all of the boats were compressing with the leaders.  Pair A Dice rounded with the leaders and started back to start mark.   Pacific Spirit and Equinamity still had quite a lead on us as we all trudged to the finish mark.

While Pacific Spirit and Equinamity tangled with each other trying to steal each other’s wind, we sailed further out and Pair A Dice rounded Start first with Equinamity and Pacific Spirit following. Aeolian, Perfect 36 finished.  Andiamo edged out Rosie at the finish, followed by Kicks.  Right after we finished the race, the wind filled in with 15 knots of northwesterly breeze for a wonderful sail.

PAYING ATTENTION:

We all love to sail!  It is hard to concentrate on racing when nature is displayed so beautifully around us.  Paying attention to every detail helps to improve your standings.  On this night, we were way behind the leaders. I was settling in enjoying the sail and the evening (and accepting our position), when the skipper snapped me out of it with “what is happening at Gov?”  I looked and there was obviously a hole at Gov.  We noticed that there was a little more wind outside of the mark so we sailed high of the mark and used the waves to keep our momentum around the mark.  There is no way to predict that a hole will develop, but you can see the hole if other boats ahead have sailed into it.  Always avoid sailing into a “no wind” area, it could turn into a “no win” situation!  On the way back to start we could see that there was a little more wind further outside.  Though it was a little further to sail than Equinamity and Pacific Spirit were sailing we went for the more wind outside and prevailed.

The skipper can only do so much. A lot of winning depends on the crew paying attention.  If a boat is attempting to roll you to windward, apprise the skipper of the situation! Are all the telltales flowing as they should? What is happening with the other boats?   How did they set their sail on the downwind leg?  How is this working out for them?  Where is the wind the most? Are your Outhaul, Vang, Backstay, Cunningham, Fairleads all set appropriately? As each of these are adjusted, check the results on your boat speed by checking your GPS (assuming the wind is consistent).  There are a multitude of fine tuning adjustments that can be made on a boat that if done correctly can make a difference in the results of the race.

Looking forward to next Tuesday!

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

May 2, 2017: Inside, Outside

MAY 2, 2017

INSIDE, OUTSIDE

When I approached the harbor I could see that an easterly wind was working very well.  Once crew issues were sorted out, we headed out and the prediction was that the wind would not die so we chose the longest East wind course: Start, Blacks, Mile, Gov and finish at start.  We gave a 5 minutes to start horn and everyone set up for their start.

There were several boats that were early to the line and had to run the line to not be OCS.  Hats off to our vice commodore, Joe Altmann on Rosie for being closest to the pin and an excellent start. Pair A Dice was leeward of Pacific Spirit and Homer was also out in front.  Getting bad wind, we could not point very well and had to tack over to round Blacks.  Kicks was sailing directly to the mark in clear wind.  Equinamity and Pacific Spirit were first around Blacks followed quickly by Kicks and Pair a Dice.

On the long slog to mile, most boats were bucking waves which were directly on the bow.  On Pair A Dice we set the pole and tried sailing slightly below the line to Mile. As I observed the boats with waves on their bow, it was apparent that lighter boats took waves better than heavier boat.  Lighter boat glided up and over waves while heavier boats were at a stand-still.   At mile Equinamity and Pacific Spirit rounded very close to each other.  It was a relief to be on a better point of sail toward Gov.

 

By the time Equinamity rounded Gov they had quite a lead on Pacific Spirit and the rest of us.  On the way to Gov, Pair a Dice was slowly closing the gap with Pacific Spirit.  As soon as Equinamity rounded Gov, they headed outside thinking more wind was outside.  Pacific Spirit headed further in toward the beach, as we did.  “How far shall we go in?” someone queried on Pair a Dice.  “Clear to the rocks” was the reply from the helmsman.  We all tried different tactics to find more wind.  As it turns out the boats that stayed inside found more wind than the ones that stayed outside. At the finish it was Pacific Spirit, Equinamity, Pair A Dice, Nidaris (Santana 30), Perfect 36, Kicks and Aeolian.

Dealing with waves:

Waves are a fact of life in Santa Cruz.  How you deal with them has a direct effect on your performance.  When Pair A Dice took a lower line than the other boats, we were thinking of improving our performance by using our whisker pole.  We may have done better on this point of sail by taking the wave at a different angle.

Finding the wind:

On this night there were huge gains made by reading the wind correctly.  We are sail boats: it is critical to be in the most wind available. How do you tell where the most wind is?  You can always look at the surface of the water looking for darker water.  You can observe how the flags are flying on the Crows Nest and casino and the wharf. As far as direction of the wind (are we headed for a header or a lift), you can look at anchored boats which are always pointed directly into the wind, unless strong currents are at play.

See you on Tuesday for another night of fun.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice.