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