MAY 30, 2017
WHO CHOSE THIS
COURSE?
My first glimpse of the harbor showed the Crows nest flag
starting to droop. While this was not an
encouraging sign, seeing boats heeling over out on the bay while exiting the
harbor was inspiring. Once again, we had
about a dozen boats out for the fun.
When we got to the start area we saw 15 knot winds with no signs of dissipation. The wind direction was from 210. We optimistically chose course W3 again:
Start, wharf, Blacks, finish.
After the 5 minute horn was given, everyone set up for their
start. It is amazing to me how every
boat seems to be getting better at starting as the season progresses. We all started on starboard tack with the
attempt to get to the wind line further out.
Some of us tacked over early for the inside track looking for the
“always present lift”. The problem
tonight was that the inside track did not live up to its name and the wind
dissipated the further we went inside. The boats that tacked out earlier to stay in the wind did
much better and Equinimity, Pacific Spirit, Makani and Perfect 36 rounded very
close to each other. The fishing boat
sitting right on the wharf mark did not help matters.
On the long run to Blacks the same boats were
leading the way as the wind seemed to be getting lighter and lighter! Who chose this course? As I looked back at the fleet, I could see
that this was going to be a long night and we had a barbecue to get to. There was no argument when I proposed calling
the race to get to the club and the barbecue.
Just as many of the boats were starting their engines, there
was an easterly building and the boats closest to Blacks actually finished the
course. Equinimity finished just ahead
of Pacific Spirit. When the race was
called it looked like Equinimity had the lead over Perfect 36, Pacific Spirit
and Makani. Pair a Dice had quite a
distance to the mark with Andiamo, Guenther on his Fin, Toad and Tara were
coming down with Nidarus II.
THE ADVANTAGE OF
QUICK DECISIONS:
Frequently in life but especially in sailing it is critical
to make a quick CORRECT decision. There
is no time for “analysis paralysis”.
Years ago, with two of us racing my boat we were in a crossing situation
where we had to duck a starboard boat. I was crewing and made novice error of
easing the jib to help duck. This
rounded our boat up at the most inopportune time with the crossing boat right
in front of us. The person on the helm
quickly turned the wheel to crash-tack and we narrowly missed the boat. We definitely fell behind with this move but
more importantly avoided collision with this quick decision.
There are many times that quick decisions need to be made
while sailing. While starting a race,
frequently boats are in close quarters and making various moves. Having alternative plans in place helps but
the helmsman must make quick decisions for the various situations that will
occur.
Even while racing, if
you are sailing into a hole (an area with less wind), the longer it takes to
decide to tack out of the hole for more wind presents a double penalty. As you slow down while entering the hole, it
will take even longer to get out of the hole.
HEADS UP:
Sailing in great wind on a gorgeous evening is incredibly
mesmerizing. While racing it is critical
for the crew to apprise the skipper of other boats. I always tell my crew to NEVER ASSUME I see
all boats, especially in the starting countdown. You should not have to, but
you should always be aware of all approaching boats, even if you are the right
of way (starboard) boat. Rule 14 in the
rule book says to avoid collision at all cost.
We will see you next Tuesday!
Barry Keeler
Sailing Pair A Dice
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