AUGUST 21, 2018 COLD AUGUST NIGHT

August 21, 2018

COLD AUGUST NIGHT

I was at the harbor all day working on my boat and as the afternoon progressed, the wind seemed to be increasing.  I was really thinking that we would have to change the jib from 155 to 135 with this much wind.  As 5pm arrived, the wind seemed to dissipate and we opted to stay with the 155.  As we left the harbor, there seemed to be 10-12 knot winds steadily from the Northwest.   There were already 6-7 boats out and 3 other boats following us.  We set the mark relatively square to the wind, called course W2 and gave a 5 minute horn.

After calling such a long, ambitious course, my heart sank as the 5 minute countdown started and the wind seemed to dissipate from 10 knots down to 7.5 knots.  Pair a Dice set up for a starboard tack start at the red buoy end of the line and was a little late for the start.  One by one, each boat found they were not making much headway against the waves which were right on our bow.  With these waves we just weren’t able to build up speed.  We all tacked over to take the waves on the beam rather than the bow.  Avatar, Patricia J and Pacific Spirit were the first around Wharf, then off to Mile.  On the way to Mile Pair A Dice closed much of the gap between Pacific Spirit and Patricia J.  Pair A Dice camped right on the stern corner of Pacific Spirit on the way to Gov and the run to the finish mark.

 

At the finish, it was Avatar (55:20), Patricia J (56:25), Pacific Spirit (57:42, Pair A Dice (58:00), Perfect 36 (59:44), Kicks (1:01:29), Aeolian (1:02:20) and Rosie (1:04:11). All times are elapsed and course length was 3.93 miles.

ROUNDING MARKS:

In the last several weeks, some of us have had trouble rounding some marks.  The problems can involve such issues as claiming inside overlap, taking advantage of it, getting headed at the last moment and not being able to round the mark.  We have all been in these predicaments.  Getting into a predicament is one thing, knowing how to efficiently get out of it is another thing completely. 

Always keep in mind that you MUST be on your layline to the mark.  If you must pinch to make the mark, this will be compounded by other boats rounding ahead of you.  There may be headers and even currents working against your efforts to round the mark.  If in claiming inside overlap, you must pinch to make the mark, keep in mind if your jib gets back-winded, it will not only slow you even more but may make it impossible to control your boat.  Once your boat goes through the eye of the wind and your jib is back-winded, you no longer have inside overlap rights and must yield to other boats.  In order to avoid losing control when sailing in close quarters in situations like this, your crew must loosen the jib the moment you pass through the eye of the wind to prevent sideways movement.

What about that nasty header that stops you dead in your tracks with the mark right on your bow?  This is very frustrating and we have all been there!  The problem often is caused by trying to estimate the layline from too far away and hoping, praying and willing a lift to get you around the mark. The collective willing of everyone on the boat will not allow you to sail directly into the wind!  To compound this issue, there are often boats close at hand to prevent you from doing what you want to do: tack, jibe or anything to get out of your predicament.  In these situations, quick, decisive action can frequently help your situation.  It is no time for analysis paralysis.

One thing that I like to do is always tack over on the lay-line just outside the 3 boat length zone.  This allows a close approximation of the lay-line.   Keep in mind if you enter the zone and must tack within the zone, you must yield to other boats (you have given up your rights claimed by being the first in the zone with inside overlap).  In these situations, Starboard versus tack rules prevail for right of way.  Tacking outside of the 3 boat zone prevents this predicament.

OTHER REGATTAS:

The first of the fall score series is this Sunday.  These are always fun regattas with several days to compete and improve your sailing and racing skills even more.

NEXT TUESDAY IS THE LAST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH AND BARBECUE AT SCYC.  ALWAYS A FUN EVENT.  PLEASE BRING YOUR FAVORITE GRILLING FOOD.  THE BAR WILL BE OPEN!

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice