APRIL 27, 2021 FLUKEY WIND

 

APRIL 27, 2021

FLUKEY WIND

Since Pair A Dice is temporarily  out of commission, I sailed on Kicks tonight.  Thanks to Todd and the crew for accommodating me in handling the line mark.  As we left the harbor at 5:30, the Easterly was blowing strong enough to consider a moderate course.  We got to the start mark and determined the wind was from 130.  Normally we like to set the mark square to the wind, but at this wind direction, doing this would have had one end of the line closer to Blacks so we split the difference with a line not square to the wind.  I considered course B4, but as we got closer to the 6pm start the wind was dropping quickly and I changed course to B6 (twice around Blacks) with the option to shorten course.  We gave a 5 minute horn over the radio.

On Kicks, setting up for the start was not an option.  We were stuck in a transition zone with the boat not moving at all.  We couldn’t even use the waves to our advantage.  We were over 5 minutes late to the start line along with some other boats.  This creates problems with Race QS because when boats are over 5 minutes late, it does not record as a race with the software.  We watched with envy as we saw several boats charging toward Black in the stronger Easterly between start and Blacks.  Just before the first boats rounded Blacks, I shortened the course to once around Blacks.  Several boats retired and headed for the harbor.

At the finish line, New Wave was first 34:05, followed by Guenther on his Finn 41:00, Avatar 45:01, Pacific Spirit 50:50, Nidaros 51:41, Aquavit 51:56, Makani 54:25 and Tusitala 54:37.  All times are elapsed and the course distance was 0.9 nautical miles.

We had about 20 boats out for the fun(?) and according to the Race QS track only 7 boats finished.  The rest of the boats retired or did not record on Race QS.  I guess this could be expected on a Flukey wind night.

RACE QS:

For the new boats joining the group: WELCOME!  We appreciate all boats that participate.  Just remember to use the free Race QS to record your track so we can recognize your efforts!

The track for tonight can be found at:  https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011074&divisionId=71193&updatedAt=2021-04-28T02:06:45Z&dt=2021-04-27T17:17:59-07:00..2021-04-27T19:06:41-07:00&boat=Tusitala&model=Bavaria40&time=1619575276865&focus=Tusitala&rival=Aquavit&tab=match&view=manual&lat=36.950953&lon=-121.986761&tilt=7&range=466&heading=113

DEALING WITH LIGHT VARIABLE WIND:

Like many people sailing on this night, I was mystified on how to make progress out of a situation where you look up at the wind vane and it is spinning showing no consistent wind direction.  I talked to Homer and he gave me a tip on how to handle these conditions.  He said to stabilize the boat by centering the traveler and tightening the main sheet to steady the boat.  Thinking about it, if there is not enough wind to keep the windex in a steady direction, the windex is spinning as the boat is rocked by each wave.  Stabilizing the boat by adjusting the main in this way, you can get the boat moving under power generated by the jib.  Once the boat gets moving you can trim the main for more power.

OTHER RACING EVENTS:

The spring score series has started.  These are very fun events where you can apply your skills learned on Tuesday Night Sailing.  There is a Jib and Main division and you could even come away with some hardware (trophy). The dates of the regattas are 4/25 (last Saturday), 5/23 and 6/27.  You can register for the regatta at SCYC.org > Regattas and click on spring score to enter you boat.  You will need a current PHRF certificate and a “club affiliation”.  Before I was a SCYC member, I would list my affiliation as US Sail since I was a member of that group.

I am looking forward to next Tuesday.  Hopefully, the Wind Gods will treat us better.

 

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice (But Kicks for this sail)

 

 

APRIL 20, 2021

CHILLY WIND

Checking the predictions for wind on predict wind gave a misleading forecast.  They were calling for 13 to 15 knot winds at 6 o’clock, but when I got to the harbor at about 3, there were white caps all over the ocean.   Would it decrease like is so often does in the evening?  I decided to keep the 135 on rather than the 155.  I think it is better to be underpowered in light wind than to be overpowered in heavy wind!  As we left the harbor, it was apparent this was the right call.

The wind was ranging from 15 knots on the light end up to 23 knots on the high end.  We determined the wind was coming from 270 degrees and set a mark square to the line. It was amazing, as chilly as it was there were 10 boats out for the fun.   With the northerly direction of the wind, we called for course G2.  On PAD I wanted to start at the red ball end of the line so I would be free to tack over on port tack early.  We ended up on the other end of the line, but all boats seemed to tack over early anyway.

At Gov, first around was Patricia J then Pacific Spirit, New Wave, Geronimo, Avatar, Tusitala, PAD and Kicks.  On the way to Blacks, we used a few sail setting from broad reaching to wing on wing to head more directly to the mark.  At Blacks, Patricia J was first around followed by Pacific Spirit, Avatar, New Wave, Geronimo, Tusitala, Pair A Dice and Kicks.

All boats made their way back to the finish line.  At the finish line, it was Patricia J 33:40, Pacific Spirit 34:47, New Wave 35:30, Geronimo, 36:20, Avatar 36:40, PAD 45:04 and Kicks 46:19. All times are elapsed and the course length was 2.8 nautical miles.

We had plenty of wind to finish this race.  Even when we were picking up the red ball, we were dealing with 20 knot winds!   It was definitely a chilly wind evening.

RACE QS:

The track for tonight can be found at:  https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&updatedAt=2021-04-21T05:28:50Z&dt=2021-04-20T17:45:04-07:00..2021-04-20T19:50:52-07:00&boat=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&time=1618969579683&focus=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&rival=Kicks&tab=match&view=manual&lat=36.951790&lon=-121.995359&tilt=5&range=2446&heading=250

IMPROVING YOUR SAILING:

Every top sailor I have talked to recalls how they started racing and were frequently DFL.  Slowly they started improving and started finishing first.  How can you accelerate this process of improving your standings?  Tuesday night sailing is a great way to learn and improve.

   CREW:  Years ago, I was talking to Rob Schuyler who was a top sailor in the club.  I asked him what the secret was to winning in regattas.  He said the most important factor was a crew that works well together.  My interpretation is a crew that can get sails set efficiently and with correct trim.  The helmsperson must know how to “sail in the groove” and tack efficiently.   Sailing in the groove means steering a straight line so all of the foils are working. I was in a national Catalina 30 regatta once and was talking to the winner.  I asked him if he saw something that happened on the course.  He said he saw nothing except telltales on the jib for the whole race.  A complete crew has a tactician calling the shots so the helmsperson can focus on keeping the boat in the groove. 

There should also be enough crew to employ “rail meat” to keep the boat as flat as possible in big winds. My compliments  to the Pacific Spirit Crew: Consistent crew, great helmsperson a tactician and enough crew to flatten the boat.

 

      EQUIPMENT:  In my opinion the most important equipment to focus on is correct sails that can be trimmed and shaped correctly.   Trimming sails, whether main or jib or spinnaker, is an art and there are multiples books and sources to study to learn this important skill.

      IMPROVING: In my opinion, one of the best tools to learn about your sailing and boat handling is Race QS.  Study your tracks after the race.  How is your steering for the helmsperson? Are you steering a straight line so the boat is in the groove?  How efficient are your tacks and jibes?  This is an indication of how well the helmsman and crew are working together.

REPOWERING PAIR A DICE:

I am in the process of replacing the engine in Pair A Dice.  My new engine is on the way and I am currently removing the old engine.  This means I need to hitch a ride on another boat for the next few weeks.  The only thing necessary is room for me and the equipment (mainly the red ball for the line and bucket for the rode).  Also, to set the line, we should be exiting the harbor by 5:30.  Please text me (831-234-0322) if you are interested in being the “Mark Set” boat for one or multiple times.

See you next Tuesday!

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

 

APRIL 13, 2021 BLUSTERY NIGHT

 

APRIL 13, 2021

BLUSTERY NIGHT

Predictions for the night showed 20 knot winds at 6pm.  I got to the harbor around 3:30 and while working on the boat kept an eye on the flags at the Crow’s Nest.  The wind seemed to gust and lighten off and on.  Reports that there was a lot of wind showing outside, we swapped the jib to the 135. Sure enough, as we left the harbor, the 135 was the right decision as white caps were everywhere.

We checked the wind at the start mark and saw that the wind was from 245 degrees and set a line square to the wind. At one point, further out we saw 27 knots of wind and decided to reef the main.  This was more wind that I have seen for some time. We called for course whiskey 3, and blew a 5 minute horn. As it turned out, we were 1 minute late blowing the horn making the start at 6:01.

On PAD, after last week starting further out on the line, I wanted to start close to the “red ball” end of the line.  We accomplished this, but heard a lot of shouting behind us as a couple of boats were trying to barge.  Another exciting start. On PAD, we had reefed the main and had the jib partially unfurled to deal with the excessive wind. Everyone tacked their way to Schuyler mark and the first around Schuyler was Tusitala followed by Aquavie, New wave and Geronimo at the same time, Pacific Spirit, Avatar, Perfect 36, Pair a Dice, Kicks and Nidaros.

On the way to Blacks, everyone jibed their way to the mark.  At Blacks, first around was Aquavie followed by Tusitala, Geronimo, Pacific Spirit, New Wave, Perfect 36, Avatar and Pair a Dice.

On the way back to the start mark finish line, the wind seemed to be getting light again and many boats (including PAD) seemed to overstand the mark.  At the finish, the first boat across the line was Aquavie 42:43, Geronimo 44:59, Tusitala 45:37, Pacific Spirit 46:37, Perfect 36 50:56 and Avatar 50:57. PAD 52:34 Nidaros 55:36, Kicks 56:58 and Natorius at 1:14:43. The finish with Perfect 36 and Avatar was too close to accurately call from the Race QS tracks. The length of the course was 3.55 nautical miles.

It was an interesting evening with many boats reefed at the start to deal with the Blustery Evening.

RACE QS:

Interesting, when reviewing the track, it was apparent that I blew the 5 minute horn at 5:56 which made the start at 6:01 rather than 6:00.  It was a crazy night on the water! Most boats are using this app and the track for this night can be found at: https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=70907&updatedAt=2021-04-14T02:43:25Z&dt=2021-04-13T17:45:01-07:00..2021-04-13T19:38:47-07:00&boat=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&time=1618366543956&focus=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&rival=Nueva%20Ola&tab=match&view=manual&lat=36.946979&lon=-121.996962&tilt=9&range=1002&heading=249 

REEFING:

A frequent thought by some sailors is that reefing will slow the boat down.  This is not right, as reefing allows your boat to heel less and point higher. Indeed, reefing in higher winds will allow you to sail faster than without a reef.  The real trick is how aggressive to reef. I believe the natural inclination is to reef too much to keep the boat under control in gusts.

BARGING:

There was a barging situation at the start.  In my opinion, the best way to handle the situation when you are caught barging is to slow your boat down.  I usually will tell the mainsheet trimmer to “blow the main”.  Much better to slow down and take a second row start than pealing off and doing a 360 at the start.

Avatar and Perfect 36 in a battle to the finish

KEEPING THE CREW DRY:

When dealing with wild seas like on this night, it is not easy to keep the crew dry.  The crew gets splashed when a larger white cap wave slams against the side of the hull.  I try to anticipate the larger waves and steer up into them and down the back of the wave at an angle.  This is a difficult task while trying to race and all you can do is minimize the splashes.  

We will see you next Tuesday.

Barry
Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice (PAD)

APRIL 6, 2021 A GREAT SAIL SCREECHES TO A HALT

 

APRIL 6, 2021

A GREAT SAIL SCREECHES TO A HALT

As much wind as we have had through the weekend and Monday, I thought  we were in for an exciting sail for Tuesday Night Sailing. The prediction seemed to come to fruition at least for the start.  With this much wind, I called for an ambitious course Whiskey 3,  blew the 5 minute horn and set up for our start. While sailing around and setting up the line, I noticed that the wind was a lot stronger outside with 19 knots outside and 13 knots inside.

While setting up for our start, we thought it would be best to start as close to the Start mark as possible: slightly favored end of line and closer to stronger wind.  We accomplished this goal with several faster boats starting further down the line from us.  These faster boats soon overtook us and blocked our wind. All of the boats ultimately tacked over toward Schuyler mark.  On Pair A dice, we sailed a little further in than most boats since we had good speed in the smoother water even as the wind was decreasing.

At Schuyler mark, Patricia J was first around followed by Tusitala, Perfect 36, Avatar, Aquavie, Pacific Spirit, Pair A Dice, Kicks and Nidaros.  On the run toward Blacks, some boats sailed directly for the mark, but on Pair A Dice, we stayed outside as long as possible to take advantage of the greater wind outside.

Though we did not call for a shortened course, since the wind died and not one boat made it back to the start mark, the course finish was taken at Blacks with a line square to the wind.    At the finish, Patricia J and Perfect 36 crossed the line simultaneously 48:57 elapsed time. Three seconds later Pacific Spirit crossed at 49:00.  Avatar crossed at 51:27, Tusitala 52:36, Aquavie 53:27, Pair A Dice 57:25, Kicks 1:02:08 and Nidaros 1:06:46.  All times are elapsed and the course distance was approximately 2.91 miles.

Though it was a beautiful night for a sail and a lot of excitement, it was a great sail that screeched  to a halt!

RACE QS:

We have a little more than half of the boats using this app.  In order to be counted, you must run this free app on your smart phone to be counted.  The track for this night can be found at:  https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=70765&updatedAt=2021-04-07T03:21:27Z&dt=2021-04-06T17:45:02-07:00..2021-04-06T20:21:20-07:00&boat=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&time=1617761793232&focus=SAILING%20PAIR%20A%20DICE&rival=Kicks&tab=match&view=manual&lat=36.953824&lon=-121.996507&tilt=4&range=629&heading=246

It appears that some crew are switching around to other boats which is a great way to broaden your sailing experience.   Please make certain that if you run Race QS, that your track indicates that boat that you are currently sailing on.  I am seeing two completely different tracks for the same boat which is confusing.  Thank you.

THE START:

Though we accomplished our goal for the start: on the line at the outside end of the line, I learned another aspect to consider.  Who is starting further down the line to windward of you?  If you have a larger boat that is slightly faster that you are, they will overtake you and shadow you for a long time.  Obviously when caught in this situation, you would tack over to clear air, but right off the start line it is not possible to do this without ducking multiple boats

SAILING FURTHER INSIDE:

Another thing to consider, was our move to sail further inside.  Though our speed was good in the smoother water (with waves on our beam) even as the wind was decreasing, when we tacked over we had to slog through the waves that were now on our bow with less power (wind) to progress until we got outside to greater wind.  It may have been better to tack out sooner rather than later.

I am looking forward to next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice (PAD)