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