MAY 18, 2021 SUDDEN GUST FROM THE NORTH

 

MAY 18, 2021

SUDDEN GUST FROM THE NORTH

The forecast for this evening was for Northwest winds blowing 18 knots at 5pm and slowly decreasing through the evening. I got to the harbor at about 4pm and the Easterly was already starting.  I disagree with many of my fellow sailors that say none of the forecasting systems are correct.  I maintain that they are always correct, it’s just how far out in the bay you need to go to make them correct😉.

For this evening I was sailing with Doug Mahone on Avatar and crew. Thanks to them for putting up with me.  As we left the harbor at about 5:20 and approached the start mark, we were getting multiple readings on the wind direction.  We saw southerly winds and Easterly winds and even a hint of a Northerly.  In confusing situations like this, I just determined the first mark that we would pass and set a line square to the line to that mark.  At first I thought it would be interesting to have a course out to mile to get into the stronger wind outside.  Homer (correctly) pointed out that an inside course would be best so we switched from B3 to B4.  We blew the 5 minute horn for the start and prepared for our start.

At the time of our start, the favored end of the line was the yellow ball and we set up for this approach.  Many of the boats were attempting the same but were too soon to the line and had to run the line.  We achieved our goal and started right at the mark and were to windward of the whole fleet. We all made our way to Blacks and the first around was Geronimo then Avatar, Patricia J, Tusitala, Aquavi, Perfect 36, New Wave, Nidaros, Sagittarius, Pacific Spirit, Kicks, Muffin, Sweet Pea, Sophia, Toad and Meya Duci.  Then it was off going down wind toward Gov in the very light breeze.  Since the Easterly was building, traditional wisdom called for an inside course closer to shore.  There also was a slight current running that way.  The wind seemed to be decreasing and just as I thought we were going to get skunked with no wind, we saw a Northerly wind developing close to the beach.  This Northerly was developing strictly west of the harbor entrance giving a huge advantage to the boats already in the lead and closest to it.  Lord knows its better to be sailing in 15 knot breezes rather than a very mild breeze when in a race.

At Gov, first around was Geronimo, Guenter on his Finn, Patricia J, Avatar, Tusitala, New Wave, Aquavi, Sagittarius and Pacific Spirit simultaneously, Perfect 36, Nidaros, Kicks, Sweet Pea, Toad, and Sophia.  By the time all boats had to head back toward the start mark finish, the Northerly was blowing a consistent 15 knots which made for glorious sailing: broad reaching in 15 knot breezes.

At the finish, it was Geronimo first 44:50,Patricia J 46:21, Guenter on his Finn 46:27, Avatar 47:39, New Wave 48:26, Tusitala 48:17, Aquavi 52:03, Sagittarius 53:52, Pacific Spirit 54:39, Perfect 36 55:37,Nidaros 56:41, Kicks 59:17, Sweet Pea 59:23, Toad 59:34 and Sophia 1:05:28.  All times are elapsed and the length of the course is 2.8 nautical miles. 

It was a glorious evening of sailing with a sudden gust from the North!

Race QS:

Most boats are using this app and the track from tonight can be found at:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1066813&divisionId=71663&updatedAt=2021-05-19T02:17:08Z&dt=2021-05-18T17:50:02-07:00..2021-05-18T19:17:01-07:00&boat=Avatar&model=Express27&time=1621389928912&focus=Avatar&rival=Nueva%20Ola&tab=match&view=follow&lat=36.951555&lon=-121.996259&tilt=8&range=1034&heading=150

TIME AND DISTANCE:

How much time will it take at your current speed to close the gap to a certain point?   This is something that many sailors don’t think about, but it is critical for starts.   I want to start at a certain end of the line.  If early to that point, I have no choice but to sail the line away from that point to prevent being OCS.  If you can time it precisely, you start right at your preferred end of the line.  How do you develop the ability to judge time and distance?  I believe you can develop this sense by going through an exercise any time you are sailing.  Spot something in the distance (mark,  patch of kelp or anything) and guess how much time it will take to reach that spot.  See how your estimate was and keep practicing.  This is a great skill to help your boat achieve a good start. Of course variable, shifty winds must be taken into consideration.

FIRST TO THE WIND BENEFITS:

Tonight was a great example of how a faster boat can achieve a huge advantage.  It is not unusual for a boat in the lead to benefit from their position.  Frequently when the wind is developing toward the front of the fleet, the boats in the lead extend their lead dramatically.  It is frustrating seeing boats dart off in the distance while you are sailing in much lighter wind.

SCORE RACE:

Remember the Score races are coming up. The next regatta dates are May 23 and June 27.  These are all great racing events and by exercising the skill you are acquiring by racing on Tuesday nights, you may be able to win some hardware (Trophies).  I encourage you to register and to participate.  You just need a valid PHRF certificate to qualify.

I am looking forward to next Tuesday Night Sailing.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice (Avatar tonight)