May 4, 2021 EAST WIND TUESDAY

 

MAY 4, 2021

EAST WIND TUESDAY

All predictions for the night were for light wind, but as I was driving to the harbor the radio had a “small craft warning” prediction for the night.  Looking at the ocean from the harbor, it looked more like the Predict Wind forecast was more accurate.  For this night, I joined the crew of Nidaros in setting the start line and calling the course.  Thanks to the Nidaros crew for putting up with me!

 

As we left the harbor, the East wind was as good as East winds can be.  Consideration of courses is always a challenge.  If you are overly optimistic and call a long course, the wind seems to die.  I have found it better to not go for the longest course and lean toward a more conservative short course.  I called for course B4:  start to Blacks, Gov and back to finish.  The wind was hovering between 90 and 120 and we set a line that was nearly square to the wind. 

On Nidaros, we wanted to start at the “red ball” end of the line, but were a little early to the line and had to slow the boat down to not be OCS.  As we approached the line, we were too low and had to do a quick 270 to get over the line on port tack. At Blacks, the first around was Geronimo followed by Sagittarius, Perfect 36, Tusitala, Zoop, Pacific Spirit, Nidaros, Sweet Pea, Avatar, Kicks and Toad. 

On the way to Gov, most boats went DDW with most sailing wing on wing.  Geronimo sailed way outside and must have found more wind, because they were once more first around Gov.  The rest of the boats sailed straight to Gov, some closer to shore than others taking advantage of a current to help them along.  The second around Gov was Tusitala, then Sagittarius, Makani, Avatar, Perfect 36, Zoop, Pacific Spirit, Nidaros, Toad, Sweet Pea and Kicks.  It was quite exciting watching the boats miss the armada of fishing boats anchored by Gov. The boats were complete with their outriggers seemingly trying to snag sails. 

On the way back to the finish line, everyone chose their own path.  Some boats went in closer to shore and had to fight the current that was sweeping to the West.  The wind was not consistent across the water and some boats sailed into holes of less wind.  At the finish line, the first across was Geronimo 41:32, Sagittarius 44:38, Tusitala 50:05, Avatar 55:27, Perfect 36 57:08, Nidaros 57:15, Zoop 59:27, Pacific Spirit 1:06:00, Toad 1:09:45, Sweet Pea 1:11:09, Kicks 1:16:43. All times are elapsed and the course distance was 2.80 nautical miles. 

It was a beautiful evening and the wind stayed for the whole evening.  It was a great East wind Tuesday! 

Race QS:

Tonight we had 12 of the 19 boats run the race QS track.  You must run Race QS in order to be counted!  I suggest presetting the start time at 17:45 so your track can be followed for the start.  The track for this night can be found at: https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011074&divisionId=71346&updatedAt=2021-05-05T03:56:51Z&dt=2021-05-04T17:55:04-07:00..2021-05-04T20:44:57-07:00&boat=Tusitala&model=Bavaria40&time=1620176123852&focus=Tusitala&rival=TOAD&tab=fleet&view=match

  

CURRENT EVENTS:

Currents were definitely a factor for this evening.  There are things to look for that indicate currents are in effect.  I like to look at the kelp.  If the kelp is all streaming one way, you know which way the current is going.  You can also see strands of kelp snagged on buoys and how it is flowing.  Once a current is detected, you can ride it like a conveyer belt for its advantage and keep in mind to not fight it going the other way. 

PINCHING:

Pinching to make a mark can be punishing.  On our start it became apparent that it was going to be difficult to make it around the start line buoy.  We did not pinch and lose speed, fell off and did a 270 degree turn without much of a setback in our standing in the race. 

ROUNDING GOV (LEEWARD MARK)

It got interesting at the Gov rounding with many boats rounding simultaneously.  Another factor was the many fishing boats in the area creating “obstructions”.  There was one hail for room to clear a fishing boat.  The fishing boats with their outriggers were definitely large enough to be considered as an obstruction and room was appropriately given.  With many boats rounding at once, the question was “where do we go?”.   Remember the 3 boat zone and inside overlapping boat (at the zone) have inside rights.  Abiding by this rule, as an outside boat it is generally best to slow down and follow a boat around the mark rather than round the mark with a boat abeam. The reason for doing this is that you have all options open once you round the mark rather than being trapped to leeward of the inside boat.  The object is to sail in clear air after rounding. 

SAILING ON OPBS:

While my boat is getting repowered, I have been sailing on OPBs (other people’s boats).  It has been a joy and an education for me.  Each boat is different: different equipment resulting in different setups.  I find it interesting going through these experiences where I can learn about different ways of doing things and optimizing equipment on my boat.  Another thing I have noticed is the effect of crew displacement on lighter boats.  Three guys on the rail has much more of an effect on a lighter boat than on heavier boats. 

 

We will see you next Tuesday.

 

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice (Nidaros for this night).