SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
TYPICAL CONFUSED,
LIGHT WIND
The forecast from Predict Wind was
not good for the evening calling for the wind to dwindle to nothing. I brought two marks to set, thinking that I
could set a close weather mark if there was very light wind. As we left the
harbor, it was nice to see a consistent, though light wind across the bay. There was one problem, the start mark had disappeared,
so we set the red ball at the start mark position and a white fender as the
other end of the line. We called for a
rather ambitious course, Whiskey 4 knowing we could shorten course according to
the conditions. We blew the five minute horn at 5:55 and set up for our start.
On PAD, we thought we saw more
wind outside and set up on the line on starboard tack, stalling to not pass the
end of the line. Starting this far up
the line traps and prevents you from tacking over onto port tack without
ducking boats. Some boats pulled off
port tack starts at the inside end of the line and, though they were a little
late over the line, they found better wind inside. It was a frustrating evening for a sail with
many shifts. Before the first boat rounded Schuyler, I shortened course to
finish with a finish line between Gov and end of Wharf. At Schuyler, the first around was Nobody’s
Girl, followed by Patricia J, New Wave, Sweetheart, Perfect 36, Zoop, Good
Timin, Nidaros, Aquavit, Pacific Spirit, Makani, Toad and Pair A Dice.
On the run to the finish line,
some boats sailed the rhumb line to the closest part of the line toward the
wharf end. Others thought there was more
wind closer to Gov and sailed a hotter angle toward the Gov end of the
line. At the finish, Nobody’s Girl
finished first 44:21, followed by Patricia J 45:57, New Wave 48:27, Sweetheart
56:05, Zoop 57:29, Perfect 36 57:48, Good Timin’ 59:00, Nidaros 59:03,
Aquavit 59:10, Pacific Spirit 1:00:05, Makani 1:01:47, Toad 1:02:59 and PAD
1:03:29. All times are elapsed and the course length was 2.05 miles. PHRF
adjusted standings are as follows:
|
2353.5 |
NOBODYS GIRL |
1 |
|
2529.45 |
PATRICIA J |
2 |
|
2679.45 |
NEW WAVE |
3 |
|
3153.8 |
ZOOP |
4 |
|
3172.8 |
THE PERFECT 36 |
5 |
|
3250.95 |
GOOD TIMIN' |
6 |
|
3272.9 |
PACIFIC SPIRIT |
7 |
|
3309.3 |
NIDAROS II |
8 |
|
3377.3 |
SWEETHEART |
9 |
|
3404.45 |
AQUAVIT |
10 |
|
3405.65 |
MAKANI |
11 |
|
3440 |
SAILING PAIR A DICE |
12 |
|
3471.5 |
TOAD |
13 |
It was a frustrating night for a sail with conditions that are becoming typical for Santa Cruz: confused, light wind. One good final note for the evening was that we saw the yellow start mark in its proper place but about 2 feet below the surface. The anchor chain may have gotten tangled in the rocks on the bottom in that location. The Tacos at the yacht club for Taco Tuesday were excellent!
Race QS:
We had 21 boats out for the “fun”
and according to Race QS, 12 boats finished. Some tracks stopped for unknown reasons. I encourage people to plug in their phones so
power is not lost. The tracks for
tonight can be found at: https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&updatedAt=2021-09-15T02:55:30Z&dt=2021-09-14T17:45:00-07:00..2021-09-14T19:53:28-07:00&boat=Pairadice&time=1631670965797&focus=Pairadice&rival=Pacific%20Spirit&tab=match&view=manual&lat=36.957857&lon=-122.013601&tilt=0&range=459&heading=176
DEALING WITH CONFUSED WIND:
Every boat is different in these conditions. A small boat, being more responsive, may be
able to chase the varying angles of wind and keep the boat going. On larger boats, I have found it better to
steer the boat straight (without pinching) and let the sail trimmers adjust the
sails for each variation in the wind direction.
This prevents excessive use of helm which works like a brake to slow the
boat down. Another consideration is that
it is nearly impossible to keep up with constantly changing wind with a heavy unresponsive boat.
FOLLOWING RULES:
Tuesday Night Sailing is becoming very popular. By registering, you have signed a document
that you will abide by the racing rules of sailing. I believe one of the biggest possible deterrents
to the growth of our group is boats that do not follow the rules. We all love our boats and having to crash
tack to save your boat is not a desirable situation. Personally I have seen boats drop out and not
participate for years because of “situations” that occur on the water during
even a casual race. Ultimately, it is
the responsibility of the skipper to follow rules, but the crew can take an
active role by keeping the skipper apprised of impending situations.
It is an interesting situation, boats from 13 feet to
over 50 feet trying to compete. Some people are suggesting multiple starts so
there is less interaction between vastly different size boats. This may be necessary in the future if we do
not honor our pledge to follow the rules.
PORT STARBOARD CROSSINGS:
This is where there is a lot of danger if right of way is
not honored. It is critical to be able
to judge these situations, especially if you are the port tack boat. Most of us
know how to gauge whether you are on a collision course. If the crossing boat is stationary against
the background, collision will occur unless something (course or speed) changes. If a boat is moving backward against the
background with no change in course or speed, you will pass in front. If a boat is moving forward against the
background with no change, you will pass behind.
It is possible for
a person to stand on your bow and, using these techniques, sense that your boat
will be clear ahead, while someone at the stern will see that your boat will
not clear. In this situation (without
change) you are set up for a T-bone.
Always gauge whether you will cross another boat from the stern of your
boat. The stern is the part of the boat that must clear the starboard boat. If
your judgement is off and the starboard tack boat must steer to avoid collision,
you should do a turn to exhonerate.
From my experience, it seems better sailor, when
confronted with crossing situations will duck if there is any question, knowing
that you normally do not lose a lot in ducking because you get a momentary lift
from the ducked boat.
I am looking forward to next Tuesday.
Barry Keeler
Sailing Pair A Dice
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