JULY 2, 2019: LIGHT, HEAVY, LIGHT

JULY 2, 2019

LIGHT, HEAVY, LIGHT

I was at the harbor all day and was intermittently checking the flag on the Crow’s Nest as the day progressed.  There was not much wind showing through most of the day, but around 3 PM the northwesterly started showing, but by 4:30 it was already dissipating.  The crew showed up and we left the harbor at 5:25 and there was still a northwesterly showing outside.  We set the buoy for the line and called for course Whiskey 4: Start, Wharf, Gov finish.  We had 19 boats out for the fun!

On Pair a Dice, we have had difficulty getting a good starts recently with all of the traffic on the line.  On this night, I  was intent on getting a start in clean air so set up for a start on the inside end of the line.  We accomplished a good start with clear air with most of the fleet to leeward of us.  The wind at the start line was very light but we all anticipated getting outside where there was a very apparent northwesterly blowing.  As we got out to the 15-17 knot wind, one by one the boats tacked over with Zoop and Aquavie clearing us with no problems.  We sailed a little further into the wind before tacking over.  On port tack we sailed in until the wind started getting light again and tacked back out for more wind.

At wharf mark, it was Zoop, Sagitarious and Aquavie first around the mark.  We all anticipated the lighter wind inside and did everything we could to keep the boat moving.  Watching the boats ahead, we thought  we saw an easterly developing. There was a gradient at work, so you could not depend on reading the windex at the masthead. 

We all rounded Gov and headed back out to the better wind to get to the finish line.  At the finish, it was Aquavie 1:00:52, Pair A Dice 1:06:42, Tusitala 1:07:07, Perfect 36 1:09:52, Nidaros 1:10:30, Aeolian 1:15:13, Rosa Nautica 1:15:52, Sandpiper 1:29:19 and Kicks 1:32:02.  The length of the course was 3.07 miles.  It was an evening that started with light wind at the start, heavy wind outside then light wind again on the inside: Light, Heavy, Light.

Race QS:

I keep promoting this app, because it is the only way for me to record the race.  I realize there were many more boats out (Zoop, Sagitarious, Pacific Spirit) but there were no tracks for me to record for these boats.  Download this free app, you will be amazed at the information you will get out of it AND we will be able to record your results.

LIGHT WIND SAILING:

I already mentioned the gradient that was working in the light wind areas.  All sailors are accustomed to checking the mast-head windex for wind direction. It seems to me that maximizing the wind in the largest (lower) part of the sail is most effective in keeping the boat working.  On Pair A Dice, we have cassette tape strips taped to the shrouds at about 6 feet off the deck.   Checking these strips of cassette tape and comparing the wind direction below versus the windex allowed us to capitalize on the lower wind.

See you next Tuesday.

Barry L. Keeler

Sailing Pair a Dice

JUNE 25, 2019: GOOD TO THE LAST GUST!

JUNE 25, 2019

GOOD TO THE LAST GUST!

I got to the harbor early and there was a strong northwesterly blowing with many whitecaps on the water.  As I meandered about my boat, I noticed the wind changing.  By 5:30 the wind was showing a strong Easterly blowing.  As we left the harbor at 5:30 , there were many boats out for the fun with others following us out of the harbor.   We ended up with about 16 boats out.  After determining that the Easterly was not going to die, we called for course B4.   Not a long race but it would allow us to get back to the club for the barbecue.  We gave the 5 minute horn and set up for our start. 

We knew everyone would be favoring the yellow ball (start mark) end of the line and the fleet did not disappoint us with a large crowd at that end of the start line.  Unfortunately Pair A Dice got stuck to leeward of all of the massive screen of boats and we were one of the last boats over the start line.   We had our work cut out for us!  All of the boats converged on Blacks with Zoop leading Aquavie and Avatar around the mark and heading toward Gov.  Right after Pair A Dice rounded Blacks we headed further outside since the wind seemed to be more outside.  This worked out well for us as we were consistently ranging on the inside boats.  Have I said how much I love my 155 jib in these situations?

After rounding Gov, it seems like most boats noticed how we had greater wind outside for the downwind part of the race and most of the boats sailed outside.  We started down that path also, but noticed many of the boats further outside seemed to be slowing down, so we did not go all the way out. We watched our wind gauge and as it started showing a decrease in wind we would tack back inside (trying to stay in the wind).  We also tried to read the headers and lifts to tack appropriately to take advantage of these shifts in the wind.

At the finish it was Avatar 46:48, Aquavie 50:22, Pacific Spirit 51:28, Pair a Dice 56:13, Kicks 59:18, Sandpiper 1:01:10, Perfect 36 1:01:50, Rosa Nautica 1:06:25 and Aeolian 1:10:00. Toad’s track stopped so I could not get a finish time.  All times are elapsed and the length of the course was 2.43 miles.

We watched as the last boats crossed the finish line, as strong as the wind was earlier it was quickly fading as the last boats finished.  The excellent wind we had for the race was good to the last wimpering gust!  We had a great time at the club for the barbecue.  This is always a great time to get to know your fellow sailors.

Race QS:

Once again, we had boats out that are not running Race QS.  I know Sagitarius  and Zoop were out, but without Race QS tracks, we cannot rate your performance. The tracks for tonight are at this site:

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=59897&updatedAt=2019-06-26T02:33:20Z&dt=2019-06-25T17:45:37-07:00..2019-06-25T19:31:27-07:00&boat=Pair%20a%20dice&time=1561509957773&focus=Pair%20a%20dice&rival=TOAD&tab=fleet&view=auto

RACING RULES:

One of the areas that is confusing to many sailors is windward vs leeward situations that occur during the starting sequence and right after the start.  There are several rules that come into play.  I have asked some friends for their input on this subject.

    

“There are a couple rules that are a bit different in the starting area v. other areas of the course. The one you mention in your question deals with a restriction on the right of way boat in an overlap position being restricted to not sailing above proper course in some circumstances (RRS 17). The definition of proper course says there is no proper course before the starting signal, so the rule might be “on” but there is no restriction on the right of way boat until after the starting signal.

In a situation where two boats are approaching the starting line to start where Boat L is on starboard tack and clear ahead of Boat W, also on starboard tack, RRS 12 applies between them and W must keep clear. Boat L is not restricted by RRS 15, 17, 18, 19, or 20. There is a restriction in RRS 16 she must abide by. RRS 15 doesn’t apply because there was no recent change in right of way. RRS 17 does not apply because there is no overlap. RRS 18, 19 and 20 do not apply because the preamble to Part 2 Section C turns them off. L as the right of way boat is restricted under RRS 16 in that if she maneuvers, she must give the keep clear boat room to keep clear. From here out I will leave RRS 18, 19 and 20 out of the discussion.

If boat W is sailing a bit faster and establishes an overlap to windward, things change a bit. RRS 11 now applies between them and W remains the keep clear boat. Boat L is not restricted by RRS 15 as right of way did not change. RRS 17 (proper course) does not apply as the overlap was established to windward. RRS 16 does apply and L must give W room to keep clear if L changes course.  If L wishes to change course (in either direction) and cannot do so without immediately making contact with W, then W has failed to keep clear (see definition keep clear). L may change course toward the wind (referred to as ‘luffing’) as long as she abides by her restriction in RRS 16. If she luffs so abruptly that W cannot maneuver promptly in a seamanlike way to keep clear, then L has not given room to keep clear. If L luffs slowly and W does not maneuver promptly, and the boats become so close together that L can no longer maneuver in both directions, L has met her obligation under RRS 16 and W has not kept clear.

L may luff head to wind if she pleases as long as she complies with RRS 16. W must keep clear and may need to go head to wind or may even need to tack to keep clear of L. If L passes head to wind she will be subject to obligations in RRS 13. 

If during the luff the boats become positioned such that W cannot maneuver in a seamanlike way, L must curtail her luff to avoid contact.

So, in the scenario described, ‘proper course’ did not apply. Boat W was always the keep clear boat under RRS 12 and then 11. Boat L was only restricted by RRS 16 to give room to keep clear only if she changed course.”

Another rendition with the verbiage for rules involved:

“12. ON THE SAME TACK, NOT OVERLAPPED

When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, a boat clear astern shall keep clear of a boat clear ahead.

11. ON THE SAME TACK, OVERLAPPED

When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat. 

15. ACQUIRING RIGHT OF WAY

When a boat acquires right of way, she shall initially give the other boat room to keep clear, unless she acquires right of way because of the other boat's actions.

16.1.

When a right-of-way boat changes course, she shall give the other boat room to keep clear. 

and

14. AVOIDING CONTACT

A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible.  However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room or mark-room 

1.     need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room or mark-room, and

2.     shall be exonerated if she breaks this rule and the contact does not cause damage or injury.”

_/)                _/)                       _/)       _/)              (\_                 (\_

This may all seem a little overwhelming, but if you read each rule, and visualize each situation, it should make sense.  Many of us are novices and still learning. This is what Tuesday nights is all about (learning the rules and improve our sailing)  Knowing the rules but not following them is not acceptable.  By your participation, you are accepting and abiding by the RRS. If you know the rules and have no inclination to abide by the rules, please stay clear of the racing area, so the rest of us that want to race (following the rules) can have our fun. 

See you next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

JUNE 18, 2019: HOW FAR CAN YOU REACH?

JUNE 18, 2019

HOW FAR CAN YOU REACH?

Getting to the harbor at about 4:45 it looked like we had at least a little wind on the Crow’s Nest flag.  As we approached the start mark, it sure looked like the wind was from the South. When we checked it at the mark, it was the very predictable wind direction of 240.  You have to love the predictability of our Santa Cruz!  We set the mark for the other end of the line and called for course  W2, taking advantage of the longer days we are having.  We had 15 boats out for the fun.  We blew the 5 minute horn and set up for our start.

On this particular night, we thought the wind was lighter close to land and increased as we sailed further out.  Pacific Spirit and Avatar both had excellent starts, crossing the line right on time.  Most of the boats followed the natural move used in Santa Cruz: tack over to port as soon as possible to take advantage of the lift on the inside. On Pair A Dice, we thought it was better to sail out to get into the better wind outside.  We actually “sailed to the corner” and tacked over toward wharf mark and as it came into view we appeared to have it right on our bow.  With the better wind outside, we were ranging on most of the boats that had taken the inside course.  As we got closer to wharf, our inevitable header kicked in for us as the inside boats got lifted.  At wharf mark Avatar was first around with Tusitala, Nidaros and Pacific Spirit following.

From wharf, it was a nice reach to Mile and another reach to Gov followed by another reach to the finish mark.  How far can you reach?  Most of the boats reached all the way to the finish mark!  At the finish it was Avatar 1:08:56, Tusitala 1:15:47, Nidaros 1:16:55, Pacific Spirit 1:20:26, Pair A Dice 1:24:21, SandPiper 1:32:00, Dusk to Dawn (Sweet Pea) 1:41:50 followed by “Just Us” whose Race QS track stopped short of the finish line (no time to record).  All times are elapsed and the length of the course was 3.93 miles.

Race Qs:

It is great to see more boats uploading their tracks.  It is hard to explain why a boat track can cut out then restart again later.  Race QS is not a perfect app, but it’s worth every penny we pay for it!  Watch your track and turn on the “T function” in the lower menu to see how efficient your tacks are. Also setting it up so you compare yourself to another boat, puts an arc in front of your boat.  The dots that appear at the edge of that arc show how well you are steering.  If the dots are spread all over, you are not steering a straight course.  If you are steering a straight course, the dots will be clustered close together.

To see the track for tonight, click on this link.

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=59694&updatedAt=2019-06-19T02:36:43Z&dt=2019-06-18T17:45:10-07:00..2019-06-18T19:36:37-07:00&boat=Pair%20a%20dice&time=1560905129994&focus=Pair%20a%20dice&rival=Just%20Us&tab=fleet&view=auto

THE START:

Accurate judgement of “time and distance” is critical for a good start. As a competent sailor, you can know time and distance.  Frequently, there are several factors that can alter time and distance calculations.  One is variable wind (speed and direction) which frequently can change drastically.  Another factor that comes into play is the surf: sailing down wind and down waves can take much less time than sailing up wind INTO the surf.  This must be factored into calculations, especially in lighter breeze.  The last factor to consider is competing boats which can cause disturbed wind as all boats crowd together on the line. I have found that to compensate for all of these factors, staying close to the line can help.  The only problem that can happen with this strategy is needing to stall to not be OCS and dealing with many boats in close proximity on the line.

SAILING TO THE CORNER:

Traditionally, it is not best to “sail to the corner”. This expression means to sail on one tack from the start to the lay-line for the first mark. The traditional thought is that it better to take advantage of the lifts and headers sailing up the middle of the course.  On Pair A Dice, we saw more wind outside and this was verified by our greater speed than the inside boats (as read on Race QS).  Ultimately the “headers and lifts” came into play which hindered our performance.

I am looking forward to next Tuesday.

Barry L. Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

JUNE 11, 2019: LOW SPEED DRAG RACE

JUNE 11, 2019

LOW SPEED DRAG RACE

We showed up early at the harbor around 4pm and casually started getting the boat ready for sail. We were observing the wind as it changed slowly to every direction of the compass.  A good northwest wind showed on the Crow’s nest flag, then a strong South wind followed by a strong North wind and occasionally an East wind would show.  This was going to be an interesting night for a sail!

As we left the harbor at about 5:30 the wind looked to be pretty much from the south, which was confirmed when we got to the start mark and checked the wind direction.  Not knowing if the wind would hold, we decided on course M2: Start, Mile, Finish, with the option of shortening the course to M3 if it turned into a float fest.  We gave the 5 minute horn and found we were a long distance from the start line with only 5 minutes to the start and waves slowing us down as much as the dying wind.

Amazingly all of the boats seemed to nail the start at the same time. 

With the light wind, now changing to an Easterly, being completely disturbed by boats up the line, it was a struggle just to get clear air.  With the Easterly building, the left side of the course was definitely favored. Ultimately every boat had their slower times as the holes (areas with no wind) could not be avoided. Before the first boat got to Mile, we shortened course to M3 (finishing at mile). On Pair A Dice we watched enviously as each of the boats on the left side surged ahead as they each caught their own Private Puff.  One can never predict these things, but kudos to the boats that were there to take advantage of that stronger Easterly.

I do not think Pair A Dice ever reached a speed of 1.5 knots the whole way to Mile. The night was truly  a Low Speed Drag Race. Basically no tactics involved, just sail slowly to the mark praying for wind.

At the finish it was Tusitala 32:40, Perfect 36 34:00, Pacific Spirit 47:30, Makani 52:02, Aeolian 54:20, Toad 54:52, Pair a dice 57:40 and Kicks 1:06:20.  All times are elapsed and the distance was 1.06 miles.

RACE QS:

I keep reminding people, the only way to be counted is to run this app on your phone.  I believe Patricia J was the first at the finish, but they had no track so cannot be counted!  This is a free app that can really help you improve your sailing as well as get recognition for your efforts.

To see the track for this night’s sail, click on this link: https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=59480&updatedAt=2019-06-12T04:34:39Z&dt=2019-06-11T17:45:03-07:00..2019-06-11T21:34:33-07:00&boat=Pair%20a%20dice&time=1560300462313&focus=Pair%20a%20dice&rival=Makani&tab=fleet&view=auto

COMPETITIVE SPIRIT:

Let’s face it, competitive spirit is what drives all of us to improve our abilities.  What is EXCESSIVE competitive spirit?  Excessive competitive spirit is what can kill a growing fleet.  Excessive competitive spirit is exemplified by how you win and how you lose.  As a loser you can congratulate the winner and express admiration for their skill and how they and their team handled the boat.  As a winner, you can accept the admiration of the other boat crews and answer any questions they may have about your success.

Excessive competitive spirit is exemplified by someone boasting about their win.  It is also exemplified by not observing the racing rules.  As an example, you are far away from other boats and tap a mark as you are rounding.  There are no other boats close enough to witness the infraction: Do you take a penalty turn?  In a starboard/port crossing, as a port tack boat do you duck or barge on through?  These are just examples of excessive competitive spirit that can kill enthusiasm in a fleet.

Whenever I write something like this, multiple “boats” will approach me asking if I was referring to them?  I am not implicating any boat with these comments. I am proud of our fleet and how everyone is trying to observe the rules and play fair. I do not perceive excessive competitive spirit in our fleet at this point.

I am proud to be part of the sailing community.  Sailors are known for having a competitive spirit, yet tempered with incredible sportsmanship.

See you next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

JUNE 4, 2019: A GORGEOUS EVENING FOR A SAIL

JUNE 4, 2019

GORGEOUS EVENING FOR A SAIL

I got to the harbor early and casually set the boat up for a sail while keeping an eye on the Crow’s Nest flag which was showing a steady northwest breeze which was waning as the afternoon passed.   By the time we left the harbor at 5:30, the Easterly had filled in nicely and had no hint of changing.   We set the mark for a line square to the wind, called for course B4: Blacks, Gov, Finish.  We gave a 5 minute horn and set up for our start.

The preferred end of the line was the start mark  (Yellow ball) end of the line and we anticipated a heavy crowd of boats which never materialized.  We were in a barging position so slowed the boat down to take a second row start behind the boat that we would have barged on.  We were able to point higher than that boat so had clear air on the way to Blacks.  After rounding Blacks we had the long run to Gov.

On the way to Gov many boats sailed closer to the beach, risking the heavy kelp bed inside while some of the other boats sailed outside hoping for better wind.  Pair A Dice sailed a straight line toward the mark, keeping an eye out for kelp.    The first indication of any current was the kelp which was streaming toward the wharf, so there was a slight advantage sailing closer to the beach if you could avoid the kelp. At Gov, Avatar was the first around with Pair A Dice, perfect 36, Nidaros, Tusitala, Toad, Kicks and Aeolian following with the wind still holding from the East, we had a delightful beat back to the finish mark.

At the finish it was Avatar 36:07 followed by Patricia J 37:02, Pair a Dice 39:45, Perfect 36 39:51, Tusitala 40:49, Nidaros II 42:33, Aeolian 44:03, Toad 44:36 and Kicks 46:37. All times are elapsed and the distance of this course is 2.43 nautical miles.

With the clear air (what ever happened to our June Gloom?) and the consistent Easterly breeze, it was a gorgeous evening for a sail.

RACE QS:

We continue to attract more boats to our Tuesday night sails.  On this night we had over 16 boats and only 9 were running race QS.  It is necessary to run and upload your track on Race QS to be counted.  This is a free app that runs on your phone which not only records your finish, but can be used as a tool to indicate how efficiently you are tacking and steering the boat.

To view the track for this evenings sail, click on this web site.  https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=59285&updatedAt=2019-06-05T02:29:21Z&dt=2019-06-04T17:45:05-07:00..2019-06-04T19:28:42-07:00&boat=Pair%20a%20dice&time=1559695541718&focus=Pair%20a%20dice&rival=Tusitala&tab=fleet&view=auto

IN THE INTEREST OF EDUCATION:

Obviously, I am sailing on a boat in the race and cannot witness everything that happens during the race.  After each Tuesday night sail (other than the BBQ night at the club) most of us meet at the Crows Nest for dinner.  We often discuss things that happened on the course regarding rules and tactics.  This is a great opportunity for education.  We have many excellent sailors in our group and they do not hesitate to share their wealth of knowledge.  This is a great opportunity to learn, socialize and get to know the other sailors that come out on Tuesday nights.

Looking forward to next Tuesday!

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice

MAY 28, 2019: 5 MINUTE HORN: STOP THE WIND!

MAY 28, 2019

5 MINUTE HORN: STOP THE WIND!

I got to the boat by about 3:30 and immediately noticed a consistent Easterly wind was showing on the Crow’s nest flag.  BY the time we got crew together we left the harbor around 5:40 and as we motored out to the start area saw that the wind seemed to be coming from the south.  Right at the start area we checked the wind and it was once again blowing from 240 degrees, our most consistent wind direction in Santa Cruz!  We quickly set the buoy for the line and called for Whiskey 3: Start, Wharf, Blacks Finish.  It sure looked like enough wind for such an ambitious course, even if it was a BBQ night at the club.

Once again the challenge was to find clear air on a crowded line with about 12 boats out for the night.  As is becoming usual, we blew the 5 minute horn.  I believe the wind gods are taking our 5 minute horn as a signal to stop blowing.  Several of the boats had good starts, but Pair a Dice got caught up on the line trying to fight through bad air while giving right of way to other boats as required.  Most of the wind was outside and we all needed to fight our way through the surf in light wind to get outside where it was blowing about 15 knots.  Finally we tacked over for Wharf mark and ended up about 200 yards inside of it, once again in the lighter wind.

 

At wharf mark, Patricia J was first around followed by Tusitala, Perfect 36, Avatar, Pacific Spirit, Nidaros, Pair a Dice and Makani.  On the long slog to Blacks the wind was dying inside causing many of the boats the compress.  Even from the back of the pack, I could see it was going to be a struggle to finish the course and called for a shortened course finishing at Blacks.

At the finish, Patricia J was first 1:04 (congrats to Jason Lauer sailing single handed), Avatar 1:14:20, Tusitala 1:15, Perfect 36 1:19:12, Pacific Spirit 1:25:20, Pair a Dice 1:27:26, Nidaros 1:32:45, Makani 1:34:17.  All times are elapsed and the course length was 2.94 nautical miles.

We had a great turnout for the BBQ at the club.  I usually make the rounds to socialize with everyone but my sciatica was really hurting so I was not snubbing everyone, I just needed to give it a rest!

RACE QS:

Race QS showed a couple of malfunctions tonight with Patricia J’s and Makani’s tracks fading in and out so their finish times are estimates.  Only 8 boats had Race QS running tonight.  I know we had more boats out that did not employ Race QS.  I am reminding everyone, running Race QS is the only way to be counted in our races. It is also an app that you can use to improve your sailing by looking at your track later.

Looking at the tracks for this night, it appears there was quite a nail biter over the finish between Avatar and Tusitala.  You got to love those 155 jibs going down wind in light wind!

To see the race QS track for this night click on the following link.

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011635&divisionId=59084&updatedAt=2019-05-29T02:46:50Z&dt=2019-05-28T17:29:59-07:00..2019-05-28T19:46:43-07:00&boat=Dice&model=J24&time=1559089838505&focus=Dice&rival=Makani&tab=fleet&view=auto

LIGHT WIND STARTS:

I find these situations to be very frustrating.  On this particular night, I believe we may have crossed the line 5 minutes after the start.  It appears the boats that really did well on this night were right on the line at the start, consequently not getting bad air.  This also achieves another goal: if first off the line, you should not need to tack to avoid right of way boats assuming you are on starboard tack.   The only danger being on the line is if a boat gets to leeward of you, they can luff you up over the line and make you OCS (on course side), which would require turning back to dip the line for a proper start assuming we are following the rules of sailing.  Another thing we have learned over the years is to not get too far from the start line, especially if the wind is starting to die.

THE RRS (RACING RULES OF SAILING):

In any sanctioned race (conducted by a yacht club), there are two documents that need to be read and understood.  The Notice of Race (NOR) and the Sailing instructions (SI’s).  In these documents they will indicate how the RRS are changed for the series of races. There are two rules of the road documents used in sailing: Colreg and the RRS.  Colreg rules are used mainly on the ocean and cruising.  Since we are getting accustomed to racing, we use the RRS.  It is good to learn these rules.  By sailing on Tuesday nights you are agreeing to follow these rules.  I will usually cover some of these rules in the blog when it is appropriate.

See you next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair a Dice

MAY 14, 2019: A CRAZY, MIXED UP SAIL

MAY 14, 2019

A CRAZY, MIXED UP SAIL

I got to the boat around 3:30 and there was definitely wind as I got the boat ready and talked to dock members who had sailed earlier.  They had come in early because of the rough conditions.  As we talked, I looked at the Crow’s Nest flag as it hung limply showing no wind at all.  Where was the predicted 10-16 knot breezes predicted for this evening?  By the time we left the harbor at 5:30, it looked like a South or East wind was developing.  As we approached the start mark the bearing of the wind was from 250 degrees.  We were going to have a crazy mixed up sail tonight!

We set the start line mark, called for course M2 (start, Mile, start/finish) and gave a 5 minute horn.  We had 11 boats out for the fun or frustration, depending on which boat you were on.  As the 5 minutes counted down it seemed the wind was dying where we had set the start line.  There was still adequate wind outside but how to get to it with a healthy South swell rolling through?  On Pair A Dice, I wanted to avoid all of the boats on the outside end of the line (with more wind).  My plan was to cross the line on starboard, closer to shore and quickly tack over to avoid the dirty wind of multiple boats further out. As we got closer to the start time, the wind seemed to die with multiple boats in close quarters with some declaring “I have no steerage”. Other boats were pushed into the mark by the motion of the ocean. 

Finally we all got far enough from other boats to actually sail in the whisper of a breeze. Some boats accomplished clear air and got outside where there was more wind. On Pair A Dice, we were in the unenviable position of watching ALL of the boats sterns sailing away from us.  Finally we got into some wind and made our way outside noting that there were frequent 30 degree shifts in the wind.   We noticed boats that followed the normal path of tacking toward mile sailed back into the lighter wind.  We saw a lot stronger wind way outside and sailed out to get into it.  It sure felt good to be actually sailing again in a steady breeze. 

We all rounded Mile and started back inside into the lighter wind.  At the finish it was Tusitala 33:02, Pacific Spirit 37:14, Perfect 36 44:45, Avatar 46:48, Makani 47:24, Kicks 48:03, Pair A Dice 48:30, Dusk till Dawn (Sweet Pea) 51:47 and Aeolian 54:15. Course distance was 2.17 miles and times are elapsed.

To see the race QS track for this night, click on this link.

https://raceqs.com/tv-beta/tv.htm#userId=1011017&divisionId=58684&updatedAt=2019-05-15T12:29:47Z&dt=2019-05-14T17:45:03-07:00..2019-05-14T21:30:35-07:00&boat=Pair%20a%20dice&time=1557881223733&focus=Pair%20a%20dice&rival=Makani&tab=fleet&view=auto

With the congested start in light wind and multiple massive wind shifts along the way, it truly was a crazy mixed up sail.

STARTING STRATEGY:

Races are often won or lost by how your start compares to competitors.  It is a common axiom to strive for clear air at the start with room to leeward so you can fall off a little and squirt ahead of the pack to keep your air clear. Achieving these goal in normal wind are desirable.  When the wind at the start is minimal, attaining these goals become critical. On this night Tusitala got a clean start and was able to find a gap to sail through at the start line and soon was in more wind romping off ahead of everyone.  Being a larger boat, maybe there was more wind higher up to propelled them through the other boats achieving an excellent start.

 

Most boats will start on starboard and try to sail right on the line and harden up at the start time.  This often leaves a gap on one end of the line since everyone wants to be on the line for the start. Perfect 36 used this phenomenon to their advantage on this night, coming down the line on port and hardening up into the gap on the line left by the starboard tackers.  They did well capitalizing on this excellent start for a great finish.

STARTING RULES:

For the start, all boats are sailing at close quarters, so it is critical to know and abide by the rules regarding right of way. My crew knows to always apprise the skipper of every boat that needs to be dealt with.  With all the blind spots behind sails and the work of sailing a boat and having a small crew, it can be a daunting, but still critical a task to keep an eye out for other boats.

 

One rule commonly employed at the start is the windward vs leeward positions.  Leeward boat has right of way over windward boats and if overlapped on the line, the leeward boat can luff the windward boat and force them over the line early.  This gets to be quite a game in team racing as everyone strives to avoid “getting hooked” by a leeward boat. Windward/leeward positions are used to also close the door on a boat attempting to barge at one end of the line.  Since we have no race committee for our Tuesday nights and no protest room, it is critical to follow the rules.  We are all on the honor system.

See you next Tuesday.

Barry Keeler

Sailing Pair A Dice