Post-Race Newbie Lesson

I went out racing last night in the strongest wind yet. 2 races and I didn't do well (exaggeration). But, a fellow sailor gave me some helpful tips that I need to remember:

1. Beating, keep sail trimmed & tighten the vang as much as possible (I thought it was tight, but clearly not.) He said you have to see a flat roach area and a bent mast.
2. Keep everything else tight.
3. Buy some tell tales! (I don't have any, so I guess that's the next purchase.)

I find the hardest part of racing so far is beating to the windward mark. Tactically, I still seem to be unable to get a proper line.

Good & Slings - Heated Row!

Ouch - Heated words were had between Slingsby and Goodison at the Skandia Sail in early June.

Insidethegame Link

Windy Weekend

I sailed this past Saturday, in very good conditions. There was a wonderful one-design regatta held and so many classes were racing nearby.
Since Monday was a holiday, I thought sail practice would be in order, but where at home the winds weren't strong, once at the lake, it was too much for me. Maybe others sail in these conditions, but I was nervous and there was no other boats out there...

Chain Sinnet (Monkey Braid)

A fellow sailor was kind enough to show me how to keep my lines properly tied using a chain sinnet. Here's the link at animated knots:

http://www.animatedknots.com/chainsinnet/index.php

At the Back of the Pack

I'm still learning how to get through a course without making major mistakes. I guess the most difficult challenges are:

• start line
• choosing a line
• wind changes

I'll get there...

Danger Will Rogers Danger!

Well, our first full-fledged racing evening was abandoned as these clouds set in over Ottawa:

It was calm, but then thundershowers loomed ever closer. The wind had picked up so too did the race. Sadly, for my official race, it was abandoned. There's always next week. (The boom also hit my head while gybing. Ouch.) I suppose this video might help. 

How to Tack like a Pro?!?

Do a perfect tack...This is my quest tonight at racing.