Other than being well outside our optimal conditions, we probably had at least 15 minutes worth of slow start, extra tacks, misjudged laylines, uncoordinated sail handling, etc. That's the difference between finishing 5th and 8th. It was tough on everybody, but especially so on the little guys and those of us with basically cruising sails and such. In that kind of weather Lapras probably can't sail to her rating, anyway, but with a little more help from her humans she could have a closer look at the front.
Last or first, it was still a ton of fun. We got around the course on a really rough day, one if not for the race we would have spent at home watching TV or something.
More here: Blustery SSS Corinthian Race
7 comments:
Another race for the ages - or maybe just the aged. Such a large wake for such a small boat. Nice update. I like to read the synopsii of our adventures - the best reading of all.
Whether out of laziness, clumsiness, or sheer cussedness, I never reef. 30 knots and I drop the main or come in. Otherwise I break stuff. But you guys in the Bay area are among the best sailors.
I tend to furl and leave the main up, mainly because I have yet to put in reef points. I'm so used to doing it that way that it feels natural, but I'm sure there's a technical advantage to reefing the main as well, right?
The less jib, the less helm.
Today, it was blowing so hard, I couldn't back out of my slip. (26 knots) If I had been able to, and if it hadn't been so frigging cold, I might have flown my minuscule jib long enough to record a start so I could come back to the bar with a DNF score. With 75% of the fleet not even suiting up, that would have been significant accomplishment. But I am an old man now, and I sail more now for enjoyment than for accomplishment. One year has changed a lot.
Doc, how frigging old are you? And how old were you a year ago?
As for the right order to progressively reduce sail, that depends on the boat, I suppose (always a safe answer.) On my boat, the partially furled jib doesn't trim well and looks horrible. Besides, it's only 110% when fully unrolled. I've upgraded all the reefing gear on the main to make it pretty simple and quick. Lapras balances very nicely with full headsail and reefed main, and the well trimmed headsail really helps to keep the boat driving to weather in a chop. If I rolled the jib before reefing the main, I'd have a lot of weather helm and whould lose a lot of drive. Your mileage may vary.
Yes, it depends on the boat!
I have a monster main which I can de-power well, up to a point, anyways. The blade is indestructible and I discovered in 30 knots I can point 65deg with it up alone. That's enough to start & retire. Tried reefing my main (incorrectly) on a cruise and tore a grommet. I always said I'll never reef. My tombstone will read, HE REEFED!
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