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I actually went racing today-I have a question

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/16/2006 : 18:08:24

I tried racing again today. 10 knots and 90 degrees in July, WOOHOO
I crewed for Dwight Guinn, another member of this association, and more importantly, a charter member of fleet 89.
He is quite experienced, and most of all, patient.
We had another crewmember, Kathy, who Dwight has been teaching all this season.
I was the grinder

That's a good job for someone who doesn't know jack about racing.

It was fun, we even had to do a couple of spins due to fouling someone else in a Beneteau. I figure since he had a French boat, he deserved to be fouled.
We should have had right of way due to the "best babes rule" That is, he who has the best looking babe on the boat gets right of way automatically. Seems quite reasonable to me.

So here's my question. Is there such a thing as a book called "Sailboat racing for Dummies?" If not, there should be. Maybe Frank, Duane, and all of you other racerheads could write one.
Any suggestions on a basic book, and not just the rules of racing. Something which explains the start, etc.

Who knows, this devoted cruiser and parrothead just might get into it. Then you guys watch out, or at least watch our "best babe"

Frank Gloss
Formerly 89WK/TR
85 Ericson 32-3 shoal draft "Molto Bene"

Edited by - on

sailorman
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2006 : 06:16:54

Best babe rule? You have any pictures? -- of the race of course.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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6855 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2006 : 06:48:36

Frank,

Here are 7 books that will help you out - They are at all different levels but give the basics and then build on it. If I were to pick one to start, it might be the walker book or the whidden book however I've learned something a bid different from all of them

Dave Perry's Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing 20XXthrough200xx+4. Any year will work, but the most recent covers any rules changes in the past 4 years.

Sail like a Champion by Dennis Connor - Covers ton's of different things, some tactics, some physics, crew jobs and roles, some advanced stuff.

Steve Colgate on Sailing - handles some basic stuff - including starts, etc

Championship tactics - Gary jobson and Tom Whidden - a bit more advanced, but has some basics

North U Racing Trim - Bill Gladstone - Best sail trim relating to racing that I have seen.

North U performance tactics - Gladstone - This is next on my reading list. Based on the book above I am looking forward to it.

The tactics of small boat racing - Stuart Walker

Get the North books from North - the CD-rom has extra good stuff.

If you get the others, use amazon and the link on the links page.

Duane

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DanM
Captain

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USA
256 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2006 : 07:27:35

Yes, Frank. There is "Sailing for Dummies" by JJ and Peter Isler. ISBN 0-7645-5039 X $26.99
It's rather basic, but has a chapter on racing. Duane's suggestions are probably more useful to someone with your sailing experience. You might also check out some websites devoted to the sport.

Here's a sample from RCR Yachts, <sail@rcryachts.com>
where I'm berthed:
"Learn the Racing Rules - DVD David Dellenbaugh SEA-TV Productions along with rules expert, David Dellenbaugh, the on-screen host and narrator, have designed this DVD set to make it easier to learn the international yacht racing rules.

"Learn the Racing Rules" is an excellent application of the power of video to instruct and illuminate a complex subject. Yacht racing is a very kinetic and complicated sport and the rules are very difficult to understand from reading them in the rules book. By using the power of digital video production software such as animation, computer graphics, slow motion, and stop motion, we are able to make the rules readily understandable. This along with actual racing footage and a script by one of the world's top yacht racing rules experts makes it easier for youth and entry level racers to participate in the sport and helps experienced racers to be more confident and ultimately win more races.
There is some great racing action footage to illustrate many of the rules. SEA~TV specializes in shooting on the water and we captured great footage of Etchells and Lasers in some pretty exciting conditions. There is also excellent aerial footage of big boat races provided by North U.

Product Description
This two DVD set is the best way to learn the 2005 to 2008 international yacht racing rules. "Learn the Racing Rules" is written and narrated by David Dellenbaugh, winning America's Cup tactician, Chairman of the US Sailing Rules Committee, Senior Rules Judge and internationally recognized rules expert.
The "Learn the Racing Rules" series gives racing sailors a better understanding of the 2005-2008 "Racing Rules of Sailing" and how to apply them on the race course. It uses computer animation, computer graphics, on-the-water sailing demonstrations and actual racing footage.
"Learn the Racing Rules, Part 1" explains all the basic right-of-way rules that you need to know while racing, plus their general limitations. "Part 2" explains the often-confusing rules that apply when you approach marks and obstructions. Each includes the text of all rules and definitions discussed, plus reference to international appeals cases.
Whether you race a big boat or one-design, as a skipper or crew, "Learn The Racing Rules" will help you understand the rules so you will feel more confident around other boats and more in control of your race.
Great for junior programs and helps experienced racers to win more races!
Part 1 Basic Right of Way Rules
Part 2 Rules at Marks & Obstructions
Running time: 60 minutes each DVD

A new website has been launched to help fill the communications needs of both racing and cruising sailors. The site's user-friendly interface allows sailors to stay in direct communication with their crews (via Instant Invitation) or their friends and families back on shore (with an email every time a sailor's page is updated). The site allows racing skippers to manage race dates and crew; track racing calendar and post race results; and create and maintain 'My Racing Page' with all current information on the crew, vessel and race plans. --
http://www.MyHomeHarbor.com

Some Interesting Sailing & Nautical Websites:
http://www.alphaglobalex.com/ North-South solo expedition sailor
LectronicLatitude-on@latitude38.com Free website, Latitude 38
http://www.velux5oceans.com Five Oceans Solo Race site
http://www.t2p.tv/ Excellent on-line sailing videos on demand
http://www.sail-world.com/news/ Lots of world-wide sailing news
http://www.SailFlow.com/sb weather site
http://www.thedailysail.com/ism/articles.nsf latest sailing news

Yacht Deliveries: The following people can do a good job of moving your boat safely and professionally, by water:
Erik Will 315-573-4485
Captain Jeremy Steele-Perkins, Ocean Captains Group, Ltd.
585 396 9290, cell 843 367 5595 and email captcatch@aol.com
Bob Paiement: resume at www.sbcaptains.org

Tips & Hints:

Do You Have a New ForeSpar Spinnaker Pole? Everyone who has used the newest version of the ForeSpar carbon fiber spinnaker poles with the new trigger ends really likes them. We just found out, however, that you can adjust the tension on the trigger by turning the screw a bit on the bottom of the pole ends. This will control how easily the trigger releases the pin that closes the jaw.

"Take control of your Race", by Wally Cross, 5/27/2006, continued:
Control Your Speed

The Boat
Make the bottom, keel, rudder perfect
Rig, running rigging, has to be light strong
Sails, the best shapes in the class
Instruments, provide good information

Communication
The Speed Circle
Wind speed, wave condition, results from rail
Main trimmer talking target speeds
Jib trimmer responding to target goals
Helmsman talking feel

Tuning
Start a guide
Set up for wind speed and wave condition
Update after each event

When setting up rig:
Set up rig per numbers with 10 boats or less, more boats, little looser
Cold weather set up tighter, warm, looser
This is a good guide for water the same as the wind or flatter
IF water is choppy or big waves, shorten headstay 10mm for each wind range
Jib trim normally has a flat foot, inhaul to crown of deck and leech hitting mid marks

Heel in light air is no less than 10 degrees and no more than 13 degrees
Heel in breeze is 20 in flat water and 23 in chop
Heel down wind is 5 degrees in light air, 0 in med and -3 in breeze

Crew hike grabbing the water

Main trim so top telltale just start to stall

Pull vang to pop top batten in main

Check Your Speed
Get out early on race day and hook up
Find the best boats to check speed
If fast and low, too tight
If high and slow, too loose
Adjust downwind and do it again
(from Destination One Design)

That is part of a weekly report which comes by email. It also has a lot of sales promotion and local racing news for Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2006 : 11:55:40

thanks guys
I'm glad video's were mentioned. We have a library at our sailing club and I'll go check that out first. Thanks for bringing it up to my little mind.

I do have a copy of "Sailing for Dummies" someplace, I'll look up the chapter on racing.

Here I am a beginner racer and I know about the "best babe rule" I'm quite surprised no one else does

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.