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What a rush!!

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/18/2008 : 08:00:47

I don't know if you have read my earlier posts...

First race this spring, we couldn't get to the start line.
Second race, we made it to the start box just as the gun went off, then couldn't get to the first pin.
Third race we made it all the way around the course (a major victory), and finished dead last.

Our goal for the racing season was to have a "Not last place" finish. We are 3 months into our racing career and have finished in not last place on PHRF at both the club level, and in our "Interclub Series" against all the other clubs on the lake.

Actually, we have fininshed really far from last place the last 2 outings. Last night we came in second. Holy Moley. In the club we have gone from being gently guided (Have you thought about taking off that pigtail when you race?) to closely scrutinized (How long is that whisker pole? What weight? I'd like it remeasured.)

Today Iris is in second place in the club standings (Summer series, not overall) and is ahead of 2 pearson flyers, a Catalina 27, a Hinterhoeller 28, and a Tanzer 22 with an amazing skipper.

I think most of the improvement comes to 4 things - a fast boat (PO did a great job setting up the key components), amazing crew (last night I brought on a guy who was hanging out on the dock - he was great at calling trim), simply showing up (if you aren't there, you can't win), and being a sponge. I have learned so much so fast through racing.

I wasn't sure about positioning sheet leads, then I went and crewed at a bigger club, and picked up some hot tips. Didn't know how to trim the main, then learned about the foot-line I have, and now I can point up better, didn't know about weight positioning and figured that out, the list goes on.

I dunno where theis post is going now except that at this point sailing on this boat is exactly what the doctor ordered. Its constant learning (and at this point a heck of a lot of it), and a load of fun.

"Iris"
1984 FK/SR #4040
http://frosthaus.blogspot.com/

Take a minute to register your boat with the association!!
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/owner_questionnaire.htm

Edited by - Prospector on 07/18/2008 08:02:41

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2008 : 08:16:20

Shoo-in for Rookie of the Year! Great work!

Edited by - on

SailCO26
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2008 : 08:44:54

It's not difficult at all to make a sailboat go, and pretty much go where you want it. Start racing, and you'll learn how to make it go FAST, where you want it AND when you want it.

You'll definitely become a better sailor for having the racing experience. :)

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2008 : 11:01:16

I gotta stop reading these. I've always thought I had no interest in racing but after sailing around a race in progress Wednesday night and posts like this, I might change my mind. Does this mean I'm gettting the fever? Is there a cure?

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3323 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2008 : 11:57:12

There is no cure John! But racing is the most fun you can have on a boat with your clothes on...

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2008 : 13:34:41

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John Russell
 I gotta stop reading these. I've always thought I had no interest in racing but after sailing around a race in progress Wednesday night and posts like this, I might change my mind. Does this mean I'm gettting the fever? Is there a cure?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I was introduced to sailing by a racer. It was cheaper to crew for him than take lessons, so last season I went out with him as often as I could. This year he is in a different marina (announced he was leaving right after I bought my boat!) and at the start of the season I was wondering if I should even be on the line. I was afraid of hitting the other boats.

I am not a competitive person. I know I have a fast boat, but really, I'm not racing for pride or money. My only motivators are learning and having fun. For us, its really paying off. There is also something VERY rewarding about being the first boat to recognize a windshift, or to see a chance that everyone else missed.

My wife is decidedly against racing. She wants to go where she wants to go without being tied to a specified course. When we coming home from a marina across the lake though, and the wind kicked up a stink, (25 knots at our masthead and gusts close to 30, with waves that were burying the nose of the boat) I was able to recognize the shift, how to change our trim, and had the confidence in the boat to bring us through it because I had spent so many Thursday nights out racing, and then getting tips on what to do in different wind from the other skippers.

Conversely, when the same blow kicked up the following Thursday, and half the fleet stayed in the harbour, I was able to single-hand the race knowing I had done some 20 miles in similar conditions the week before.

Last night I was crossing another boat on the start line, and got so close to his stern rail that we could see the spider cracks in his gel-coat. At the finish we were lee-bowing the Hinterhoeller and our boom was close to touching his boat. Our ability to handle the boat in tight quarters like this has improved immensely. Carving your way around a pin as close as possible without touching it is really an awesome feeling. If only I could perfect that handling while backing out of my slip! (I still spark fear in the hearts of many there...)

I am still amazed that sailing is a sport where you go and try to out wit all these guys, and then sit down afterwards and laugh at your mistakes with them. I have never been part of a fraternity that switches from duelling competitor to comrade so quickly.

Edited by - on

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.