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21 Dec 2000

General Comments

The winds were very light at first and what everyone should have done was to keep close to the powerboat. For mainly two reasons:
1. So that you know when the race committee is about to start anything.
2. That you're close to the start line and don't have to work to get there. (remember, you have to have crossed the start line 10 mins after the start, if not, you DNS).

Starts
Try to keep to WINDWARD and into the current at the start line before the start. Especially when the current is strong, and keep moving because once you lose speed, there is a very high likelihood of losing a lot of ground to leeward.

Upwind
For the 21st, keep in mind that the current was strong. So the smart thing would have been to keep on a tack that would take you closer to shore. Keep your weight close to the dagggerboard..try to keep the boat's fore/aft trim flat at all times. (This is rather hard to do, you have to look at other boats and see where they sit and see whether their boats are flat).

Windward Mark
As the last part of the Upwind Course, it's really important that you decide whether you want to be above, on or below the layline to the mark. When approaching the mark, the advantage will lie with the boats that are coming in on a starboard tack. so if you can, do so as well. If you come in on a port tack, it's only safe to do so if there are no other boats around or if you're absolutely certain that you can get there before anyone else.

Reaching Legs
The most important thing that cannot be stressed enough times is that you have to
1 : Keep as close to the marks as possible when gybing.
2 : Take a transit between the buoy you just passed and the one you're heading towards.

Leeward Mark
The problem that most people face here is that they put their daggerboard down too late. You have to have it down about 1 boat-length away from the mark, and then begin sheeting-in. This will allow you to do things one at a time, thereby preventing mistakes from occuring. The second major problem is when you begin beating after you pass the mark.. this is wasteful of time and space. Try to pass the mark ALREADY on a close haul. If you point up after the mark, you waste that much upwind height.