Not the Man I Was

The McEachen Trophy Race turned up a beautiful day of steady wind and sun, as well as its novel downwind start and unusual bearings. It's always a chance to mix in a little confusion and it transforms our waters to a new and unfamiliar sailing venue.

Dazzler enjoyed the mix. We had our places in the race shuffled several times in this 6nm course and ended up in the tail end of the first half of the fleet. We're still just beginning to learn how to maximize this Wyliecat-30's speed on all points of sail.

After today, I don't think I will get any closer.

Still No Answers

Tonight I surrendered the helm to SP. He had his way with footing instead of pointing. I called the tactical moves in sublimely light winds,(3-7 knots). I don't think he has the answer. But I let him have 'is way. Because what does it matter? Just want to get the boat sold and to get out of racing. I've forgot 90% of what I once thought I knew about racing a boat.

The boat is in good hands with SP & MV. I'm tempted to let them have the boat next week while I am in surgery. Looks like more extremely light winds.

We're Still Learning

Summer #1 was a pursuit Race of 21 boats in a 14-knot breeze. Unfortunately, there was a huge gap between start times and we did not see a lot of boats. We were fortified with a major addition in crew and technique. Good quick tacking up the Kelp Straits. After rounding the weather mark we were confronted with our usual duel with the Pesky Yellow boat.

This time we threw a hex on her spinnaker, causing her to wrap it and then to go shrimping with it. This gave us time on the last leg to pass her to leeward and beat her to the finish. However, Daz' sister Wyliecat pulled away from us and grabbed a 3rd. We finished 14th and 10th on elapsed time.

Self Humiliation!

Lousy start and I went down hill from there. It's as if my mind went blank with 90 seconds to go and I reverted to past habits of trying to start on the pin end. I have less flexibility in terms of trimming control than on Das Boot.

So, my game plan is to start in the middle of the line where there's clear air & water. But tonight, that went out the window. Write it down to lack of concentration. This pitiful position forced me to accommodate starboard tackers up course, to take too many tacks, to find myself in the middle of the Kelp sea. 4th at the weather mark, but clueless from there on. Everyone passed us. Finished 3rd from the bottom of a 13-boat fleet!