Mike: Nice analysis, thanks for passing on the wisdom. Re: #s 3 and 4, it is interesting that Glen Bourke's book advises actually heeling a bit to windward in light winds with flat water...he describes this as "super fast" and he's got photos illustrating his method. I've not ever heard anybody else recommend this not have I seen it adopted by any of the fast movers in our fleet. Wondering what gives with Bourke's advice...just an odd recommendation that only a world champ can make work, or is it endorsed by others also? Miles
- Original Message -----
From: MJohns77@aol.com
To: seattle-laser@sailpix.com
Sent: Monday, February 09, 2004 4:59 PM
Subject: Frigid Digit Lessons
Lessons learned from the Frigid Digit 2004.
- When the pin end of the starting line becomes favored at the start due to a left hand shift, it is imperative to get on port tack immediately to gain a lane and be in phase. The first 3 to 5 boats that tack to port gain a sweet lane and are in phase, while those on starboard tack are left to choke in the exhaust of the boats ahead and too leeward. Their were at least three races like this.
- When in doubt as to what tack to be on going upwind, the general rule is to take the tack that allows you to point closest to the mark. Ripples appeared on the left a few times and those that broke this basic rule gained. However the risk always goes up when you take a tack that leads away from the mark.
- (overheard Al Clark coaching one of his pups sailing in on Saturday) ' "When going upwind don't drag the leeward rail in the water." After hearing this I watched how much heel Al was sailing with on Sunday. His leeward gunwale was about 1 inch off the water and was exactly like this every time I looked over at him. I must also say that Al looked like he was always going 25% faster than all boats around him. See item 4 below to see how I think Al accomplished this.
- (Most important lesson) Pinching in the light conditions come with a price (side slippage). Sailing low and fast allows a minimum of leeward slip and usually results in a significant advantage when the wind is between 2 and 4 knots. My view of the fleet is that this is the single biggest technique difference between the top and bottom half of the fleet.
Comments?
Mike Johnson
161978
Received on Wed Feb 11 08:46:16 2004
