Recommendations for 24 Hour Watch Schedules
Last weekend took me to Newport to bring a boat back to Annapolis. At this time of year, there are a lot of distance races and deliveries to and from Annapolis. So, I thought it was worth taking a minute to share some experiences. This is my third delivery in three years (Bermuda, Charleston, and Newport all back to Annapolis). One thing I’ve learned is that there is not one RIGHT watch system. It is dependent on aspects like: […]
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Who Remembers November?
The weather has been crazy around the Mid-Atlantic coast lately. It was especially stormy on Wednesday. Forecasts were showing storms all around Annapolis. Races were cancelled over an hour before the race start due to the storms. Even with that being said, it was interesting to see how word spread from person to person. Some crew members on my Wednesday night boat drive as far as an hour and fifteen minutes to make the race. Others live within walking distance […]
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Sailboat Racing Trim — Part 15
In Chapter 15 of his book Racing Trim, Bill Gladstone talks about rig tuning. The following post shows a short summary of the highlights I got out of that chapter. Tuning Masthead Rigs Side Bend & Lean — Make sure that the mast is centered in the deck. Tighten the shrouds (uppers first) evenly to make sure that tensions and distances are even. Don’t over tighten the shrouds. Sail in a moderate breeze on both tacks and watch for symmetry in the […]
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Sailboat Racing Trim — Part 14
In Chapter 14 of his book Racing Trim, Bill Gladstone talks about boat preparation. The following post shows a short summary of the highlights I got out of from that chapter. Bottom Preparation Make sure that your keel is fair and smooth — and that it matches the design of your boat. The leading edge should be round trailing to a parabola and the trailing edge should cut off at an angle. Make sure that the bottom is sanded smooth and finished […]
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Follow Me . . . The Flag, That Is
Welcome to the height of summer. Thinking back on mid-summer races in Annapolis, there is one flag that comes quickly to my mind. It is the “L” flag. If this flag is flown ashore, it signifies that a notice to competitors has been posted. However, when it’s flown on the water it is used to signal “come within hail” or follow me.” Race committee will fly this flag when the race course needs to be moved (often because they are […]
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Sailboat Racing Trim — Part 13
In Chapter 13 of his book Racing Trim, Bill Gladstone talks about driving downwind. The following post shows a short summary of what I learned from that chapter. Coordinated effort between the helmsman and spinnaker trimmer is crucial along with input from the tactician. Wind and water conditions must also be taken into consideration. It is helpful to channel all suggestions through the trimmer. The boat gets too noisy otherwise and then no one can concentrate on their own job. […]
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Gearing Up for a Night Race
Next weekend is the Solomon’s Island race. It’s a feeder race to get boats from Annapolis to Solomon’s Maryland in advance of the following week’s Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge regatta. This will be my first night race of the season. So, it’s time to go through my sailing gear and make sure that my essentials are in order for night sailing. I consider the things below to be necessary for night sailing — partially because stuff is more difficult and takes […]
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Sailboat Racing Trim — Part 12
In Chapter 12 of his book Racing Trim, Bill Gladstone talks about asymmetric spinnaker trim. The following post shows a short summary of what I learned from that chapter. The main controls for an asymmetric spinnaker are: Sheet — The sheet is most used and gives the most immediate feedback about sail trim. Use it to keep a curl in the sail. Halyard — The halyard can be eased on a broad reach to let the spinnaker rotate further to weather. Tack line […]
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You’re Putting WHO on Foredeck?
I’ve raced sailboats for over six years now. However, my time is typically spent in pit and trimming jib or guy. I was taught how to do foredeck a long time ago when I took a J World class on a J-80. Yet, I haven’t really done foredeck in a racing situation. Tonight, I got to the boat (J-24) and realized that our usual foredeck person was not able to make the race. I totally believe that everyone on […]
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Sailboat Racing Trim — Part 11
In Chapter 11 of his book Racing Trim, Bill Gladstone talks about spinnaker trim. The following post shows a short summary of that chapter. When flying a spinnaker, remember that optimum true wind angle changes with wind speed. The optimum ranges from somewhere around 140 – 145 degrees in light wind to 165 degrees in 14 knots. At winds higher than that, steer directly for the mark. However, planing boats and sport boats can benefit from sailing higher angles There are […]
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