Advice for a stinky

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Getting one of those tubs up to 9 knots under kite will be much scarier than doing 30+ on a stinkie!

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Sounds a might slow. I have had a fastnet 34 up to 11 kts just on genoa and main.
 
It would be a good idea to ask what role they're likely to want you to do. If you're trimming or grinding the spinnaker sheet you're likely to get pretty warm during the race.

I would definitely advise gloves to protect your hands. Not from the cold, but from ropeburn, which for some roles is a definite risk, especially if it's a scratch crew.

As already mentioned, be aware of the boom and the mainsheet and blocks attached to it, such as for the fine tuner, at all times. Just have a mental picture of where they would all pass during a gybe and make sure you'd not be in their way. In some circumstances, it is worthwhile mentally pre-determining where you would dive if the boom came towards you - so you can react quickly.

Heeling is normal, as already said. In heavier weather with the spinnaker up, during a Chinese gybe (one that comes as much a surprise to the helmsman as to you) the boat could go over close to 90 degrees. Don't worry, she'll come upright. Your main concerns are to find something safe to hang on to (e.g. not running rigging) and to look cool when she comes back upright - wouldn't want your competitors to think you were fazed by it.

In terms of clothing, keeping warm and dry are one thing, but normal oilskin collars and a thick hat and scarf might mean you miss the whispered word 'tacking' from the cockpit, so you've got to balance things a bit.

Finally, it is great fun, and the biggest risk is becoming addicted.
 
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Last, but not least, ensure that your deck shoes are extremely tatty, with evidence of salt staining worth extra merit, the laces suitably welded into a permanent knot, and definitely, definitely, definitely, no socks!

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I'll have you know that I am very proud of my pristine deckies and immaculate laces, though somehow I doubt they will last the season in the same condition /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Brilliant account from the Laurel & Hardy of the East coast, thanks fellas /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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Brilliant account from the Laurel & Hardy of the East coast, thanks fellas /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

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Are you calling me fat, you,you,you, Lincolnshire flat bloke
 
Now then Mr Circle, would I dare ? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

However, I have to admit that Mr Gana is most certainly more like my own athletic and statuesque physique /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
something you've all missed -
earplugs - for when everyones had a good night out , ***sed & snoring
and if its a full boat / shared cabins, we all used to put oil of olbas on the tops round our sleeping bags - so you didnt have to put up with the smell of lots of other crew... especially after a curry night !!
 
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Getting one of those tubs up to 9 knots under kite will be much scarier than doing 30+ on a stinkie!

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Sounds a might slow. I have had a fastnet 34 up to 11 kts just on genoa and main.

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Like I said, they are tubs.

I used to earn my keep driving those things with corporate numptys on board. Trust me, 9 knots is quick and scary!
 
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Brilliant account from the Laurel & Hardy of the East coast, thanks fellas /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]Typical.... SWMBO read it.... thats another fine mess you've got me into.... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

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Whoopsadaisy /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Tell Deb's to read the comment in reply to Mr Circle, I'm sure she will find it amusing /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif though I think Jim may be planning to use counter measures in his response /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
That, or I am to go swimming in RNSYC Oostende /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Thanks to one and all for all the advice. Had a good laugh and a chuckle.......by the sounds of it sailing is a well kept secret...

I think I'm gonna like this a little too much. Thanks again for all the advice.

Cheers

Clyde
 
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