Isn't racing fascinating?

[jason -and the arguenauts]

As a tyro racer I've asked the experienced ones on the forums whole series of questions from jibing a spinnaker to pointing ability to using a plotter, and the answers freely given have been fascinating. All the finer points of sail trim, crew job allocation, tactics - not to mention boat set up and equipment.

Been cruising for a long time and had got to the point where the sailing bit was pretty routine. But all the new racey bits - and there's no reason to trim properly only when racing - make handling the boat a really interesting mental exercise once again.

If you dont believe me just have a look at the thread on light winds racing. http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214495
Can't wait to have a go at some of the tweeks suggested.

Meantime, thanks to JCP, Flaming, BlowingOld Boots and many others who have happily helped a beginner.

 

[savageseadog]

I don't know if it's been pointed out to you already but make sure you have insurance cover for racing and have confirmation or the new policy in writing. My broker failed to act on my instructions.

 

[Twister_Ken]

One benefit of racing is that your close quarters boat handling improves. Or your insurance premiums go up!

Another is that you learn to keep a boat moving when the wind slows, so you end up doing less motoring when cruising.

Oh, and you learn to think of coloured sails as friends, not enemies.

 

[Leighb]

And there was me thinking that everyone was racing ALL the time

SWMBO says that I certainly am.

Seriously though racing does help with sailing skills generally, especially in One Design racing where you can't blame your handicap.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Forums Are Worth Their Weight In Gold

As a tyro racer I've asked the experienced ones on the forums whole series of questions from jibing a spinnaker to pointing ability to using a plotter, and the answers freely given have been fascinating. All the finer points of sail trim, crew job allocation, tactics - not to mention boat set up and equipment.

Been cruising for a long time and had got to the point where the sailing bit was pretty routine. But all the new racey bits - and there's no reason to trim properly only when racing - make handling the boat a really interesting mental exercise once again.

If you dont believe me just have a look at the thread on light winds racing. http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214495
Can't wait to have a go at some of the tweeks suggested.

Meantime, thanks to JCP, Flaming, BlowingOld Boots and many others who have happily helped a beginner.

Thanks for the thanks, its appreciated. I have mentioned on a couple of my responses that the information you get here is worth a lot of money. The stuff on diesel engines alone could save someone a fortune just in labour charges investigating a problem.
This forum method of communicating is new to me and I have been really surprised at the stuff you pickup here. Sure you can get well meaning wrong answers and can give wrong or misleading answers in innocence but even then many people are there to correct you, so its very self regulating. Its also pretty funny at times, there are some sharp wags in this virtual world!

 

[jason -and the arguenauts]

This forum method of communicating is new to me and I have been really surprised at the stuff you pickup here.

You're absolutely right. I went to an NT old house once ( the only time I have felt young for years ) and saw a funny tree with what looked like big rasberries growing in it. Didnt know what it was so I asked on here and within a few minutes back came the answer - mulberry. Remarkable.

Anyway, thanks for your help on the racing! I'm in danger of getting obsessed by it.