Blue_Pearl
Well-Known Member
Well we went out for a race on Saturday, PCC Winter Series 2 with the guys from Crusader sails (Paul and Mark). What an experience ! they offered to come out for a race with us to set up the boat and new sails as part of their service when you have new sails made. Wow want an eye opener ! These guys were constantly adjusting halyards, sheets, back stay etc. etc. and never let up until over the line ! Half the time we thought they were speaking a different language, only to find out that sailing to to numers meant concentrating on speed through the water and continually monitoring the tell tales, front of the genoa and back of the main.
The pressure they put the lines under was tremendous and at times I was concerned that the winches would be ripped off the deck !
The bottom line though is that we made it to the finish line first and not only that we won on handicap as well !!
I'm not expecting to win all future races, but at least now I know that the boat is capable of performing to it's handicap and winning races. Now it's down to me and my "skills" as a skipper / racer .............. I'm not holding out too much hope though, these guys from Crusader were a few leagues above us and have been doing their thing for many years.
Below is an attempt to link to the video - Note the true wind speed was only 5 - 7 kts throughout the race - we were still managing 5kts through the water and over the ground. I still have to edit the sound and maybe put some sort of sound track on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xre8XbLfDfA
The pressure they put the lines under was tremendous and at times I was concerned that the winches would be ripped off the deck !
The bottom line though is that we made it to the finish line first and not only that we won on handicap as well !!
I'm not expecting to win all future races, but at least now I know that the boat is capable of performing to it's handicap and winning races. Now it's down to me and my "skills" as a skipper / racer .............. I'm not holding out too much hope though, these guys from Crusader were a few leagues above us and have been doing their thing for many years.
Below is an attempt to link to the video - Note the true wind speed was only 5 - 7 kts throughout the race - we were still managing 5kts through the water and over the ground. I still have to edit the sound and maybe put some sort of sound track on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xre8XbLfDfA
