A few weeks back we offered some basic tips... here are a couple more
1. Practice sailing upwind. We run a figure 8 course so much of the time you may be pinching upwind slightly to get to the next mark. This upwind sailing on a slalom board is a bit of black art. the good guys make it look really easy. try running a slightly bigger fin and keep your weight forward.
2. Have a good look around at the gybe marks. As we said before, no harm in gybing a little off the mark if you are not 100% confident. Takes the pressure of everyone if you blow it.
3. Starboard(right) has right of way. If you are heading towards an oncoming sailing just try and make your intentions clear, just as you normally would sailing. I am yet to see this as an issue on the course, unless it is Leo.
4. If you pass your mate on the course make sure you let him know. Nothing better than a bit psychological sledging on the course! I personally like to extend this to the pre-rigging time as well. Once you have established who your main contenders are on the water, you need to offer some really bad rigging advice to them on land.
5. In light-moderate winds try rigging a bit bigger than usual. You will be surprised how the wind is effected when you are sailing within "the fleet". This should also help you stay on the plane a little longer. Once the wind kicks in, this is not such a good idea, you will be after more control.
6. If you think someone is in trouble, yell out to them. Better safe than sorry. If you are in trouble wave both hands above your head.
See you all Sunday!
Select to expand quotetoeside said...
7. Green....port....left
Red....starboard....right
It's never let me down.....
I hope to never sail in the same vicinity as you toeside....
Green is the starboard side of the boat, red is port. What side you pass the Channel markers or harbour entry is dependent on if coming into port, then it's vessel port side to port (red) marker, or leaving port it's vessel port side to starboard marker(green)
Starboard tack right of way is generally easy to remember when your right hand is leading I.e. its closest to the mast
