At this point you've realized that aggressive boat on boat tactics are the norm in match racing. You haven't seen anything yet! On the downwind racing to the leeward mark there is no break, no time for a sandwich...or the other team will eat your lunch!
Still working on our start sequence strategy, we've dialed up are now entering "the playground." This is very different from Fleet Racing. Timing and position becomes critical here. It is much less about being at the line when the gun goes off and more about gaining a controlling position and being back to the line... Continue Reading →
Photo courtesy of Extreme Sailing's Facebook Page.It seems like you can put a foil on just about anything these days, but after talking with Matt Reynolds, an accomplished sailor, and CEO of Sailing Events Association (SEA), foiling is not just something you pick up one weekend and do for fun. If you're going to foil, you... Continue Reading →
Up to this point, we've gotten into the starting box...NOW WHAT? Are you Yellow or Blue because it matters! This video explains the options available to both boats at the initial meeting forced by the match racing starting rules. (You might have to rewind it a few times to get it all!)
This is a harrowing story of a seasoned sailor, a massive change in conditions, and some serious luck. This is the story of Mark Wheeler aboard Meridian X in the Chicago to Mackinac Island Race who suddenly found himself in the water when the boat was hit by a micro-burst in open water. Spoiler alert... Continue Reading →
Most of us are used to racing sailboats in fleets where the Racing Rules Of Sailing govern our actions and ensure safety around the racecourse. Becoming more and more popular though is a form of one-on-one racing called Match Racing. The rules are a little different and the start is much different. I found a... Continue Reading →
In recent years, the comfort and ease of use of Inflatable PFDs has grown a lot. As a dinghy sailor, I almost never used one. But as I've done more cruising, a few deliveries, and gotten into stand-up paddleboarding, even I now have a couple of inflatable PFDs in my repertoire. Generally, the up-sides are... Continue Reading →
I hate to say it, but I've been on more than one boat where standing rigging has failed. In both cases, they failed at a point where routine inspection may have revealed a problem. I say "may" because in some of today's modern fittings you just can't see what is going on. Press-fit fittings hide... Continue Reading →
In our post about Kids and Sailing, we talked about the merits of sailing as a sport for kids. Some kids will want the racing path. How do we manage that responsibly as parents though? I know I don't want to just throw my kid out to race during the regular race season with no supervision.... Continue Reading →
I love racing sailboats, but this video (among a whole slew of others) has pretty much convinced me that I will probably NEVER sail the Southern Ocean. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
Desert Wind Sailing 