Conference unifix::sailing

1255.0. "Tips for Racing Crew" by STEREO::HO () Wed Jun 21 1989 11:44

Some useful pointers for Etchells crews that others may find useful.

1.  To determine the compass heading for each leg of a triangle
course, use the following:

First leg = posted on committee boat
Second leg = first heading - 135 (or +225)
Third leg = first heading + 135 (or -225)

The assumes that the course is an isosceles right triangle with
the weather leg going up the hypotenuse.  The derivation is left
as an exercise for the reader.

2.  To determine which side of the line to start on, take a wind
reading and compare to the posted heading for the course.  If 
wind heading > course heading, start on the right, else start
on the left.

3.  Write the heading down after each tack with a column for port
and another for starboard.  This helps in detecting windshifts 
on the course.

4.  If the headings get larger, the wind is going right.  If 
smaller, the wind is going left.

5.  Our goal is to go the same way the wind goes.  If the 
wind goes right, we go right.

6.  If the wind goes right before the run, gybe set the chute.

7.  Before the race note the distance from the clew to the jib
block when the jib is properly trimmed to its mark on the spreader.
After a tack, trim to this distance immediatly before fine tuneing
the setting.  This saves time and little, if any, further
adjustment will be needed.

8.  Before dropping the chute, set the jib to its upwind position.
This saves time in the mark rounding.

9.  Don't stand in the cockpit when going upwind.  Crouch.
Otherwise no one can see where we're going.

10.  If a line is stuck in a cleat, rotate half of the cleat with 
your free hand and the line will come right out.

11.  Don't try to push a line into a cleat.  Pull it back and down.
It'll go right in.

12.  To get on or off the rail, push against the boom.  Don't jump.

13.  Keep the boat heeled at 10 deg.  Put your weight were needed
to maintain this amount of heel when going upwind.

    Go placidly amid the noise and haste thereof, and remember what comfort
    there may be in owning good foul weather gear.
    
    Avoid standing on lines leading into the cockpit.
    
    Speak glowingly of the tactician and naviguesser and heed their advice,
    even though they may be blowing the race.
    
    Know your port from your starboard.
    
    Be comforted in the face of all adversity and embarassment, and despite
    the fact that you are two fleets behind the one you started with. 
    There is always the chance of a big favorable wind shift.
    
    Remember to put the sheets OUTSIDE the shrouds.
    
    Strive at all times to keep your head below boom level.
    
    Know yourself, it helps when your skipper is trying to get your
    attention.
    
    Exercise caution during spinnaker gybes, especially if you are on the
    foredeck.
    
    Be assured that no matter how chaotic things appear, the guys on the
    boat behind you have it worse than you do.
    
    Fall not on deck therefore; the lifelines will not hold you.
    
    Gracefully surrender the jib sheet to someone who knows how to trim it.
    
    Let not the sands of the beach get into your winches.
    
    Take heart amid the deepening gloom that although you finished dead
    last, at least you didn't sink.
    
    Reflect that whatever misfortune may be your lot, whether you can hear
    it or not the entire fleet is laughing behind your back.
    
    Therefore make peace with your skipper, whatever you conceive him to
    be; Screaming Jack-Ass or Nautical Marshmallow.
    
    With all its hopes, dreams, and promises of a tin plate, the Big Break
    continues to elude you.
    
    Give up ...
    
    
    			... Bob  :^)