On Wed, 27 Apr 2005 10:26:14 -0300, Terry Spragg
wrote:


The best way to sail "fast" is to leave the phone at home, rip out
the knotmeter, and pull all the ropes a little too tight. Fast is a
relative term. Some sail to be competetive, and some sail to get
away from it all. Just ask yourself if the seagulls worry about
going fast enough.

OK, please be aware that I understand that sailing is the worst form
of transport...excepting all the others. "Fast" in this context means
getting the best from the boat, not letting the sails flog,
maintaining a tuned rig, cleaning the bottom and neither stalling the
helm nor rounding up frequently. And completing tacks effectively.

That's "fast" by virtue of no being slow. I can sail an Alberg 30
"fast" by that measure, although it's not at this stage in GRP boat
history, a particularly fast boat.

At least, that's not why I sail. You must please youreslf.

I do. Perhaps I should have used the term "sailing to the potential of
my boat and my crew".

R.