This past season, I spent my Wednesday evenings
racing on an old (1977) Bristol 34. Seems like an
oxymoron, racing an old cruising boat that rates
192.
This boat has no fancy electronics or high tech
sails. Electronics consist of a knot log and
depth meter.
When I started with this boat, I called it the
geriatric boat. The owners are both in their mid
60's. One crew member is in her late 70's. At
40, I was the youngest on the boat.
We sailed by the compass. Checking the wind and
line bearings at the start, checking heading for
lifts and headers.
Mid-season I was allowed to take over as skipper.
Dinghy racing has given me the confidence to put
the boat where I want it without the concern of
being too close to the other boats. An inch from
another boat in dinghies isn't a big deal.
Knowing the rules helps out a lot too.
Math not being my strong suit, I made a little
compass rose with rotating cross hairs. I simply
turn the dial to the bearing of the line and see
where the wind is for the favored end.
I learned so much from these old timers on an old
boat, I was able to steer us to two firsts in the
last couple races. This is not just correcting
over faster boats, but actually crossing the line
in front of boats with ratings in the 170's.
The owners have given me use of the boat to enter
in the Baltimore Harbor Cup to benefit leukemia.
I thought it would be a good thing to do as a
friend of mine has a son that was recently
diagnosed with
leukemia.http://www.active.com/donate/leukemiacupm
d/BCSC
It is so much fun to push this old boat and come
out ahead.
It's also speaks volumes that the crew on this
boat has been together for years. A spot doesn't
open up unless someone dies.
I've also been able to pass on a load of info and
experience to my son. It gives so much pleasure
having him take interest in something I'm
interested in. But I've got to watch him. He's
starting to give his old man a run for his money.
As much as I dread it in one sense, I can't wait
for the day he beats me in every race.
So, between racing the Bristol, racing dinghies,
sailing my boat and running the sailing center, I
don't see how life could get much better.
S.