I want to tell you a short story to give you background, then ask for
your advice about entering a race series.

I have rearranged my schedule so that I can sail next June-October in
a Wednesday night "Beer-Can" race series. I'll be sailing a Catalina
250 or 27 in the "Cruiser" class. (No spinnakers)

I would like to implement a plan that does the following:

1. Put together a crew. (Or if I can put together two crews, we can
practice/race together to keep an edge on and learn together until
June.)

2. Begin practicing and learning on Wednesdays until June.

3. Compete and do well in the series.

My background/experience:
a. Completed beginner, intermediate and advanced U.S. Navy classes
(qualified to rent Cat 250's and Cat 27's.)
b. Crewed in a few races.
c. 100+ hours local sailing experience.

I have several books on racing and rules. I understand the basics of
rules, but right now, lose most rules in the heat of the moment. I've
ordered a bunch of sailing books.

I'm getting a feel for rigging and getting in a groove upwind, but
have no clue what I'm doing downwind. (If the strategy is anything but
head for the downwind mark, I'm not sure what course(s) to steer and
why.) I'm starting to build checklists for what to do at the dock, in
the hour before the race, etc. so I can get into a structure routine.

So..... My questions...

How do you like my plan?
What is your advice on things to do, include or avoid?
What can I do when there are no other boats around to find out how I'm
doing?

Practice, Practice, PRACTICE!





"Richard" wrote in message
ps.com...
I want to tell you a short story to give you background, then ask for
your advice about entering a race series.

I have rearranged my schedule so that I can sail next June-October in
a Wednesday night "Beer-Can" race series. I'll be sailing a Catalina
250 or 27 in the "Cruiser" class. (No spinnakers)

I would like to implement a plan that does the following:

1. Put together a crew. (Or if I can put together two crews, we can
practice/race together to keep an edge on and learn together until
June.)

2. Begin practicing and learning on Wednesdays until June.

3. Compete and do well in the series.

My background/experience:
a. Completed beginner, intermediate and advanced U.S. Navy classes
(qualified to rent Cat 250's and Cat 27's.)
b. Crewed in a few races.
c. 100+ hours local sailing experience.

I have several books on racing and rules. I understand the basics of
rules, but right now, lose most rules in the heat of the moment. I've
ordered a bunch of sailing books.

I'm getting a feel for rigging and getting in a groove upwind, but
have no clue what I'm doing downwind. (If the strategy is anything but
head for the downwind mark, I'm not sure what course(s) to steer and
why.) I'm starting to build checklists for what to do at the dock, in
the hour before the race, etc. so I can get into a structure routine.

So..... My questions...

How do you like my plan?
What is your advice on things to do, include or avoid?
What can I do when there are no other boats around to find out how I'm
doing?

Isn't that what the New Yorker responded to the tourist who asked:
"How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" [grin]

On Oct 2, 2:57 pm, "Big Jon" wrote:
Practice, Practice, PRACTICE!

You read the rules. That's more than most people do before they show
up the first time. Like Doug said you sound like an organized
person. Remember it will probably take you an entire season to get
the boat up to speed. Don't get frustrated. Don't motor back to the
dock ****ed off. Have fun.

Richard wrote:
It's a handicap race. I remember our skipper working hard to cross the
finish less than 3-1/2 mins behind the guy in front. We were about 3
mins behind, so beat him.


By that time, the other boat had already had their fun.
You can see what I mean about one-design racing being a better
learning venue, though... imagaine running a foot race against a guy 3
1/2 minutes ahead of you... you can't tell if you're gaining or losing
ground; no feedback.

Furthermore, sailing against different types of boats will not show
you the best trim & pointing angles at which to sail your own boat. In
a one-design class, when somebody is beating you, you copy him. In a
handicap class, you might not be better off emulating another's
sailing techniques. Difficult. But then that is not helpful advice
here, sorry I had to vent a little.



..... I do have access to two different marinas with weekly
classes at several levels, so a flyer or ad on their bulletin bords
seems a good idea.


That will be a good way to get people on the boat. One suggestion I
have for practice sails- have some definite drills & goals, but also
mix it up and have fun. Rotate positions on the boat. You'll learn a
lot by standing back, giving somebody else the helm, and watching what
happens either good or bad.

Another thing that may be possible is to get a winning skipper to come
for a few sails with you as an informal coach.



I'm getting a feel for rigging and getting in a groove upwind

Pointing versus footing? Shifting gears for lulls, waves, traffic?
Depowering when it's gusty?

Let me rephrase: On a beginner *Sailing 101* level, I've got the idea.
But in this area, I'm nowhere near ready for the big time.


Pointing means to go at a tighter angle into the wind; footing means
to bear away a little and let the boat go faster (but at a wider
angle). Somewhere between is the fastest course upwind.

From a dead-in-water stop, obviously the boat will accelerate more on
a reach than pointed up onto a tight close-hauled course. Intuitive!

But it also reveals a good way to get upwind the fastest... accelerate
the boat then slowly trim slightly tighter and point slightly higher
while trying to lose no speed. When the boat slows a tiny bit, bear
away a little and re-accelerate the boat, repeat the proces of
'squeezing' the boat upwind. It takes constant attention to helm and
sail trim, which is the difference between racing sailing and
daysailing... but it's also many boatlengths of distance at the
windward mark.

When you hit a lull in the wind, or some bigger waves, again-
acclerate the boat then bring it to a higher pointing angle in tiny
increments.

Most beginning sailing classes teach to pull the sails in tight, cleat
them, then point the boat upwind until they luff slightly, then bear
away until they stop luffing. That will in fact get you upwind, but in
a race you'll be looking at a lot of transoms. Constant easing &
trimming also gives the crew something to do.


but
have no clue what I'm doing downwind. (If the strategy is anything but
head for the downwind mark, I'm not sure what course(s) to steer and
why.)

Again, a complex subject. Basically you maximize VMG according to what
options the apparent wind gives you. It's the opposite of sailing
upwind (duh) in that you *want* to go into a header. You go up in the
lulls, down in the gusts. When the is powered up just aim at the mark.

And I've read this, but know that I don't "feel" it yet. Working on
this.


Have you heard "when in doubt, let it out?" Age-old rule of thumb for
downwind sailing.

A more advanced technique is to sail upwind the reverse of the way you
sail downwind. Instead of looking for lifts, you follow headers. You
bring the boat to a reach for acceleration, then try to get the boat
aimed as much downwind as you can without losing that speed.

Going upwind, when you hit a lull, you bear away. Going downwind, when
you hit a lull, you head up.... in both cases you are looking for
speed which you can then turn into VMG towards the next mark or bouy.

A big difference in upwind vs downwind sailing is that this little
game of zig-zag never stops when beating; for going downwind it gets
easier the stronger the wind blows. When the boat can go hull speed
DDW then you will be looking for waves to surf and thinking about
reefing, not reaching up for better VMG.


Again, thanks for your time and insights!

You're welcome. The next best thing to sailing is talking about it.


Ringmaster wrote:
You read the rules. That's more than most people do before they show
up the first time. Like Doug said you sound like an organized
person. Remember it will probably take you an entire season to get
the boat up to speed. Don't get frustrated. Don't motor back to the
dock ****ed off. Have fun.

WINNING IS FUN, DAMMIT!

But you're right, enjoy the whole experience. There is absolutely
nothing that is half so much worth doing as piddling around racing
sailboats.

BTW Richard, you could do well to get Ringmater's advice on finding &
training a crew. C'mon Loco helo the guy out!

DSK

Sorry I made a wrong statement and let Neal get he personal ya-ya in,
Good Luck and have fun.

Richard wrote:
I want to tell you a short story to give you background, then ask for
your advice about entering a race series.

I have rearranged my schedule so that I can sail next June-October in
a Wednesday night "Beer-Can" race series. I'll be sailing a Catalina
250 or 27 in the "Cruiser" class. (No spinnakers)


Which is it? Since you say "Cruiser Class" I'm guessing that you are
racing handicap rather than one-design. The Catalina 27 has a one-
design fleet in many areas.


I would like to implement a plan that does the following:

1. Put together a crew. (Or if I can put together two crews, we can
practice/race together to keep an edge on and learn together until
June.)


That can be a challenge all by itself. Even experienced skippers with
more enticing rides can take time to pull together a good crew.


2. Begin practicing and learning on Wednesdays until June.

3. Compete and do well in the series.


Check.

My background/experience:
a. Completed beginner, intermediate and advanced U.S. Navy classes
(qualified to rent Cat 250's and Cat 27's.)
b. Crewed in a few races.
c. 100+ hours local sailing experience.


You sound like a well organized & rational person... problem is, this
is not a rational sport!

I think you would learn a LOT more, a lot faster, by racing in a 1 or
2 person unballasted one-design boats. There are far less
uncontrollable or difficult to explain (let alone fix) factors.


I have several books on racing and rules. I understand the basics of
rules, but right now, lose most rules in the heat of the moment.

As long as you have a grasp of the 4 basic situations:
port/starboard
windward/leeward
ahead/astern
overlapped at a mark or obstruction

and can keep control of the boat & your temper, you'll do fine with
rules until you are going to higher level races.


I've
ordered a bunch of sailing books.


Forget "a bunch" of books.
Get and read this one
"Start To Win" by Eric Twiname.
http://www.amazon.com/Start-Win-Eric...1362016&sr=8-1

It is by far the clearest, best-organized, and readable book on how to
do well in sailboat races. If you grasp the material in this book, you
will be schooling most any local fleet and getting silver in most
national fleets.


I'm getting a feel for rigging and getting in a groove upwind

Pointing versus footing? Shifting gears for lulls, waves, traffic?
Depowering when it's gusty?

Not ot mention boat-related issues which are all very exaggerated with
larger heavier less-uniform boats. You could put Paul Elvstrom in a
clapped-out Catalina 27 with a few barnacles and he'll lose to Joe
Sixpack with a well tuned C27. Then there's the issue of
handicapping.....

but
have no clue what I'm doing downwind. (If the strategy is anything but
head for the downwind mark, I'm not sure what course(s) to steer and
why.)

Again, a complex subject. Basically you maximize VMG according to what
options the apparent wind gives you. It's the opposite of sailing
upwind (duh) in that you *want* to go into a header. You go up in the
lulls, down in the gusts. When the is powered up just aim at the mark.

This is one reason why my advice is, if you're serious about learning
to race, start off in smaller, simpler, more evenly-matched boats. One
reason why most PHRF fleets are such cluster-f*xx is that few of them
know how to sail very well, much less untangle a complex set of wind/
boat trim/navigating priorities on the fly.



How do you like my plan?

Well, for lack of anything better, you'll meet new people and probably
have a lot of fun.


What can I do when there are no other boats around to find out how I'm
doing?

Routine drills to learn how to SAIL your boat. For example, pick a
mark like a channel bouy (when there's no traffic going by) and
practice 1 minute starts. When you can get you bow slicing a few feet
from the bouy, close hauled, right at GO, then you will be prepared to
get a good start in a racing fleet... provided you can then prioritize
getting a spot in a jumbled fleet, something you can't practice
alone.... but you stand NO chance of getting a good start until you
can get the boat ON the spot, At the second, and MOVING.

Tacking should be second nature. By which I mean, bringing the boat
around smoothly, getting up to speed & point on the new tack
efficiently. Gybing ditto, but that is actually easier at the basic
level & with low-powered boats.

Practice some man-overboard & reefing drills too. Give the crew
something fun to do and let them feel that they have an important part
to play (because they DO) in successfully getting the boat thru any
potential problems. Build confidence, too.

The guy whose advice you really want is Oz1 but he might not be
checking in here these days.

Fresh BReezes- Doug King

WOW! That's a lot of info. Let me take several points...

I have rearranged my schedule so that I can sail next June-October in
a Wednesday night "Beer-Can" race series. I'll be sailing a Catalina
250 or 27 in the "Cruiser" class. (No spinnakers)

Which is it? Since you say "Cruiser Class" I'm guessing that you are
racing handicap rather than one-design. The Catalina 27 has a one-
design fleet in many areas.

It's a handicap race. I remember our skipper working hard to cross the
finish less than 3-1/2 mins behind the guy in front. We were about 3
mins behind, so beat him.

1. Put together a crew. (Or if I can put together two crews, we can
practice/race together to keep an edge on and learn together until
June.)

That can be a challenge all by itself. Even experienced skippers with
more enticing rides can take time to pull together a good crew.

I can see that without that, nothing else will follow, so I need a
plan there. I do have access to two different marinas with weekly
classes at several levels, so a flyer or ad on their bulletin bords
seems a good idea.

I have several books on racing and rules. I understand the basics of
rules, but right now, lose most rules in the heat of the moment.

As long as you have a grasp of the 4 basic situations:
port/starboard
windward/leeward
ahead/astern
overlapped at a mark or obstruction


Got these in my head, but realize in a crowd, I'll have trouble coping
until I get more experience/confidence.

I've
ordered a bunch of sailing books.

Forget "a bunch" of books.
Get and read this one
"Start To Win" by Eric Twiname.http://www.amazon.com/Start-Win-Eric...884/ref=sr_1_1...

It is by far the clearest, best-organized, and readable book on how to
do well in sailboat races. If you grasp the material in this book, you
will be schooling most any local fleet and getting silver in most
national fleets.


I'll get it right away. Thanks!

I'm getting a feel for rigging and getting in a groove upwind

Pointing versus footing? Shifting gears for lulls, waves, traffic?
Depowering when it's gusty?

Let me rephrase: On a beginner *Sailing 101* level, I've got the idea.
But in this area, I'm nowhere near ready for the big time.

but
have no clue what I'm doing downwind. (If the strategy is anything but
head for the downwind mark, I'm not sure what course(s) to steer and
why.)

Again, a complex subject. Basically you maximize VMG according to what
options the apparent wind gives you. It's the opposite of sailing
upwind (duh) in that you *want* to go into a header. You go up in the
lulls, down in the gusts. When the is powered up just aim at the mark.


And I've read this, but know that I don't "feel" it yet. Working on
this.

What can I do when there are no other boats around to find out how I'm
doing?

Routine drills to learn how to SAIL your boat. For example, pick a
mark like a channel bouy (when there's no traffic going by) and
practice 1 minute starts. When you can get you bow slicing a few feet
from the bouy, close hauled, right at GO, then you will be prepared to
get a good start in a racing fleet... provided you can then prioritize
getting a spot in a jumbled fleet, something you can't practice
alone.... but you stand NO chance of getting a good start until you
can get the boat ON the spot, At the second, and MOVING.

THANKS! The best practical tip I've gotten so far. I can do this! I'll
work on this this weekend.

Again, thanks for your time and insights!

Richard,

I raced in the Cruising Class for years, finishing as high as third BUT
I never had as much fun as when I had a novice female crew. They didn't
give a **** where we finished as long as they where sailing and
relaxing. There were times when the Tender had to wait for us to turn a
mark so that they could pick up the buoy.

My advice, for what's it worth is; ENJOY YOURSELF, train your crew but
be a easy captain to sail with.

Some Downwind tips. In light air, set your Jib & Main wing on wing; set
preventer/downhaul on main and Barber downhaul the Jib.(Whisker pole)
Sail the Jib enough by the lee to get boat speed.(I use to give my crew
cookies and coffee so they'd sit still in the cockpit after they got the
sails set) Keep boat speed up until you're in a position to fetch the
Lee Mark on a decent Broad Reach.

As the wind increases Broad Reaches with a gybe. When you get close to
boat speed set course for mark. Downhaul Sails until you're not
comfortable with the wind strength. Remember that with increase wind
strength you get increase wave size, which can give you a chance to
surf.


Good luck and in the Cruising Class ENJOYMENT should be your goal as
well as low point total.

"Thom Stewart" wrote in message
...
Richard,

I raced in the Cruising Class for years, finishing as high
as third BUT
I never had as much fun as when I had a novice female
crew. They didn't
give a **** where we finished as long as they where
sailing and
relaxing. There were times when the Tender had to wait for
us to turn a
mark so that they could pick up the buoy.

My advice, for what's it worth is; ENJOY YOURSELF, train
your crew but
be a easy captain to sail with.

Some Downwind tips. In light air, set your Jib & Main wing
on wing; set
preventer/downhaul on main and Barber downhaul the
Jib.(Whisker pole)
Sail the Jib enough by the lee to get boat speed.(I use to
give my crew
cookies and coffee so they'd sit still in the cockpit
after they got the
sails set) Keep boat speed up until you're in a position
to fetch the
Lee Mark on a decent Broad Reach.

As the wind increases Broad Reaches with a gybe. When you
get close to
boat speed set course for mark. Downhaul Sails until
you're not
comfortable with the wind strength. Remember that with
increase wind
strength you get increase wave size, which can give you a
chance to
surf.


Good luck and in the Cruising Class ENJOYMENT should be
your goal as
well as low point total.




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JML Sigs