A few weeks ago we posted about the power of a quick gybe at the windward mark – especially for boats that are sailing wing on wing down the leeward leg. Last weekend’s penultimate Annapolis Frostbite provided a picture perfect display of exactly what we talked about. By the way – Spinsheet magazine printed a version of some of our frostbite tips. It is on the news stand now!
Check out the following video from Sunday’s racing! It is best viewed at 720 and large viewer (not full screen)
This week J World Annapolis coach Buddy David shares his insights into finding the “favored side” of the race course. Buddy and his team are leading all J World boats this series and determining where the strategic advantage lies on the race course is something all racers must identify. So Buddy, tell us how you do it!
Favored Side of the Course
Picture this scene: You are standing around the docks post-race discussing the day’s triumphs and follies with other crews and someone states the profound wisdom “well you just had to be on the favored side for the first upwind”. Now everyone else is nodding in agreement “yes the (right or left) was way favored”. Even though this apparently universal truth remains a mystery to you, you find yourself nodding your head in agreement afraid to admit your ignorance. I will let you in on a little secret that you are in good company. One of the many challenges of sailboat racing is deciding where to go and when. My first bit of advice is to never be afraid to ask others; most sailors love to share his or her knowledge because they are good natured or because your admiration strokes their ego. Either way is a win-win. Read more
Today must be the coldest day of the year. OK – I admit I am usually somewhere south of Fort Lauderdale during the January-March time frame, so I may not have a perfect memory of last winter, but it is COLD this morning. The only good news is that today the sun begins setting later in the day.
I know what you are thinking – this isn’t the shortest day of the year! You would be right, the winter solstice occurs on December 21 or 22 each year, however that doesn’t mean that the sun sets the earliest on the winter solstice. Read more
