February 19, 2007

The Weather Mark

Make these mental notes about the weather mark:

Before the Start
Check the current at the weather mark

30 Boat Lengths Away
What will be the last wind shift or puff (left or right?)

20 Boat Lengths Away
Get a lane of clear air to approach
Decide to approach on Starboard or Port based on last shift advantage and where the crowd is developing

10 Boat Lengths Away
Stay out of the crowd, if lots of boats on starboard set up well above layline
If approaching on Port, decide early how to pick your way through the starboard tackers
Remember the current!

Final Boat Lengths
Note where the puff is and what shift is on (left or right)
Position yourself so you can jibe onto port for a right shift or begin the downwind leg on starboard in the left shift

Posted at 11:43 AM in Checklists | | Comments (2)

Boat Gear and Equipment Checklist

- 24 foot mainsheet (to sail by the Lee you must have 24 feet)
- Ziplock baggie for sailing instructions
- Rudder with tape over rudder head (keeps mainsheet from snagging) and tape in tang (keeps rudder on when boat flips upside down)
- Bailer
- Painter and Paddle (ping pong is perfect)
- Sandpaper (wet/dry 600)
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Duct Tape
- Pocket Knife
- Soap
- Clew tie down (1 foot 3/16")

Posted at 11:30 AM in Checklists | | Comments (0)

February 27, 2006

Your Sailing Bag - Things to Bring

- Hats!
- Sunglasses if you have good ones... bad ones are worse than none at all.
- Sunscreen (and zinc oxide for the ultimate protection)
- Longsleeve lightweight shirts - polypropylene, UV protection turtlenecks (L/S rashguards with UV protection are great. If you get too warm, splash a little water on for cooling)
- Fuzzy layers for warmth (fleece or heavy Under Armor)
- Dry top (Gill makes great dinghy smocks)
- Polypropylene long leggings  (Under Armor makes great leggings)
- Nylon shorts and nylon longer pants if it's cold
- Wetsuit for those really windy cold water days
- Booties (always booties for grip and protection from cuts and cold)
- Gloves
- Water, lots of water
- Lunch, food, snacks... keep it healthy, the candy and cola's taste good going down but ultimately don't provide the long-term brain energy you need.
- Duct Tape
- Pocket Knife
- A plastic bag for your sailing instructions to get taped inside your boat
- A wristwatch with stop/go countdown function
- Rule book
- Sailing Journal and Pencil
- Good luck charm

Posted at 12:13 PM in Checklists | | Comments (0)