Friday 9/2012

Not sure how to report this Friday night of sailing. So here are the facts:

• Hot day – means the NNW thermal set up early. Whitecaps in late afternoon. However, wind eased during the race.
• Sailed just 2 people on GJ (HM and it was his birthday!)
• 5 boats in our start. Biggest class. Absolutely hammered the start.
• Discussed going right before the race and it was an option to be based on start.
• Because of great start, stayed left on starboard tack and went west for over 10 minutes.
• We set up before the race to point high (overpowered) and did it well, so the class competition had to duck and stay right/east.
• After 20 minutes we were 8 minutes ahead of everyone in class.
• Windward mark we were in the top 6 overall.
• Stayed left in the muck downwind (slot in the middle of the lake) and had better wind. Passed 3~5 boats. Added another 8+ minutes to our lead over class.
• Committee called the race at the leeward mark and we finished 1h11m. I think the closest boat in class finished 1h27m.
• Doubt we got first overall because of ratings but we might get 2nd.

Perfect storm of

• great start
• perfect wind calls
• properly tuned boat
• excellent crew work

This my third 1st on a Friday night this year. Most in 10+ years of trying.

[Later update – we were 2nd overall!]

————————————————————————

Here is an illustration of how predictable the wind is on a hot day. The velocity is known, the direction of the wind as it fades is not known (by me) and can vary 30 degrees. I just got it right tonight.