Captain's Log

My Theory Works …and More

This morning, the weather was nice, but it didn’t seem that windy. I arrived at the club quite early and I found Steve and Colin sitting on the clubhouse balcony trying to decide if the wind is going to pick up or not.

Anyway, I started rigging nice and early and it proved a good idea, because I had to give the XD kickers to people, I showed John how to recognise the club boats and I had to sort out some battens for Norman. It looks like I am taking over responsibilities bit by bit, which I don’t mind. I am happy as long as the Laser fleet expands and the competition grows. Today we had 10 Lasers in the race and 2 more cruising from another club. We just need a bit of diplomacy to get those people to join our races. I am working on it though and I am laying out the plan.

Anyway, the wind picked up a bit and I thought that today would be a good idea to test my “Buggy Sail Theory” theory. So I rigged my boat and set the sail quite baggy. I went towards the line in time for the start and at around 40 seconds before the gun I was making my way to the line. Unfortunately, a Merlin Rocket was in the way and although I had right of way because I was on starboard tack and he was on port, he seemed to be struggling with something, so I didn’t call it. As a result, I didn’t have the best of starts and I wasn’t at the top of the pack. I was following quite close though, and I was racing John all the time.

Peter was in front of us and I was always trying to get closer to him. I knew I couldn’t catch him, because he has far more experience than me, but I wanted to get closer to him. On the upwind leg I would overtake John, but on the downwind we were having the same speed. At some point he missed mark and he was ahead of me but I managed to catch up and overtake him again. He has less experience in a Laser, so I don’t really consider it a victory but it is nice to have someone to race against and see how faster or slower you can go.

But I am quite happy because I managed to try a few things that seemed to be working. The first thing I tried was my theory about baggy sails. It works and I am glad about it. The other thing that I tried was running by the lee, until someone came to my windward and I got into an involuntary gybe. But still it worked and today’s moderate wind was really good to practice it. Lastly, I tried something I saw on the Rooster Boat Whisperer Upwind DVD. Heeling slightly to windward rather than leeward when beating. I only watched the DVD once and I really think it’s good. I said before, that at some point I will have to buy both the Upwind and Downwind DVDs. I might buy the set and save myself a tener. I have been browsing the Rooster Sailing website and it has some really interesting tips. I have been looking at their AquaFleece and Dry Top. I think that in a Laser you need free movement, so a typical drysuit might make things more difficult. I know it’s too early, but I have been thinking about the winter already.

Back to today, I finished 7^th out of 10. When I crossed the line I received a round of applause, so I stood on the cockpit and took a bow before going in. I hope on Sunday we will have a similar weather.

I have been looking on Ebay for a cheap Laser but people are crazy. A Laser with sail no 5995 is going for £500 and it has 3 more days to go! It is supposed to have been recently overhauled, but that boat is probably older than me and it doesn’t have the XD fittings. On top of that it seems that some little parts are missing. People are prepared to pay silly money for old boats. I cannot afford to buy a decent boat, so I am looking for an old, battered, cheap boat that needs attention. If you have one taking garage space, in any condition, even with parts missing, anywhere in the country, please let me know.