This first appeared in a newsletter by Charlie Pendleton So, as of press time, we’re at 31 32 boats registered for Race Week. That’s about twice the average we see during an MRA Saturday and it’s going to be a BIG factor on the starting line. I promise you that there will be teams that tell…
This was first published in the October 2010 Newsletter. By Charlie Pendleton This year’s National Championship was determined by a point. ONE POINT! When sailing in regattas like Race Week, the East Coasts or the Nationals, points are precious. Nothing is more frustrating than getting “nipped at the finish? losing a boat that you…
This was first published in the September 2010 Newsletter. by Charlie Pendleton Most sailors are highly tuned in to upwind strategy and tactics, but many mistakenly treat runs as a parade and an opportunity to catch a breather. Downwind sailing is just as tactical as upwind sailing and provides opportunities for big gains. Taking advantage…
This was first published in the August 2010 Newsletter. by Charlie Pendleton With Race Week in the rearview mirror and, by my count, 15 weather mark roundings, it’s a good opportunity to discuss getting around the windward mark. It is a seemingly simple maneuver, but there is a lot to consider! Lay lines, tactics, current,…
This was first published in the July 2010 Newsletter. By Charlie Pendleton Rhodes 19s are underpowered boats that take skill and patience to go fast – but that’s what makes them fun to race. The sails are basically the same size and cut as a set of sails used on a Lightening, which weighs almost…
This was first published in the May 2010 Newsletter. by Charlie Pendleton Getting out to the racecourse and prepared for the start gun is a lot like building a puzzle. In order to see the big picture, you have to put the pieces together. Instead of sailing out to the starting line and drifting around…
This was first published in the April 2010 Newsletter. by Charlie Pendleton Racing starts before you’re on the water. And sailing, like most sports, favors repetition. With repetition, things become second nature. You’re less prone to make a mistake or forget something critical and you’re more likely to make good decisions faster. With that in…
This was first published in the March 2010 Newsletter. by Charlie Pendleton In the dead of winter, it’s easy to forget the warm summer and great racing that comes with it. In New England, we spend more months off the water than on, so there is no reason not to be prepared for the first…