I see too many Rhodes with their boom angled up and bouncing around downwind. The top of their sail is twisted off and wind is spilling out. Use the vang to flatten out your leach and keep your boom stable. The top batten should be parallel to your boom in most conditions. In very heavy … Read more
This one sounds very Zen-like but it works. In the shower, or while you’re eating lunch, or while you’re driving to work. Go through a race in your head. The starts, the mark roundings, the sets, the tacks, the gibes, winning. It’s a crazy simple thing but this works! It’s kind of the same as going over a trip on … Read more
Yup, it’s that time. The new 2013-2016 Rules are official. The rules book comes in a regular paper and waterproof edition. Always helpful are Dave Perry’s “Understanding the Racing Rules through 2016” and “100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes” Of particular interest are the updates to the rules on penalty turns. Don’t be that guy that doesn’t know the new rules!
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
This was first published in the October 2010 Newsletter. Jumping the gun just a bit, let’s extend a huge welcome to Elise Mazareas and Joe Fava who have been spotted kicking the tires on a few boats. No strangers to Fleet 5, both of these tremendous sailors have raced with us before, but on other … Read more
This was first published in the October 2010 Newsletter. Time To Thank Your Crew Great news! Nominations for the 2010 Outstanding Crew Award, one the fleet’s perpetual trophies have been extended through October 15th. The trophy is awarded annually to that individual who has distinguished him or herself in a crewing capacity this season. Always … Read more
This was first published in the October 2010 Newsletter. Well there you have it. Yet another spectacular season is in the books. It seems like just yesterday we were gearing up for the spring clinic, and now here it is, time to think about boat covers, Halloween and football. And what a season it was. … Read more
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 … Read more
This was first published in the September 2010 Newsletter. by Christina Pandapas How long have you been sailing and how did you start? I started sailing competitively in high school. I was fortunate to go to a school with a very competitive program (Hotchkiss School in CT) and crewed in dinghies on a team that … Read more