I say you, to the 18 US Midwest boat and probably 15 boats in Canada within 4 hours, who couldn't make it .
YOU MISSED IT!!!!
You had better quickly get with the 6 US Midwest and 2 Canadian boats who did and pump them for as much information as possible on what they learned. The knowledge and practice gained will soon get stored in their permanent memory, used rather unconsciously, and may be difficult to retrieve and relate to other people. you folks may see some spectacular increases in speed and boat handling.
Adam and Renka provided the club, race instruction, food and lodging for all 8 boats. Somehow they also provided magnificent weather with conditions from drifter, to planing to weather in chop. Before each session on the water, a quick chalk talk outlined how things should be done and why, what drills were to be conducted, what tuning sessions in pairs were to be done, and lastly the short race format for that session. Initially this seemed like too much information to absorb and retain, but Adam's planning included a neat method of gathering on the water to relate again what the next drill or training was to be. It actually worked. I have only experienced such useful training sessions, which helped all the participants learn and practice what they were trying to learn, at a week long camp at Orillia with Ethan assisting.
Drills included continuously jibing around two marks located perpendicular to the wind direction about 30 yards apart. (When 8 boats are all doing it at the same time it felt more like 30 ft apart.) Another drill was repeating this but tacking around the marks. We also had sessions where everyone gets in reasonable line with clear air and everyone tacks on the whistle. The practice very visually pointed out which teams could do this well, and which teams need significantly more practice. This was later repeated jibing the spinaker. Both these sessions pointed out crewing(both skipper and crew) problems and gear problems.
Some of the tuning drills involved matching up two boats and helping each other get up to speed on beating, reaching, and running. Individual help between pairs also included tacking and jibing and kite techniques. Ki and John, and Barret and Andrew, quickly demonstrated that old boats can be competitive. I think Barret is 10 years younger than his boat!! Match that guys. A number of us sailing were older than Barret when the 505 was designed. Match that! A number of new boats were also in evidence and they also showed major improvements during the two days with the intense tuning and boat handling.
Lastly, each session finished with some short races. By short, I mean short enough that a number of crews just got the kite up and pulling in time to jibe it or take it down. And this was with a bunch of puddle sailors used to sailing short courses. Both line and rabbit starts were used. A lot of people got at least two months of sailing experience condensed into two days. Learning curves were steep.
Gear and techniques were further discussed at the great barbie held at the club Sat night.
The Midwest owes a great debt to the Gesings for the really great event!!!!!
The next regattas are; London, next weekend, Canadians at Kingston July 4th weekend, Summer Sandusky, Montrose(Chicago) and then Midwests back at Lake St. Claire. All are listed on your schedule. London may not be well attended due to only a one week spread from this regatta. The season is really in swing. See you out sailing.
Graham Alexander
614 424 7709
614 861 1491 h
email addr alexandg@battelle.org
Columbus, Ohio
Sail fast but sail smart.