Committee Boat--Almost as fun as racing

Committee Boat--Almost as fun as racing--Monday, September 9, 2013 -- Didn't know I would have a new boat so soon after selling the C-Lark so I volunteered for committee boat for Sunday, thus allowing the fleet captain, Jim, a chance to sail his aged Lido in the regatta. 

Jim is quite a good sailor.  Not only does he sail his Lido, he races Stars (there is a demanding boat), and he has a cruiser that I have never seen.  Jim has been sailing a long time, and he sails often.  He is a good racer and he knows South Puget Sound water and wind.

Yesterday's wind was light and variable, and it gave Jim a chance to make his own luck.  He arrives at the favored end of the starting line on time, going full speed, on starboard tack.  He knows exactly where the line is, and he doesn't make mistakes once he has started.  Most every boat out there owes him some time, and he doesn't waste it.  Yesterday he was the first or second sloop-rigged dinghy in every race, and he beat a few well-sailed Lasers in every race.  He even finished first overall in the fourth race, beating 5 or 6 very well-sailed Lasers. 

How did he do it?  He watched the shifts, and short tacked as needed to stay in the wind.  When the wind was light, he heeled to leeward and moved weight forward to reduce wetted surface. He and his crew moved easily and gently in the boat and kept their sails full. Tacks and gibes were smooth--no fussing.

Nice to watch a guy who knows what he is doing 

Jim finishing first.  There are three Lasers just outside the frame on the right.
Nothing fancy--just good sailing.  His hull numbers are masking tape.

Today's Cliche:  All you need to be a cowboy is guts and horse.  If you have enough guts, you can steal the horse.