6th session Fall 2012... light wind

.

Today we had doubts about sailing... cloudy, chilly, etc etc... but the sun came out and there was just enough wind. This is our sixth sailing session of the semester.

We still have much to learn. For example, don't let go of the halyard! This is the 2nd time this has happened this semester... what, are you all copying from each other?!? Seriously, this can be a disabling mistake.

These cadets can fix their mistake, and they have done right in securing the sails into the boat, and keeping the boat's painter (bow-line) on the dock. However the sails could be a little better tucked in... and it's better to NOT LET GO of the HALYARD in the first place!

Meanwhile, over at the Flying Juniors, three crews are hard at work getting their vessels rigged & underway.

We also got the 5-O-5 sailing today, with 2 "blue book" sailors... cadets who have completed the basic sailing course and are making serious progress on the advanced level.




.



Here we are going to show some pretty good sailing photos.

This boat has just done "bearing away" to pass the coach boat; the sails are eased slightly from close-hauled.



.





.

Umm, guys... look where you're going!

Another FJ passing the coach boat after doing "Baby Ducks."


.







.

Maybe we should add "pass in review" to the sailing drill. Here goes our Javelin #1, with it's crisp & aerodynamically-efficient new sails. Note how the crew is attentive to sails & wind, which is good.






.




.

 Yes, this confident skipper is a beginner sailor. Yes, the boom vang is too loose... we'll get to that, but the basic sailing lessons are covered!

One thing that these sailors do well is keep their weight where it should be. Many of our sailing cadets want to sit in the back, which drags the transom and lets water run in.






.

Here's 2 of the FJs returning to base...
No wait, that's a painting by the Impressionist master Monet...






.

.


THIS is two of our FJs returning after sailing practice.








Seriously, another good day on the water... we are -almost- at the point of declaring success, most of us are getting to be pretty good sailors... hopefully the weather will give us a few more turns to not only prove our skills, but also have fun!

.... ... posted by Assistant Coach Douglas King