More wind!

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Many sailing classes do not get the experience of sailing in strong wind. This semester, we are getting LOTS of practice in reefing the mainsails, handling the boat in big waves, and the fun of going fast.

In this photo, both skippers are Advanced Sailing cadets... passed basic sailing earlier in their careers! Beginners, step up!! You do not earn a medal for being crew!

 We are getting close to the end of the semester. We have 4 sailing days left, and this leaves little time for practicing sailing drills.



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 Lesson to be learned from this photo- when in doubt, let it out. These cadets are happily sailing along on a broad reach, in other words going down wind, with their sails pulled in too tight. The boat is going slower than it should, and it will be more difficult to steer.








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 Here is a boat being well sailed. Also on a broad reach, the sails are eased out and the boat is tearing along.

Note the helmsman: sitting forward in the boat, using the hiking stick (tiller extension).













Crash crew ready!













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These two boats have just tacked. The white Javelin has her jib trimmed in, and the sail is starting to pull the bow away from the wind as well as pulling the boat forward. In difficult situation, using both sails properly makes it look easy!

A minute or so after this photo, the yellow boat pulled ahead due to her skipper's better steering.



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A good afternoon on the water! Coach Murphy did great at helping our sailors improve their skills.

As always, there is a bit of work to do. Sails rolled and stowed properly, the boat's rigging needs to be secured, rudders taken off and covered, and more.

Yes sailing takes work, but it builds teamwork and leadership to get these tasks accomplished smoothly.


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