Starbuck is in. Singlehanded.
Starbuck is in. Singlehanded.
Just registered my Cal 2-27. Singlehanded spin division. They didn't offer an inboard+outboard+tiny rf jib division.
First attempt ever to singlehand the spin last weekend failed utterly. This weekend I'll master it completely and then try it again in the close company of many fancy, expertly steered yachts.
I expect the spinnaker will stay warm and cozy in the v-berth until next year. Dura Mater, you can look forward to never finishing last!
Ah, the Berkeley midwinters! This is the time of year when a sailor new to the concept can practice the art of flying a spinnaker. These are the races where sailboats float in place for long long periods of time. Such floating can been seen as either an irritant or an opportunity. The singlehanded sailor, who does not enjoy the comradery of crew, can use this time for constructive activity. Unlike the Singlehanded Sailing Society, whose race chairs are willing to start races regardless of wind, the eminent race chairperson of the Berkeley midwinters does not deign to start a race without adequate wind. This offers the singlehanded sailor hours of pre-race time during which he or she has the chance to practice setting a spinnaker over and over and over again. Thus, the singlehanded sailor can raise a spinnaker, tangle it up in the jib sheets, the downhaul, the topping lift, wrap it around the forestay, drag it down or lower it gently, re-pack it, then try it all again several additional times all without moving anywhere on the water. This is the perfect venue for learning how to do all that. With an audience. So don't worry your pretty little head about that, Lanikai. Forget the phrase "To the victor go the spoils". Just try not to fall off the boat.
Last edited by Philpott; 11-06-2015 at 08:47 PM.
And this is why the Berkeley circle buoys can't stay on station. As the boats raft up to the buoys in wait of a breeze and loosen the moorings.
Last year my M.O. during the postponements was to slowly motorsail through the fleet chatting with skippers and crews. Kynntana was more efficient. She apparently calculated the likely postponement time and didn't arrive until it was time for her start. Or maybe the R/C actually waited for her arrival to drop the AP - I suppose they do that for yachts.
There's just no respect for efficient skippers who motor to the start line JUST BEFORE THE GUN ! I'm not usually late for my starts (any more) unless the RC CHANGES THE START TIMES while I'm on the bow trying to work an issue and not listening to the radio. Sheez.
I have to say that I probably shouldn't practice my anchoring skills during the postponements because when the windlass lets loose all that chain and that big anchor, it creates quite the ruckus that carries far and wide across still waters. But being the amiable sort, just let me know if you driftless types want to raft up I can break out the hors d'oeuvres, too.
Attachment 1161
"Hey Fred, have you seen the kite?"
"No skip - I did what you said and lowered it gently, then it just disappeared!"
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Last edited by BobJ; 11-07-2015 at 12:18 AM.