My Weekend Part 2 - The Sailing Race

So, with the Flying Scot out of commission from the lightning Michael and I decided to put together a couple of Lasers for the race. I use a communal island Laser that has been put together from a variety of sources over the year while Michael used his grand-dad's Laser that was bought about ten years ago. Both boats have the issues but it was going to be fun. Michael's grand-dad took some pictures of the race that I'll have to get my hands on.

Anyway, it went far better then I would have expected even though I couldn't have botched the start of the first race any worse if I tried. I hit the mark and was forced to restart. The wind was much stronger then I thought it was going to be and three of the eight Lasers that were there dropped out of the first race.

Michael finished both races, which is fantastic for his first time solo. I worked my way up to a close second despite having my outhaul way too loose. This put too much power into the sail and I had a great deal of difficulty holding the boat flat on the upwind legs. The boat has only a stock rig which is difficult to adjust mid race. Between races I hauled in my outhaul and, of course, the wind died off. I spent the entire race battling with another boat for the lead (he with a racing rig at that). I was leading most of the race and in the final leg.

During that final leg I continually covered him which means I always remained on the same tack as he did which makes it difficult for him to pass, but I messed up at the end. I spent too much time watching him and not enough watching the finish line. I tacked too soon and realized I wasn't going to make it to the finish line without one more tack, while my opponent had it lined up right. That extra tack put me on port which leaves me without the right of way. When I encountered my opponent shortly before the finish line, I had to give way and go behind him.

Now on opposite tacks, he was heading to the left end of the finish line and me the right. The committee boat was at the right end (where it usually is). I figured I was done but then I could hear the judge watching the line getting excited and concerned. He couldn't call it and gave us a tie (which I can't even recall happening before).

The irony of it was, my opponent wasn't wearing a PFD and was disqualified anyway. Michael finished fourth and third. I'm really proud of the guy. A really fun day.

Mike