Report on the 2006 Flights of Spring

First thanks to Andy Hunt and Fred for working the committee boat and Mike Cotter (and Benj) for supporting the Flights of Spring regatta with rescue personnel and equipment! I know Mike has pictures and video, how about posting them?

Last weekend we had 8 Tasars racing, 3 with new mylar sails and 5 with dacron. On the first day Ross and Marica MacDonald were un-stoppable in a 20-25 knot Westerly once heavy ace's Guy and Marie Wall had their boom fail.

On Sunday we had a lighter Westerly beginning about 12 knots and dropping to 6-8 knot by the end of the day 6 races were sailed in clearly one-way English Bay conditions (go to beach and tack for windward mark). Although the beach was clearly favoured lead changes were seen along the port tack layline and Guy and Marie, Richard and Heather, Tim and Allison (Lynn on Saturday), and Ross and Marcia all led races at one point.

Were the new sails faster? YES, but only in the lighter conditions. I found the mylar sails to be a small but perceptible advantage upwind (not necessarily downwind) in 6-12 knots. The new sails were also more forgiving and were easier to find a groove. The jib has some roach supported by a batten which allows it to twist and open when its windier. To me this seems to help when the main was eased and prevented the old problem of having the main backwind when the traveler was lowered with the dacron sails. The new visibility was great as well.

However, the new jib with its roach is harder for the crew to pole since it catches on the spreader, the skipper can help rectify this by rotating the mast to angle the spreader around the jib when it catches.

Remember Tues night racing starts this Tues May 2nd. The MacDonald's said they will be out as this is the only Tues they can make for sometime. Since the mylar sails are not available to everyone yet I will probably run with the dacron for the time being on Tuesday's.

For this season of Tues nights lets all try to give the race committee constructive feedback early in the season. I also plan on helping on the RC boat at times. Peter Wall is investigating the use of smaller marks that can be easily moved by a designated laser or tasar sailor(s) to help square the course when the RC is short handed or tending to other things (finishing boats, rescues etc).

Tim Murphy
2677

Posted 2006-04-28

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