posted June 10, 2005 09:51 AM               

1st race, miserable start (my fault entirely) I was kinda hesitant especially being my first time in my boat in a start sequence. For anyone who races, you understand how start lines are quick and on needs to be on their toes. So, then it rained (big suprise for Halifax) and I didn't finish, lost all wind.

2nd race, not much better start, heavy winds though (10-12 kts), didn't reef main, flew #1 jib. Flew at about 4-5 kts upwind and I was actually pointing quite well. Oh, but, I looked up, and realized my Windex (windvane) was missing, it must have been damaged in a wind storm we had that week. So, with a bad start, and the second leg being a reach close to shore, it was difficult to read the wind well. Not making excuses, we did finish but placed last. I was convinced after that race if we had a good start, we'd be in contention.

3rd race - still no windex, medium winds GREAT start, probably 2nd over the line. So I was thinking good thoughts, on the way upwind to the first mark, doing well THEN, 20 boat lengths from the mark, wind died, completely. For all you Pipers out there, you know that no wind with current, equals a MESS. The boat was actually going backwards for a couple seconds. I fought to tack it (in no wind) just to try to get to a wind line about 10 boatlengths away (and of course, away from the mark). GOt to the wind, got to the mark, but by then, the fleet was way ahead. I kept on going, downwind leg wing on wing cruising at about 4 kts, then next leg, reach, 5 kts, then last leg to the finish line, around 8:30 ish, sun going down, WIND DIES!!!! ERRRRR frustrating. I could have done about 3 tacks to get me to the line but it probably would have taken me 30 mins, so I pulled the sails and motored in.

Bottom line, big boats race easier. Especially the ones I am used to racing on. But, this has been a great learning experience which I will continue on Wed nights. I am learning lots of little things about sailing this boat, too many to post, if you have any questions, I may be able to offer some insight......

On a brighter note, on the weekends, I race on a Santana 35 (native to California, shipped here this spring, only one around) and we are doing very well. We are also currently in the process of suitably equiping the boat for the Marblehead to Halifax race wich is a month from now. There is a lot of safety gear required. I even have to submit a sailing resume to the race committee so they know there is enough experience on the boat to do the race. I CAN'T WAIT. I think you will be able to monitor the fleet on the website when the race is on. www.marbleheadtohalifax.com
our boat name is CLIMAX. You may wish to follow us. I am confirming this with the race organizers now, and will post when I have more info.

I'll update my race results next Thursday..... Ciao

posted June 10, 2005 12:59 PM            

Do you race as 1 fleet or are you grouped according to your ratings? What are the boats that are closest to your rating? And, how did you fare against them?

You may expect your Sandpiper to finish last. But, if you sailed to your rating then you should correct to a mid-fleet placing. How far behind (on corrected time) were you from catching the next crew?

posted June 10, 2005 01:49 PM               

The best big boat sailors usually have small boat experience.

posted June 10, 2005 11:03 PM               

A couple of questions about racing a Sandpiper, regarding the keel:

Is the Sandpiper a keelboat, or an oversized dinghy with a rather heavy centerboard?

a) Did you raise your keel downwind?
b) In your opinion, would it be advisable to try raising the keel, even partway?
c) At the Rendezvous Regatta in Parry Sound, in the interest of safety, would we be well instructed to prohibit raising the keel? Or is the answer to this question obvious, and the topic not an issue?

Perhaps this will generate some discussion.