When it came to light air sailing before, I had this big mental block because I weigh (240 lbs.). I was defeated before I ever left the dock. I read some articles about not letting light air beat you on shore when you weigh more and I changed my entire attitude about this condition I use to love when 14 years old and 125 lbs. Another thing I learned for light air sailing is that I was always using way more outhaul than was needed. I am now carrying about 5 to 6 inches from boom to deapest area of the foot. This has made me just as quick as the lightweights. Another thing I have found is that I can drift very quick in no-air conditions. I have finally moved past this thinking of 20 knots is my air mentality.
The second focal point of 2007 was my downwind boat speed. This has improved dramtically. Because of an article on the Laser forum and an open mind, I have as much speed as the little guy in any condition downwind. What I found is that I was never carrying enough vang. It was suggested that with the boat on shore and all control lines loose I should grab the end of the boom and pull down 6 inches and have that as my maximum loose vang setting. At first it seemed really tight to me. After six months of sailing this way I have concluded that this has improved my downwind boat speed amazingly. I now have a black mark on my vang that marks this. The original suggestion was to tie a knot and I found that I like the ability to keep the vang all the way off when launching/unlaunching and when luffing between races.
Overall 2007 was a great learning year for me. This winter I plan to stay fresh sailing Laser and J80's with my dad to improve my tactics for 2008. My main focus will be tactics in 2008. Going the right way even when it means losing a few boats, staying with the fleet, and other areas I fight myself.
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( 2.9 / 513 )2006 was great. I didnt do well in all the regattas but managed to keep the boat from capsizing as much. I learned what my weaknesses and strengths were and 2007 is the year to tackle them. I am going to focus on light air sailing, downwind boat speed, and trying to go the right way.
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( 3 / 363 )The purpose of this site is to keep track of the progress I make racing a Laser over a number of years. My goal is to start racing 2006 District 15 regattas. Over time expect to get back into shape, get up to speed in the boat, learn of my competitors, gear up, and gain more insight with my tactics.
The tint cant get any darker on my car. Also I still get 29 MPG with my civic. Everything stores nicely in the trunk too. I roll my sail and fold it in half, then place it in the trunk.
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