Last weekend, LYC hosted our annual Boomerang regatta! We
had a fantastic Optimist fleet turnout with 58 green fleet sailors and 40 RWB
sailors.
This was a first
regatta for several of our 17 green fleet sailors who participated and we all
agreed it was comforting to be on our own turf.
On Saturday the conditions were breezy ranging from 10-16kts.
The breeze direction switched to a NW direction by the end of the day. The
sailors experienced current, puffy, and shifty conditions throughout the day.
On both days we learned the importance of being on the
starting line and how current can have a huge factor in your timing off the
line. The first day the current was going out and pushing sailors below the
line. It was critical to keep your position close to the line when you are
waiting for your start.
On Sunday we sailed 2 races in the morning when the tide was
coming in. This meant with a NW breeze direction the current would push you
over the line. Line sights were very important and as well as timing your
acceleration off the line to see how the current influences your distance and
speed off the line.
The Boomerang shaped course was another first for many of
us. Some were confused in the beginning, but everyone managed to figure it out
after a few trial and error runs. I think this is a very challenging course for
several reasons that should be taken in to consideration.
First, many fleets with different starts can be an advantage
or disadvantage. If you are not the first fleet to start, you can watch other
starts and see what side of the course pays off. Lots of boats can also be
difficult because you need to anticipate their wind shadows on each leg.
Wind direction awareness around the course was also
important to consider because this was not a typical windward leeward course.
Sailors must know what to expect for the next leg on the course, well before
rounding a make. Making smooth transitions (centerboard and sail trim
adjustments) from one leg to the next is a must. The quicker we switch in to
gear for the next leg while rounding the mark, the more boats we pass!
Since the breeze was coming from the land, it was important
to connect the dots of pressure. Also it was equally important to have smooth transitions
from light spots and heavier spots.
The 3 key things I tell my Greenies to consider if they are
not going as fast as other boats around them are: body Position
in the boat, Direction to the next
mark, and Sail Trim according to
your course.
Position is where you
should be sitting in the boat depending on the conditions. Good form is
critical!! Always remember to keep knees and feet together, Weight forward, and
shoulder square to the sail. This also means boat trim: adjusting you weight to
keep the boat flat upwind.
Considering your direction to the next mark, means you are
sailing the closest and fastest direction to the next mark. On the upwind you
are sailing either tack 45 degrees to the wind, but that is not always the same
for your angle to the next mark. In some cases your bow will be pointing closer
to the mark on one tack than the other. On the reach and downwind leg you can
basically point your bow to the next mark and trim your sail accordingly. Always
consider the direction you want to go (to the next mark) and the fasted way of
getting there.
Sail trim is simple once you consider your direction. You want
to trim to the corner upwind and ease your sail on the downwind or reach legs
until it barely starts to luff, then trim in your sail just until it stops
luffing.
Boomerang was a fantastic kick-off to our season! Huge
thanks to our parent volunteers along with our Fleet Captain and Regatta Chair,
Chip Sabadash and PRO Past Commodore Wright. This event would not have been
possible without you!
Julia
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