No doubt the 2013 USODA Nationals, hosted by Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, was a tremendous event. A very impressive job well done. The strain of staying focused on a lake begins to tax even the most disciplined sailors (and coaches). To add it all up, this marathon of an event is THREE regattas in one and NINE straight days of sailing. I think we spent nearly 75 hours on the water in the past week and a half. And for all you 10-14 year old athletes, know that your participation in such a lengthy event is an accomplishment in itself. I am very proud of you all!
I'd like to go over a few details from this event that I think deserve a second look.
TEAM RACING : First of all, Team Racing is darn fun. And we need to do more of it. We will be incorporating more and more Team Racing into our Fall and Spring curriculum because it's great practice and it strengthens several important boat racing skills like boat handling, knowledge of rules, self confidence, and team work.
Great job to both our teams for their effort and success. A few important reminders for the next team race regatta (LYC hosted T.R. regatta November 2-3, 2013):
1) It's not about where the leader on your team finishes, what's most important is where your last team mate finishes.
2) Communication is key. All teammates should talk to each other. Even if you are giving away your strategy to the other team, communication will assist in the execution of plays and passbacks.
3) Come up with a strategy beforehand. Your strategy will be different based on the skills and habits of your competitors.
4) The race isn't over until everyone is across the finish line. So don't give up. Many races are won or lost 5 boat lengths from the finish line.
5) Don't get lazy. Several "easy" races were lost because of careless laziness. You and your team must BRING IT each and every race.
FLEET RACING (GIRLS and OVERALL): When racing against big fleets, especially in the shifty conditions of an inland water body, conservative decision making is paramount. Why, you might ask? Because when racing against a large fleet in light air your boat's position when a shift hits can make or break the race.
Here are some specifics about how this break down during the regatta.
ON THE STARTING LINE - (especially when the RC is shotty) You are looking for a safe start. Don't forget all the essential starting line preparations: clean air, room to leeward, options to tack. But but but, make sure you are not going to get pushed over, or drift over the starting line. This type of behavior was costly to many of our sailors. BFD stands for Black Flag Disqualification a.k.a "last place plus one" should never be on the same line as your name on the score sheet.
Additional Warning- Yellow flags for sculling are unacceptable. If you are racing at the Nationals Championships (on the level with the top US sailors) you should not be sculling- NEVER EVER.
AROUND THE RACETRACK - Be conservative, in short, means: stay between your competition and the mark. Play the shifts. Play the middle. Don't let other boats push you around. And don't hit the layline until you get close to the three boat length circle.
GO TO THE MEASUREMENT BOAT - and don't get penalized. Which means, double and triple check your sail's rigging and the rest of your boats set up. Work hard. Finish top 10!
AFTER RACING - Be sure to talk to your coaches and other teammates to learn what happened in the race prior to learn from the mistakes and successes of fellow sailors.
HAVE FUN!
Baseball games are really fun! (Thanks Kevin Wagerson)
Luke Welker crossing the line in 2nd place
LOOKING FORWARD! Your boats and equipment have all arrived safely and soundly back to LYC. Please come pick up/store your gear. We still have summer camps going on and I don't want anyone's gear to get mistaken for a green fleet sail/spar/blade/boat. We do the best we can to police this, but it's best if you get your gear.
The Fall season schedule (with regatta dates, practice dates, travel plans) will be finalized before the end of the month (July 31). Those who are going to New England's- Good luck! Those of you who are home. Please get in touch with me if you want to go 29er sailing or do some Opti training!
.JPG)
