And next week.
On the first day of sailing on Saturday we were introduced to our instructors.
I was amazed to see that both Ben and Anna are teaching here. Wow!
And that Ben is teaching the Advanced Laser Class.
I learned three things on the first day.
I always like it when I can learn three things.
I can remember three things.
At least I can before the first beer of the day.
Thing Numero Uno
The first thing I learned was that I am doing the hand swap after a tack or a gybe all wrong.
I might have been doing it wrong for 30 years,
I wonder why no other coach ever told me.
I am doing it incredibly stupidly wrong.
If I had ever made a video of myself sailing I would probably have spotted it.
But I haven't so I didn't.
Duh!
Thing Numero Dos
The second thing I learned was how to slow down on the run.
It's very important to learn how to slow down on the run so you don't get trapped in one of those awful pinwheel leeward mark roundings outside 19 other boats.
The secret is to pull your sail in.
I knew that.
I had tried it.
It didn't work.
What nobody had ever bothered to explain to me before was that when they sail "pull your sail in" they mean "really pull your sail in like over the center line of the boat."
That works.
Duh!
Thing Numero Tres
The third thing I learned was that when you catch your sheet around the corner of the transom during a gybe (as all Laser sailors inevitably will sooner or later - it's a feature not a bug - thank you Bruce Kirby) you don't have to dive to the back of the boat and pull the sheet off the corner of the transom with your bare hands thereby sinking the transom in the water and slowing the boat down. All you need to do is flick off the sheet with your tiller extension.
Why didn't I think of that?
Duh!
Already after one day I am a smarter Laser sailor.
Thank you Ben.
(No. It's not really that Ben. I think that Ben is busy this week losing the America's Cup for Larry Ellison)
After becoming so much smarter on only the first morning at Minorca Sailing I decided to skip racing in the afternoon and take a nap.
After that I took the beautiful Tillerwoman to Ca Na Marga where I enjoyed serrano ham on Menorcan bread followed by chicken and vegetable kebabs. I really can't remember what she had.
Life is good.
I think I'll take a nap now.
11 comments:
Good sailing tips, but the ham is really what I was waiting for!
I know. I ate it just for you.
http://www.eastbayri.com/news/business/portsmouth-boat-building-company-to-hold-recruitment-event/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=portsmouth-boat-building-company-to-hold-recruitment-event
PORTSMOUTH — Vanguard Sailboats and LaserPerformance will hold a recruitment event on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Portsmouth location, 200 High Point Ave.
LaserPerformance is planning to ramp up its production of a recently purchased product line, and is seeking to hire up to 10 new employees for such jobs as fiberglass cutter, fiberglass finisher, PU mold assistant, quality assurance technician, resin transfer mold operator, gelcoat spray painter and technical manager.
I'm honored
Enjoy! One of my friends is there this week too... I'm sure you will hear her group before you see them ;)
Very jealous. But we are booking another week at MS next year. Be interested to hear if the tandem windsurfer has been out since Kiwi and I sailed it in May.
And what the speed record for the center for the year!
Interesting news Dave. I wonder what the product line is?
I will find out Thursday, Sept. 19, at 10:45 AM when I show up at the recruitment event. Perhaps I will qualify for an employee discount. Only time will tell. Wish me luck!!
The tandem windsurfer was out today.
33 mph.
Post a Comment