Re: look back at fort Desoto things I learnt

["Robert Harper" <rharper@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My take on this.

First, Paul's observation that your boat should be rigged before you come  
is big and I agree. At the very least you should have all of the blocks  
installed, lines run, and rigging mounted. It would be OK to not have all  
of the splices finished and lines cut a little proud so we can fine tune  
once you get there. That being said, you should not stay home because you  
don't have the rigging on. You'll just loose a lot of valuable water time.  
Once you do start to rig your boat, stay on task and get it done. Take an  
inventory of blocks etc. that you might need and maybe show up with extra.  
To make regattas affordable, the neerest boat shop is often an hour or  
more away.

One thing Ron does very well and I'm afraid we Swifties fall short on is  
the two-up sailing. I think this is probably better than a coach boat  
following you barking out orders from behind. The times I've had a coach  
follow me, I found it more distracting than helpful. They usually follow  
behind you and so you have a tendency to turn to interact with them at a  
time you usually don't have the time to do so or you have more pressing  
things on your mind.

Video breakdowns of the day's sailing would be nice and for the more  
advanced, it is a great tuning tool to see where time is lost on tacks,  
gybes, sets, roundings, and trim differences between boats. The newer  
sailors might benefit a little from the talk. The biggest benefit is the  
social aspect of getting and keeping everyone together.

Paul's taking of notes and breaking the races down afterward was great for  
the intermediate and advanced sailors. I noticed a lot of improvement on  
tactics as the races went on. Part of it was that the new guys were  
getting used to sailing these boats but I also better set ups for  
roundings, starts, and turns at the bottom mark. I wish he'd done more of  
that for the Swifts.

If you have the chance and you're boat is not yeat ready to hit the water,  
still come. You'll learn a lot and get a renewed vigor for completing your  
own boat. Also get involved. You get out of this sport what you put into  
it.

Thank you Paul for all of your work over the last year to get things  
organized for the '09 NA's. And to all of the rest on here, may the new  
year bring you the joy of friendships that last a lifetime, great sailing,  
and excelent health.


--
Live large, love lots, and sail fast!
The mark of who you are is determined by what you do when you don't have  
to do it.
USA 050 Fugu
77959 Wasabi
Robert Harper

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