Laser Master's Nationals--Day 1

It was a very challenging day on the water.  We were able to get four good races in conditions that ranged from 5 to 18 mph winds with big holes, big shifts, auto tacking puffs and a strong ebbing current.

The leeward end of the line was set up to be favored and it was too alluring for me to ignore.  Many of my starts were near the leeward end and each case, I thought that when I tacked to port, I was at or near the lead.  What I began to realize but never accept was that the boats that worked the right shore line were making out each time.  It was possible to play the left middle and be okay but the odds seemed to favor the right.

I recorded a 12-4-12-4.  I am virtually certain that I was 7th in the first race and will ask the race committee to check the results.  I am in 4th overall. 

I felt like I can sail much better than I did yesterday.  I capsized twice in auto tack puffs in the 3rd race while I was in 4th place, fell back into the 20's and got back to 12th.

I think I have a better feel for the rhythm of the puffs and will probably work the middle right just a bit more and not try to be so aggressive at the pin end of the line.

In retrospect, I probably should have used my new sail.  Yesterday was windier than I expected and my sail looked a little more tired than I remembered.  Today's forecast is for a little lighter breeze.  Hopefully, I can get it into gear and get some top results.  Still a lot of racing left with 6 races left on the schedule.  I will keep you posted.