Where has the summer gone?

It has been some time since my last post. I was able to sail with Glennn Darden and Philip Williamson on their Swan 42 in the New York Yacht Club Annual regatta followed by the nationals a couple of weeks later. We finished second in both events to two different winners. Ironically, the winner of each regatta had pretty bad regattas in the event they didn't win.

The reality of racing NY 42's is that the racing is so even and the start so important that if a team can get in a good starting rhythm, it is likely that they will string together some good races and maybe even win the event. The best way to get in this rhythm is to have a very precise pre-start routine and to stick with it. We have learned that you just can't put yourself in a position where your speed falls below 4.5 knots. On smaller boats it is possible to stop the boat to create separation on the starting line. On the NY 42, it always seems better to rumble down the line at full speed and look for a hole to open up.

Had a great time sailing with Glenn and Philip and always enjoy their wonderful hospitality while in Newport!

I thought I was going to hunker down in Austin until school started for the kids but the stars aligned to allow me to go to Long Beach, CA for the Laser Master's North Americans. I was able to find a charter boat and an airline ticket I am on my way. I have only sailed a Laser once since the Master's nationals in May so I would say that I am totally unprepared for this event.

I have two goals going into this. The first goal is to get some good racing under my belt to prepare for the J-80 NA's in early September followed by the Worlds in early October. While the boats are completely different, I think that a Laser can help you sail any boat better.

My second goal is to try and improve my downwind speed in every race of the 10 race series. I have always felt that downwind in waves has alwAys been a weakness for me. There are going to be a lot of good guys at the NA's so I am sure I will learn a ton.

I will keep you posted!