Observing a race can be quite illuminating and Don has asked me for any comments I would care to make  

 

What I noticed was the general confidence shown by everyone when racing as a fleet. However it is worth looking at the excellent photos taken during the race which can be viewed on the Bewl Solo website particularly of the boats sailing to windward. Could I suggest that in the first instance you look at photos on Page 2 J3P4829  and Page 3 J3P4771, J3P4768, J3P4765 and then compare them with other boats sailing to windward. As you will notice in many cases the angle of heel is just too much. Looks good in the photo but is not an efficient way to go to windward. Perhaps we should follow the example of Will Loy who won our Open last year  - along his boom on both sides are the words  ' KEEP THE BOAT LEVEL'. On the positive side it is good to see a general awareness for getting the fore and aft weight distribution right for the different legs of the course.  However it might be worth slackening off these toe straps and siting out harder on the windward legs - helps keep the boat upright. Also it was apparent that some were more aware of the wind shifts than others. Perhaps this matter along with sailing the boat level are subjects for future discussion.

 

The enthusiasm shown by all participants was most impressive with everybody starting all three races in the series. Also noticeable was how much the fleet has now closed up during a race which enabled all the races to be held over three rounds each race being completed within 45 minutes from start to finish.

 

Our thanks go to Don for organising the event - who knows how many teams we will have competing next year.

 

Gil