I thought I would post that today is the first class of The Tampa Power Squadron's 10 Week Weather Course. I'm looking forward to the class and learning all there is to know about forecasting and weather conditions. I think it will make me a more informed racer and crew to the team, plus a great piece towards my goal of long distance cruising at some point in life.
I'll update from time to time how the class is going and what I've learned.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
America's Cup AC45 Pics
I thought I'd share a copy of a link that shows some of the pictures of the new AC 45 Multihull sailboat, that is planned to be raced in the America's Cup. Check out the link with multiple pictures...
http://www.americascupmedia.com/index.php?fn=folio&co=1&FolioID=84&lang=en&numpage=1&pre=g
Checkout the fabrication and trials of the America's Cup AC 45
http://www.americascupmedia.com/index.php?fn=folio&co=1&FolioID=84&lang=en&numpage=1&pre=g
Checkout the fabrication and trials of the America's Cup AC 45
Monday, January 17, 2011
Pictures from 2011 Egmont Key Race
I'd like to thank my friend Jennifer Davila for always being so much fun on the Cool Change crew. She always has an entertaining way to look at and explain things. I'd especially like to thank her for the pictures she took of me during the very cold 2011 Egmont Key Race.
It was chilly all day and dropping as the day went on.
Trimming Spinnaker on the way back from Egmont Key to Davis Island Yacht Club.
At the helm prior to the race, while courses and other details are being computed by the rest of the crew.
It was chilly all day and dropping as the day went on.
Trimming Spinnaker on the way back from Egmont Key to Davis Island Yacht Club.
At the helm prior to the race, while courses and other details are being computed by the rest of the crew.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Cool Navigation Tool
I read this article a while back related to how some people are using hardware like the IPAD to help in their navigation during extended cruises. I can definitely see how it would be cool to have navigational charts, personal notes on the e-charts and having a piece of equipment taking up so little space while being so functional.
On the other hand, I can't help but think that it is still very important to keep paper charts of the area being traveled, keeping DR positions on the paper chart and being familiar with the ability to do the traditional navigational methods like the old salts did before such advancements. Never the less, I hope anyone who follows this blog will enjoy this article and find it interesting.
http://www.sailmagazine.com/boatworks/electronics/ipad_app_review/
Here is the previous article related to the one above. It has some other cool information on other applications for the Apple Iphone or Ipad.
http://sailmagazine.com/gear-and-reviews/the_top_iphone_apps_for_sailing/
Cheers!
On the other hand, I can't help but think that it is still very important to keep paper charts of the area being traveled, keeping DR positions on the paper chart and being familiar with the ability to do the traditional navigational methods like the old salts did before such advancements. Never the less, I hope anyone who follows this blog will enjoy this article and find it interesting.
http://www.sailmagazine.com/boatworks/electronics/ipad_app_review/
Here is the previous article related to the one above. It has some other cool information on other applications for the Apple Iphone or Ipad.
http://sailmagazine.com/gear-and-reviews/the_top_iphone_apps_for_sailing/
Cheers!
Monday, January 10, 2011
2011 Egmont Key Race @ DIYC
This past Friday after work, I helped Martin move Cool Change from her slip to one of the docks at Davis Island Yacht Club. We motored over and rafted up to another boat so that we could all meet at the club in the morning and be set to start the race from the club. If Friday after sunset was any indication of the temperatures, it was going to be a chilly race as the day progressed.
Saturday morning before the race was beautiful. We met at the club and had a hearty breakfast prior to loading everything on the boat and getting her ready. The winds were forecast to be in the mid teens throughout the day, which would make for a much faster race then previously thought. The direction of the winds and the directional forecast throughout the day meant that there would be very little Spinnaker sets, if any. Our start was competitive and we held close to the competition from the start to the first mark. One of our competitors reefed their mainsail a little early and we stayed with the full main until just prior to rounding the first mark. That was a wise move because the distance from the first to the second mark was a beat to windward. This is Cool Change's strongest point of sail and we really put some distance between us and our usual competition. After rounding the second mark we sailed straight for the Skyway Bridge but not without throwing in a tack for good measure, allowing us to make the span and prevent a necessary tack in the traffic of other sailboats competing and fishing boats camped out close to the bridge.
It should be noted that the day was sunny and beautiful but not without some wetness. Because of the winds and the long fetch of the winds over the bay, it made for choppy conditions. The deck got soaked as did I with my spot on the rail. I went below and put on my foul weather gear. It was great, I was now warm and dry. We rounded the bell at Egmont Key and started out climb back up the bay. By this time the winds were clocking further north meaning a Spinnaker set would be difficult. never the less we set the Spinnaker and I trimmed for this leg between the bridge and the mark. It was difficult because the winds continued to clock northward and I was flying a symmetrical Spinnaker like an Asymmetrical. We ended up dropping the Spinnaker and using the jib because we were not making the mark given the wind direction and our line. After rounding the mark we reset the Spinnaker and had an awesome sail to the final mark. It was short but quick because of the Spinnaker. This sail increases our speed by a little more then half a knot and over time, it makes a big difference.
Our sail from the last mark to the finish line was also a beat to windward and there was no need for a tack. We continued to head to windward in the lifts and very little falling off when the wind would take a small shift forward. By this time the sun had set and the temperature was dropping. I was still very warm in my foul weather gear. We crossed the finish line and were able to take the boat back to her slip immediately following the race. We headed back to the club for a bowl of chilly and drinks with friends.
It was an awesome day and even though we were the first in our class across the line, our finish put us in 4th because of corrected time. We sailed fast and efficient, the only thing that beat us today was rating and time we needed to give the other boats in our fleet. Still, I had a great sail and awesome experience today. It was beautiful, windy and long. It helped a lot that I was warm and dry. I didn't take any pictures but Jennifer did and once they are posted, I will add them to the blog.
Cheers!
Saturday morning before the race was beautiful. We met at the club and had a hearty breakfast prior to loading everything on the boat and getting her ready. The winds were forecast to be in the mid teens throughout the day, which would make for a much faster race then previously thought. The direction of the winds and the directional forecast throughout the day meant that there would be very little Spinnaker sets, if any. Our start was competitive and we held close to the competition from the start to the first mark. One of our competitors reefed their mainsail a little early and we stayed with the full main until just prior to rounding the first mark. That was a wise move because the distance from the first to the second mark was a beat to windward. This is Cool Change's strongest point of sail and we really put some distance between us and our usual competition. After rounding the second mark we sailed straight for the Skyway Bridge but not without throwing in a tack for good measure, allowing us to make the span and prevent a necessary tack in the traffic of other sailboats competing and fishing boats camped out close to the bridge.
It should be noted that the day was sunny and beautiful but not without some wetness. Because of the winds and the long fetch of the winds over the bay, it made for choppy conditions. The deck got soaked as did I with my spot on the rail. I went below and put on my foul weather gear. It was great, I was now warm and dry. We rounded the bell at Egmont Key and started out climb back up the bay. By this time the winds were clocking further north meaning a Spinnaker set would be difficult. never the less we set the Spinnaker and I trimmed for this leg between the bridge and the mark. It was difficult because the winds continued to clock northward and I was flying a symmetrical Spinnaker like an Asymmetrical. We ended up dropping the Spinnaker and using the jib because we were not making the mark given the wind direction and our line. After rounding the mark we reset the Spinnaker and had an awesome sail to the final mark. It was short but quick because of the Spinnaker. This sail increases our speed by a little more then half a knot and over time, it makes a big difference.
Our sail from the last mark to the finish line was also a beat to windward and there was no need for a tack. We continued to head to windward in the lifts and very little falling off when the wind would take a small shift forward. By this time the sun had set and the temperature was dropping. I was still very warm in my foul weather gear. We crossed the finish line and were able to take the boat back to her slip immediately following the race. We headed back to the club for a bowl of chilly and drinks with friends.
It was an awesome day and even though we were the first in our class across the line, our finish put us in 4th because of corrected time. We sailed fast and efficient, the only thing that beat us today was rating and time we needed to give the other boats in our fleet. Still, I had a great sail and awesome experience today. It was beautiful, windy and long. It helped a lot that I was warm and dry. I didn't take any pictures but Jennifer did and once they are posted, I will add them to the blog.
Cheers!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The 34th America's Cup
What has become of the America's Cup? On the one hand I feel this race has gotten away from the classic monohull boats that were the staple of the race in past history and on the other I can appreciate the advancements in design and cutting edge technology that exists today. Far worse is the fact that they have also made the race so out of reach for competition that it is almost not even worth watching. The money that it takes to be a competitive team is so unrealistic that it has become the race of billionaires and I believe is turning off it's audience.
Don't get me wrong, I am pulling for an American victory but with the most recent race still so fresh in my mind, it really was no big deal. There were only two competitors in a best of 3 races, which was decided in only 2 race because one boat way surpassed what the other team could put together. Add to that the trade off of gentlemenly sportmanship for the new age litigation and lawsuit mentality of today. By the time the race finally happened I felt myself almost pulling for who seemed to be the more gentlemenly and sportsman of the two, Ernesto Bertarelli and Team Alinghi.
Less we forget that the race actually suffers from the lack of interested commerical sponsorships. I don't understand why any company would want to spend the millions it takes to be a sponsor for such a short race series and such few competitors. With so many other major sailing races around the world, sponsors have their choice of more affordable and greater returns on investment with other races and race models. While we are on the topic of sponsorship, how much are the cities really getting out of it? The locations make all kinds of concessions on land and building on prime waterfront real estate to make this race happen in their area but I really have to wonder if Valencia got their monies worth for such a short 2 races in 2010.
So here we are January 2011 and it has been annouced that the race will be another Multihull race which will take place this time in San Francisco. I don't know any other details but I can't help thinking how much I would prefer a race consisting of multiple teams competing for the prize. Maybe even hoping for an affordable and mutual agreement on boat design so that it is realistic to have other competitors in the race. The result would be a race won by a team of sailors and not a design team beating out another design team.
So that's my 2 cents worth and I guess in 2013 we will see what has become of the America's Cup. I do have to admit this though, I have attached a cool video of what these multihulls are capable of and I have to acknowledge that the speeds are simply amazing. Boat design, all be it in the multi million dollar range, has come a very long way from the original America's Cup boats.
Don't get me wrong, I am pulling for an American victory but with the most recent race still so fresh in my mind, it really was no big deal. There were only two competitors in a best of 3 races, which was decided in only 2 race because one boat way surpassed what the other team could put together. Add to that the trade off of gentlemenly sportmanship for the new age litigation and lawsuit mentality of today. By the time the race finally happened I felt myself almost pulling for who seemed to be the more gentlemenly and sportsman of the two, Ernesto Bertarelli and Team Alinghi.
Less we forget that the race actually suffers from the lack of interested commerical sponsorships. I don't understand why any company would want to spend the millions it takes to be a sponsor for such a short race series and such few competitors. With so many other major sailing races around the world, sponsors have their choice of more affordable and greater returns on investment with other races and race models. While we are on the topic of sponsorship, how much are the cities really getting out of it? The locations make all kinds of concessions on land and building on prime waterfront real estate to make this race happen in their area but I really have to wonder if Valencia got their monies worth for such a short 2 races in 2010.
So here we are January 2011 and it has been annouced that the race will be another Multihull race which will take place this time in San Francisco. I don't know any other details but I can't help thinking how much I would prefer a race consisting of multiple teams competing for the prize. Maybe even hoping for an affordable and mutual agreement on boat design so that it is realistic to have other competitors in the race. The result would be a race won by a team of sailors and not a design team beating out another design team.
So that's my 2 cents worth and I guess in 2013 we will see what has become of the America's Cup. I do have to admit this though, I have attached a cool video of what these multihulls are capable of and I have to acknowledge that the speeds are simply amazing. Boat design, all be it in the multi million dollar range, has come a very long way from the original America's Cup boats.
The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race
My friend Pat Green suggested I add some other stuff related to sailing on my blog and I thought that was a excellent idea. Although I find my sailing entertaining, many other that are a mystery too me may find my posting boring. So in an effort to keep anyone out there entertained, I've decided to post any other random sailing stuff I find interesting.
Today I'd like to add some information on a really cool race and a slide show I found on Youtube for the most recent race of The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race, which occurres every December 26th, Boxer Day. Wikipedia has a brief description which I have attached. The link is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Sydney_to_Hobart_Yacht_Race
Check out this awesome slide show of some of the pictures taken during this past race which happened on December 26th 2010.
Cheers!
Today I'd like to add some information on a really cool race and a slide show I found on Youtube for the most recent race of The Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race, which occurres every December 26th, Boxer Day. Wikipedia has a brief description which I have attached. The link is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Sydney_to_Hobart_Yacht_Race
Check out this awesome slide show of some of the pictures taken during this past race which happened on December 26th 2010.
Cheers!
First Sunday Race of 2011 - NOT!
After an awesome sail on New Years Day, I was looking forward to the first Sunday Race of 2011 with Pat and crew on Rebel Rose. The conditions were awesome for a good race, much like the previous day's winds but overcast and maybe a little lighter in the wind gust department. Never the less, we had a great start and were climbing to the first mark. We stayed ahead of the pack and round the mark just behind a competitor who had finally caught up at the mark. As we were sailing toward the second mark we noticed a Laser that was dis masted and just bobbing along. We decided to ditch the race and offer this guy a tow back to the club. After packing in the sails and throwing him a tow line, we began the long motor back to the club.
Because of our actions we did not finish the race but because of the tow and helping a stranded competitor, we earned ourselves a 2nd place for this race. Too bad we didn't finish the race, it would have been fun. At least we helped someone out and if they say karma is a bitch, maybe we earned some browny points.
Because of our actions we did not finish the race but because of the tow and helping a stranded competitor, we earned ourselves a 2nd place for this race. Too bad we didn't finish the race, it would have been fun. At least we helped someone out and if they say karma is a bitch, maybe we earned some browny points.
New Years Day Sail
Ok so old habits die hard and I am a few days behind on some sailing updates to the blog. Well here goes! After this past New Years Day, I think every New Years Day should be spent Sailing. I met up with Reggie and Janice to go sailing on his Catalina 309, the beautiful boat I sailed on when we went to Key West in mid 2010. The day was beautiful with consistent winds in the 10-12 knots range with some gusts in the upper teens. The weather was cool and sunny the whole day. We quickly sailed out of the basin and headed towards Apollo Beach, truly an awesome ride. We tacked around a channel mark and I helmed all the way back to the basin. It was real nice to get some helm time, especially in those conditions. The boat handles beautifully and it was an exhilarating sail.
As I neared the pier, which marks the entrance into the basin, the winds kicked up to 18-19 knots and I was experiencing a good amount of weather helm. The set up on this boat is great for single handling so I reached for the jib sheet on the winch and eased her out in order to spill some wind. That allowed her to come back to a nice heel versus being on her shoulders. I think you can tell from the pictures that I really enjoyed myself today.
After the sail we went for a New Years beer and just had great conversation for a while afterwards. I think this is a great way to start a new year, each year. Some people may eat certain bean or meals to bring good luck in the coming year but I think I will be satisfied if I kick off every New Year with a sail.
Cheers and best wishes to all my friends in 2011!
As I neared the pier, which marks the entrance into the basin, the winds kicked up to 18-19 knots and I was experiencing a good amount of weather helm. The set up on this boat is great for single handling so I reached for the jib sheet on the winch and eased her out in order to spill some wind. That allowed her to come back to a nice heel versus being on her shoulders. I think you can tell from the pictures that I really enjoyed myself today.
After the sail we went for a New Years beer and just had great conversation for a while afterwards. I think this is a great way to start a new year, each year. Some people may eat certain bean or meals to bring good luck in the coming year but I think I will be satisfied if I kick off every New Year with a sail.
Cheers and best wishes to all my friends in 2011!
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