Recent content by Meryl

Thanks to everyone for responding! (Because of the holiday it's taken me a while to check back). I really appreciate the input. I was (was it obvious?) Boat 1 and indeed there was no overlap at the 2-boat-length distance. Overlap occurred just at the mark because (1) full rig was faster...

I have a question I'm hoping someone can help me with. (I just ordered a fresh copy of the Rules of Racing but won't receive it for a few days -- I'd love an answer sooner than that.) BTW I'm not going to mention which boat I was and I'm going to try to avoid slanting the description (to the...

This is my first season of frostbiting and at last Sunday's race I was the only radial (versus 18 full rigs; yeah, our fleet rocks!). We all started together. I believe that even if there were a couple of more radials we'd still all start together. Wind was pretty light and I could have...

Can someone explain S-turns downwind? I'm solid with the concept for slowing down upwind (before start, for example). But how do you do it downwind without gybing (or risking an accidental gybe)? Many thanks!

Thanks! About half of the dry suits I see online (especially Kokatat's) have rubber middle/waist sections. I assume this has something to do with their paddling design. Some of them don't have that. Any thoughts as to which is more comfortable or has other advantages? (This is a big...

I'm starting to think about my first winter season of laser sailing. I've been told to invest in a dry suit. Any suggestions? I'm 5'3" ~120-125 pounds. I'm a huge GoreTex fan from other activities -- anyone use the Kokatat dry suits (made for kayaking)? Thanks to all!

Michelle - thanks for the tips! I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with a radial -- at least to get started. I figure it will be easier to learn laser sailing on (I currently sail on a lightning). Thanks again!

Thanks for the suggestions! I think I'll try to borrow someone's full rig on the next windy day and see how it goes.

I'm looking to buy a laser and am not sure whether to go for the radial rig or not. I've only been out on a regular rig and found if manageable, but I've only been out in light winds. I'm wondering what other women prefer. I plan to race mine at my club against almost all men and a few...