Last night was an incredible learning experience! Some history: I've been sailing on larger boats (J105, J120, CAL25) for quite some time. The crews that I am on typically do very well and I have become quite proficient at most positions except for driving. Hence the desire to learn to sail a Laser. I bought a used leaky laser and got it repaired. After four trips, I decided to race.
Man, do I SUCK!!! Not sure where I was for the first race, but it was nowhere near the line. Paying attention would probably be a good idea. I actually crossed the line in time for the second race. After crossing the line for the second, I forgot everything I learned about tacking and ended up doing some nice circles. They were actually quite impressive (so I was told after the races.) I decided to bail and hang by the line and watch. Now, everyone is lining up for the third race and I am actually in position to harden up and cross the line with the pack. (I'm hanging back about 1.5 boat lengths so I don't screw anyone up) We cross the line and I actually make it to the first mark. In DFL. No sweat, I'm a trooper and I know how fast these things are downwind. Then I learned what a deathroll is all about. You know, I've read about these things on this forum, in books, etc. and I couldn't remember a thing about what to do except for how to recover from capsizing. I got my boat up and decided that I was exausted and headed for the dock. What a day.
All in all, it was awesome. I can't wait to get back out. I realized that I need a lot of practice before I can get anywhere near competitive. I will redeem myself tonight on a J-boat, get my confidence back up a notch, and then practice like crazy for the next few days. I'm a complete addict.
Man, do I SUCK!!! Not sure where I was for the first race, but it was nowhere near the line. Paying attention would probably be a good idea. I actually crossed the line in time for the second race. After crossing the line for the second, I forgot everything I learned about tacking and ended up doing some nice circles. They were actually quite impressive (so I was told after the races.) I decided to bail and hang by the line and watch. Now, everyone is lining up for the third race and I am actually in position to harden up and cross the line with the pack. (I'm hanging back about 1.5 boat lengths so I don't screw anyone up) We cross the line and I actually make it to the first mark. In DFL. No sweat, I'm a trooper and I know how fast these things are downwind. Then I learned what a deathroll is all about. You know, I've read about these things on this forum, in books, etc. and I couldn't remember a thing about what to do except for how to recover from capsizing. I got my boat up and decided that I was exausted and headed for the dock. What a day.
All in all, it was awesome. I can't wait to get back out. I realized that I need a lot of practice before I can get anywhere near competitive. I will redeem myself tonight on a J-boat, get my confidence back up a notch, and then practice like crazy for the next few days. I'm a complete addict.