Recent content by bikspk

I'm investigating all of the ideas. I'm not as concerned with water temp and the like since I'm used to sailing in Deep Creek, MD which doesn't ever get too warm in the summer. Current water temps on the Atlantic Coast of florida are in the low 70's right now and I'll keep an eye on them. The...

I just want to load up my boat and equipment and head south. Any recommendation for a low impact place to go and sail my laser for three or four days in Florida (easy access to boat launching, trailer parking, sleeping) would be welcome. It's just too damn cold here to go sailing. Thanks

Interestingly - the problem where I plan on sailing this winter is the opposite. The air temperature will be in the 20's while the water temperature will be in the 70's. The problem is not capsizing but what happens when you get out of the water. (Reservoir serves as cooling water for a 4000...

I have found sparse information on breaking in a new sail on the web. The best discussion was in a thread about some inferior sails from about 5 years ago. The reason I ask is that the winds have been fierce here (comparatively) for the last couple days and I don't want to screw up my brand...

There is a week long clinic in April in the Florida Keys but it's a bit late to use as a winter sailing vacation. It would be nice to have a clinic for a few days followed by a race in a nice warm locale to make a vacation of. I've looked at the schedules but haven't seen anything for the winter...

I just got the new control system too and the only drawback so far is the lines hanging everywhere. The worst is when a wave breaks over the bow and the lines go with the flow (over the side, down the centerboard trunk, tangle around things) and the worst is getting caught up in the main sheet...

Be extremely careful putting a vacuum cleaner on reverse to your hull. I performed that stunt about five years ago on a Sunfish not thinking about how much area I was applying what little pressure the vacuum applied over a large area and about blew the hull up (balooned up badly and further...

I just started participating in races a few weeks ago. Finally figured out the flags and how to time the start. My biggest fear is interfering with other boats (figuring out right of way rules isn't easy). The worst was getting to the finishing line last week on a tack to just clear the...

Chris, If you are racing at DCYRA this weekend I can give you my advice. I just purchased a Kitty Hawk Stainless trailer and can see what you need to do. The most important thing is to support the weight of the upper boat only where the lower boat rests on it's supports. That way, pressure...

I've been searching the web (unsucessfully) for laser sailing instruction in Florida or another warm water place. I'd like to take a few days vacation this winter to get some one-on-one instruction from an experienced laser racing sailor. I'm not a beginning sailor (just a beginning racer)...

My sail wasn't sliding very well on the mast so I decided to clean it up with some abrasive cleanser, rinse it off really well (chlorine not good), let it dry then put on some car wax. After I buffed it off it was slippery as heck and the sleeve slid on it really well. Is there any reason I...

Looking into getting a Laser and have been waffling on trailers and the possibility of car topping. I have a Honda Accord and would need to put a receiver (Class 1 of course) on the car to tow. Already have some pretty sturdy racks but getting the boat up there could be no fun. I guess what...