It has been considered, but only for heavy heavy air. I personally don't like getting beaten by 110 pound girls. A radial would not help me at big events, as its usually only for girls, like I could not have sailed it at the Olympic part of Kiel, plus as a male, I could not sail a Radial at the Olympics. I will stick with my Full rig, but if I see that it might be blowing 25+ at an event, I will probably take a radial with me, and see what happens
While it's not the most politically correct thing you've written I do understand your point. Keep in mind the good radial girls can slap on a full rig and kick all of our butts in anything up to 15 and some in more than that, but as you mentioned the radial has become designated as the "girl rig". I think it's a shame that this "segragation" has happened in the class. Even in the Junior fleets the boys try to get out of the radial as fast as possible when they SHOULD stay in the radial. However, there are a few dudes sailing in the radial fleets at the bigger events like the NA's. Just look at the Masters fleets. The radial fleet is LOADED with TOP talent that are guys, (i.e. Mr. Boat Whisperer himself) but the difference is the older guys are wise enough to understand that killing themselves in the big rig is not much fun and mature enough to know that it is not a testiment to their ability to not sail the full rig, but it provides them the ability to enjoy top competition when they are underweight for the full rig. I think you're going to San Fran for the August event? There should be a nice radial fleet with great sailors and more than a couple of guys sailing in it. If you're still under 165 you should consider the radial for the big fleet experience considering how it blows there. Look at it this way. What will give you a better experience? Beating yourself to death being underweight in a full rig and finishing near the back of the fleet or having good control, actually being able to concentrate on tactics and getting better finishes in a radial fleet. Of course all of this assumes you're under 165 and it blows 20+. It should be mentally uplifting to get some nice big fleet finishes and you do not risk hurting yourself like the wrist or shoulder which could put you out for the rest of the year.
wow, well put and some sage advice. and this is good advice for everyone, not just stubborn olympic hopefuls. this kind of thinking will allow anyone to be more competitive and have fun. i admit, as we get older we get smarter. the laser class allows us all to meet conditions with equipment based on weight. forget about age and male/female. you're going to be competitive based on your ability, so why not put yourself in the best position to learn and have a good time.
I've got a slightly different viewpoint - A number of the Olympic qualifiers for the Games have dropped weight - it wouldn't surprise me that some are in the 165 lb range right now. So I don't think 160 or whatever is so light that someone would want to change to another class. I would be asking myself why with just a 5 to 10 lb advantage they were faster.. I don't think I would find that answer if I were not sailing against them
thanks, if I had my normal weight it wouldn't have been a problem. I would have liked more practice though, its not something we normally get in SoCal
Also, saw the pictures of your set up. I suggest moving your outhaul to the back of your boom, as most people do these days. It's better. With the way you have it, in breeze, when your vang is cranked it will inadvertently adjust/change your outhaul setting. Having all the purchase at the back of the boom eliminates this.
So just take the blocks, shorten the line that ties to the end of your boom, and lengthen your control line? Any possible pics of this?
Umm. I could explain, but getting pictures next time I rig up would be much easier I think
I could do this Monday maybe.
I'll toss in pics of my cunningham set up and other stuff too I guess.
...And make a separate thread about it
Shatty
Finally somebody has put an end to all these false expectation about Ross actually having an "Olympic Campaign". I have no personal problems with Ross (in fact I actually admire her efforts), but I believe that she always finds excuses for her poor performance in her weight, (we all know that low weight can easilly be compensated with physicall training) and is naive enough to think that finding the perfect boat setup will dramatically improve her performance.
Once again I must repeat that I have nothing personal with Ross, but I do think that she should be a bit more realistic in general
last among those without a DNF or DNC
Ouch
Time will tell if he can get out of the bottom 10% of the fleet at these big events.
He can if he puts the time in. The top guys live Laser sailing and unless Ross wants to be full-time, he won't get to the very top. But he can certainly get off the bottom by PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, some coaching or a good clinic, working out,more PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE,.etc. He's still young he should have a good learning curve with the right effort.
i agree. it's a shame we will not hear any race reports from him on this regatta. his overall finish was not great, but he did start and finish every race. he did beat boats in every race, and he had a finish in the forties. no dsq's or penalties. not bad, considering his schedule just before this regatta. hopefully, he will take away from this experience what he needs to do to post top ten finishes: practice, more big fleet regattas, weight training, and more practice. 2 years from now when he's done school he will have the time and lack of distractions to put his dream to the test.
cutting down on the ridiculous excuses, getting fit, and setting realistic goals come to mind
I'd say reality has probably set in at this point. He did tone it down a bit back in May, but with the most 2 recent experiences his feet are probably flat on the ground now.
It's ok Ross. You're just like the rest of us, (in our Laser sailing capabilities anyway) and we're not such a bad bunch.
just like the rest of us???? i guess if youre pudgy and dont hike hard
just like the rest of us???? i guess if youre pudgy and dont hike hard