Friday started out as a calm summer day with a westerly wind fighting the easterly sea-breeze which made for some interesting conditions and challenging sailing. When the winds from opposite directions fight, that area is called the ‘conversion zone’ as the weather is ‘converting’ from one condition to another. In the afternoon the sea-breeze won and filled with a nice 10-12kts out of the northeast, sunny skies; perfect sailing conditions in the Stranahan River!
Beginner Opti started out the day with a talk on how to steer more precisely followed by the sausage drill on the water. -JC- ‘The Sausage Drill is the same thing as yesterday’s Hotdog Drill. Depending on which coach you ask they either like hotdogs or sausages.’ Drills are very important in sailing to get the sailors to naturally feel the boat and steer the direction they want to go while looking around at the wind, watching the telltales on the sail and trimming the sail(s).
In the afternoon, Beginner Opti discussed sail trim theory and did a combination of the sausage drill and Follow the Leader on various points of sail. ‘Follow the Leader’ is a drill where the sailors have to follow the coach boat and the instructor takes the coach boat different directions compared to the wind. It helps the sailors steer straight and concentrate more on trimming their sails. The afternoon sailors also had their first taste of stronger winds and put their skills learned in the capsize drill to the test!
Green fleet practiced more starts and a full windward-leeward course throughout the full day. Coach Stephen took them through the paces so they’re ready for Friday Night Fun Sailing next Friday. Mark your calendars to stay at the Sailing Center after pickup next Friday! You can watch the sailors from the dock or go for a sail yourself. Last FNFS was a great success with a bunch of family and sailors!
The 420 group discussed sailing downwind and the proper use and benefits of sailing wing-on-wing. ‘Wing on Wing’ is when the sailors steer dead downwind and pull the jib out on the other side of the boat than the main sail to get the most sail projected to the wind. They used this new method of downwind sailing in a race style setting.
Mercury Mentors had a light wind sail in the morning. Each sailor took a turn steering and trimming the sails while Coach Dae instructed them!
