tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38820948544982503182024-02-03T02:55:13.377+11:00Downunder Sailormostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-56309321819657176672011-03-27T19:49:00.000+11:002011-03-27T19:49:34.325+11:00Online Club Races - Laser Fleet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tacktracker.com/web/races?rgid=244748078"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT72OMAR7rstjo2R3VNXrolEqBcmLCTl3gV7hiaM4BWXXz0p2LXTLJxeIOLQJfd1O_8oGNMySBGrUWPT5LgDN3gWdDnFeBoPQS466lmeDXz6Ju1ihy9SgOvmGIO36_friz43WMpgXOCp4/s320/110327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I have finally got around to it. I have managed to publish some races from our club racing at Albert Park Lake. Late last year a few of the Laser sailors acquired GPS trackers and purchased <a href="http://www.tacktracker.com/web/index.php">TackTracker</a>. With a bit of effort we have been managing to get 3 to 5 sailors recording their tracks for the day. We plan to add to our online race data and if you are interested to view our online races click on <a href="http://www.tacktracker.com/web/races?rgid=244748078">Albert Sailing Club - Laser Fleet Racing</a> at the Tack Tracker website.</div></div>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-63789216203510616422011-02-27T21:28:00.000+11:002011-02-27T21:28:16.377+11:00Saturday Racing at Albert Sailing Club<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj_EQYq-5oKe6kL3UEOVt3YDSl7r-LGFbZn4FbY0dDMwF-_OHR175SfeDIWYNCUTj17R7qtdrbAiG7iI_gSJs3oPBBGyIDiThlQic2vCg7GxwvAqvWP3vcNxPg3m5m82RGKCKgSAwH-Y/s1600/110227-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj_EQYq-5oKe6kL3UEOVt3YDSl7r-LGFbZn4FbY0dDMwF-_OHR175SfeDIWYNCUTj17R7qtdrbAiG7iI_gSJs3oPBBGyIDiThlQic2vCg7GxwvAqvWP3vcNxPg3m5m82RGKCKgSAwH-Y/s320/110227-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Well I am finally racing at the club again. Over the last 2+ months I have only sailed at Albert Park Lake once, as I was preparing myself for the 2011 Laser Masters Nationals in Port Stephens, by spending more time sailing on Port Phillip Bay. Well to say that I was pleased with my result yesterday is an understatement. I was personally wrapped with the way I sailed, achieving a first. The image above represents the position of boats at my finish, with the last marks of the course A, D, C, G, Finish.<br />
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After sailing in open waters for the last 1+ months I found getting back onto the Lake all maneuvers felt easy and I felt fast in my warm up. My start was good, with me rounding the first mark in third, just behind James. The second leg turned out to me to be the defining leg of this race for me. Not only was able to pass James and making 100+ metres on this leg, but I was able to catch and pass Alex getting myself into first place.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr2jsocXAzb4WjkNvV6G5m2iepdWuSC4zouMqsjAeHlyQWNIfPNhCIUR_sccfUjM6A2C-rlAtxZSORyel91qgGidpIShonsqDxiOf2gxoPtRftW_FhkHK9A1Zk-s5az8FAnW8dr4rDOI/s1600/110227-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivr2jsocXAzb4WjkNvV6G5m2iepdWuSC4zouMqsjAeHlyQWNIfPNhCIUR_sccfUjM6A2C-rlAtxZSORyel91qgGidpIShonsqDxiOf2gxoPtRftW_FhkHK9A1Zk-s5az8FAnW8dr4rDOI/s320/110227-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Now the of rest of the race was focused on not making any mistakes and making the most of my opportunities. I managed to achieve this on the day by matching the fleet on leg times or beating them, resulting increasing the distance between myself and second from 50 metres at the end of leg 2 to 300+ metres at the finish.<br />
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I hope to keep applying the lessons I learnt from my my time at the Laser Masters National over the coming months to my club sailing.<br />
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Till next my next update.</div>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-46860123853988658422011-02-22T21:33:00.002+11:002011-02-22T21:34:37.412+11:002011 Laser Masters Nationals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOabGWPfcLpu4uyIS2iTC5De0qBNCxO-N17L_fb8qvKKnwUUIaWg_7jBLOFzkfRm8SD46eXohRmLfX-q2Slm8WDzVJG60X2lSTRuGi6vyD31y-7RXbMetyBTSjzYC4vwjHIAagqWz-NE/s1600/182773_187021284671252_100000901443497_435603_8282619_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOabGWPfcLpu4uyIS2iTC5De0qBNCxO-N17L_fb8qvKKnwUUIaWg_7jBLOFzkfRm8SD46eXohRmLfX-q2Slm8WDzVJG60X2lSTRuGi6vyD31y-7RXbMetyBTSjzYC4vwjHIAagqWz-NE/s320/182773_187021284671252_100000901443497_435603_8282619_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>At the start of the 2010-11 summer sailing session I decided it would be good to do some planning as I wanted to try a few Laser sanctioned regatta’s, subject to family or work commitments taking a precedence. As it panned out I was good to go to my first Laser Masters Nationals in Port Stephens, NSW. I was prepared to travel to this regatta by myself, but I was really pleased to see that Kerry had decided to take the plunge as well to compete in his first National Regatta.<br />
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The conditions for the opening day of the Laser Masters Nationals couldn’t have been better. The idyllic bay of Port Stephens greeted the 185 boat fleet with clear blue skies top temperature of 34C and 15-18knots, gusting to 20-23knots. Kerry and I decided to launch about an hour before our start, as we just wanted get out onto the water. It was amazing to see the entire fleet of 185 being launched and then sailing around in close proximity was a real rush. We had two races for the day, which we both really enjoyed the competition.<br />
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Day two was bit different, as the fleet was greeted with an overcast day, but still the temperature was mid to high 20’s. The breeze for the day was southerly at 15-20knots, gusting to 30knots at times during the afternoon. Day two saw three races run, but the day on the water was longer again, as our division got a bit aggressive during the day, with 2 general recalls, which culminated in our division being relegated to the back of the start queue.<br />
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Day three was similar to the previous day being overcast and temperature in the mid 20’s. The breeze for the day was lighter than yesterday at 8-18knots. Individuals had the opportunity to make some big gains on the fleet today, as the wind was very shifty. Again three races were held for day.<br />
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Day four and the final day of the regatta, only two more races to be sailed. We woke to a very different start to the day. The last three days in Port Stephens we all woke to dead calm mornings and only at around 11 to 11:30 the breeze started to kick in. This morning was different, as it was raining and the wind already blowing in from the South at 15-20knots and gusting to 25-30knots. The final day for me was a good one to finish off, but unfortunately for Kerry is was not the best day for him. Just after the start of the first race Kerry capsized and for some reason was having a lot of difficulty righting the boat. After struggling for a while he decided to retire. Once on shore he found out what the problem was. Somehow the mast retainer had slipped down in-between the mast and the mast step. The result was that his mast could not turn and thus making his boat very difficult to sail.<br />
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Congratulation goes to Owen McMahon for winning Laser Radial Apprentice division. It was a well deserved win. As for Kerry and me, we placed 39<sup>th</sup> & 37<sup>th</sup> respectively in the Laser Full Rig Masters division. We both were pleased with our result, at our first major regatta.<br />
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In summary, I found the regatta was well configured and set-up for a Masters regatta, with time allowed for sailors who brought the young families to spend time with them in an idyllic location and every evening a dinner, cocktail party, or sausage sizzle was provided to allow plenty of time to socialize. I would highly recommend attending a regatta like this one.<br />
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The next Laser Masters Nationals is scheduled to be held in May 2012 at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly. Kerry and I are planning to venture out again next year, as both found it to be a great experience on and off the water.</div></div>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-51542917409165921532011-02-12T22:09:00.000+11:002011-02-12T22:09:13.460+11:00Day 2 Laser Masters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Second day of Laser Masters in Port Stephens, brought very different conditions to the previous day. Southerly was the fleets challenge with average wind strength of 13-22kts, with gusts reaching 29kts at times during the afternoon.<br />
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Today for me as not as good as yesterday, as I was being challenged by the stronger wind for the first race of the day, but generally I was pleased with getting through the day. I was able to improve on my downwind speed, as again yesterday I was always loosing out to the fleet.<br />
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In general today we have many restarts, with if memory serves me right I think in the last race of the day for Masters Standard division we had 2 general recalls. The Masters Radial division had a general recall on the second race of the day. I think everyone is getting tighter on the start, which is always fun.<br />
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Tomorrow is Day 3 and another 3 races are scheduled. The forecast is indicating that it will be a lighter day and potentially the lightest for the regatta. We will just have to wait and see what Sunday has in store.</div>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-4173225660290123672011-02-11T22:34:00.000+11:002011-02-11T22:34:27.872+11:00Day 1 Laser Masters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well the the first day is over and I can say it was a great day for sailing. Temperature 34C and upto 15kts from the NE, gusting to 20-23kts during the afternoon, a bay full of 185 Lasers....<br />
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The day started very quietly, will with little to no breeze, but at 11:30 and on time the wind picked up to 10 to 15, from the NE. It steadied, as the boat park commenced getting ready for a good afternoon sail.<br />
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For me I launched around an hour before my start, as I just wanted to get sometime on the water. It was amazing to see all 185 Lasers being launched from the shore and sailing around in close proximity. I took a couple of moments to take in the sites of my first Regatta and it was an fantastic site to see. So onto Race 1.<br />
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<b>Race 1</b><br />
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As I was sailing in a Full Rig Masters division. I was lucky to be the four start, so in the pre-start I was keenly watching the large fleets already heading upto to the first mark to see if the left or right had any advantages. Good planning, but in our start sequence I got lost in the moment, which resulted in Kerry yelling at me to get a hurry on, as I missed the start by a few boat lengths. So already at the back of the fleet I had my work cut out. I was reasonable pleased with my up wind work for this race, as I was able to catch a few boats, but it was my downwind legs that cost me. As primarily a Lake sailor I still do not feel comfortable downwind using the waves. The result was the boats in front increased the gap and the boats behind caught up. So the result for me was me that I ended up at the tail end of the fleet.<br />
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Speaking to Kerry after the race 1. He suggested that I should sit a bit further back in the boat to help surfing down the waves. Lets see if I can put this into practice for the second race.<br />
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<b>Race 2</b><br />
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By this time the wind was picking up to 15 and above. I did learn from Race 1. Start was much better. Still not on the front line, but a much better start. Generally I was further up the fleet and I did listen to Kerry, by sitting further back in the boat and I did feel that I did sail downwind a bit better, but I need to keep working on using the waves to my advantage.<br />
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So bring on tomorrow and lets see what it brings.</div>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-86499809508154237302011-02-10T21:40:00.002+11:002011-02-10T21:46:29.135+11:00tis the night before the Laser Masters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R-X_qmyXwiqjILub5CDh9olUXE8ENL_0pOOGmle6Bb-F66AGjRqCNwxNzwt3QVATRnn5TVBj8mRVYv3u-NhMOveR2FYnEdlBwIbnaFIF9WEn9mphzh1z_IY4UsqXUF_c3Id_xxTCnto/s1600/masters155744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R-X_qmyXwiqjILub5CDh9olUXE8ENL_0pOOGmle6Bb-F66AGjRqCNwxNzwt3QVATRnn5TVBj8mRVYv3u-NhMOveR2FYnEdlBwIbnaFIF9WEn9mphzh1z_IY4UsqXUF_c3Id_xxTCnto/s1600/masters155744.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well I have made it to Port Stephens this afternoon. It is great to be here for my first Laser Regatta and seeing so many other Laser sailors around is fantastic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spent the afternoon catching up with Kerry, registering and setting up the my boat for tomorrow. We are expecting N/NE 15/20 kts for the start tomorrow at 13:30. Looking forward to being out on the water with 182 others Lasers. I am thinking it will be busy out on the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If anyone is interested in the progress of the regatta can see it at the <a href="http://www.laser.asn.au/1011nats/mastersnats.html">2011 Laser Masters National</a> website.</div></div>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-74805493756394459492011-01-02T10:38:00.000+11:002011-01-02T10:38:23.916+11:00Laser Toestrap Adjustment<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/c1sICVj82NE?fs=1" width="480"></iframe></div><br />
I found this youtube video on toestrap adjustment for the Laser from Rooster Sailing. I think I will look at modifying my toestrap to option 2 shown on the video. Watching the video highlighted to me that I would find it very difficult to replicate my toestrap setting on another boat if I needed to do so.mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-22983716011671182792010-12-18T08:29:00.002+11:002010-12-18T21:57:04.327+11:00Sail Melbourne 2010 - Day 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EoOtLGon5w4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Sail Melbourne 2010 Day 4 highlights. Great weather, great sailing from Radials, Optis and Laser Full Rigs.mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-33868327166388308092010-12-11T23:36:00.000+11:002010-12-11T23:36:00.607+11:00Life Members Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojEhv0SLiDGR4ZqzDhsGEKHbBApAojP9nID8WbCy400FMBp0WjYONZyAqZ1armWT2-JSd3vPy0v3o8TlcwloCDMkBQOomYr9KZjbTh7IRBG-hTSY0zP2grkBEZ07GqRzQqFTXDl4knUQ/s1600/101211-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojEhv0SLiDGR4ZqzDhsGEKHbBApAojP9nID8WbCy400FMBp0WjYONZyAqZ1armWT2-JSd3vPy0v3o8TlcwloCDMkBQOomYr9KZjbTh7IRBG-hTSY0zP2grkBEZ07GqRzQqFTXDl4knUQ/s320/101211-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This was our last Saturday race day for the year. As you can see from the wind data capture, the wind was up on the lake. 20 sailors from the Albert Sailing Club decided to give the conditions a try, with all sailors taking at least one swim during the day.<br />
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As for me. I only managed one race for the day, as I received a hit to the head late in race one and decided that it would be better not to continue. Lesson from today was that I should get some head protection in the very near further for days like today. Barring this incident I did have a good day. Speed was good (if you ignore the unscheduled swim activities), with my runs achieving a max speed of 10.73kn, 10.12kn, & 9.76kn. I really enjoyed these periods of peak speed :).<br />
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Next race at the club commences 8th of January, 2011, so I will need to look for sailing opportunities between now and the 8th, as I need to keep my practice up for the Australian Laser Master's in Port Stephen's, scheduled for mid Feb, 2011.<br />
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Till my next update.mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-55540510779513313642010-10-30T21:33:00.001+11:002010-10-30T21:34:40.070+11:00How to repair a Laser dinghy daggerboard and rudder foils<object style="background-image:url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/nqDHK0VcKTE/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nqDHK0VcKTE?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nqDHK0VcKTE?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-49694498981608332562010-10-23T22:11:00.000+11:002010-10-23T22:11:58.078+11:00Staying in the Lane-way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCA3aH1h2kFMjIwALNHz2IR40uDwbsojyyq-aU6nJMZzU77uJ0-wOI5fhW6-Nkduaa640ic3Nm7AISxUkVzGDkUfo-zsTaCKBq56Y6iSbGLbCnBtD-TVvWk1FIPgEHOD5c6Ot1aZ1LQ8/s1600/101023-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCA3aH1h2kFMjIwALNHz2IR40uDwbsojyyq-aU6nJMZzU77uJ0-wOI5fhW6-Nkduaa640ic3Nm7AISxUkVzGDkUfo-zsTaCKBq56Y6iSbGLbCnBtD-TVvWk1FIPgEHOD5c6Ot1aZ1LQ8/s320/101023-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Today on the Lake was a great day with a southerly of around 10 to 15 knots. The wind was shifty and you needed to keep on your toes if you wanted to get any advantage over the others. A fantastic example of this was on the numerous reaches from St.Kilda, with a boat not 4 metres away from you gets a nice breeze to get him planing and all you can do is watch, as you are not in the same breeze :(. When the reverse happens it is all good with the world :).<br />
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My lesson from today was when beating up the eastern side of the island, unless I am positive that I am on a lifting tack. I must stay within the lane-way, as this mitigates my risk of potentially losing ground on the others. As I did on my first leg, as I was looking for a lift off the south end of the Island, which did not eventuate.<br />
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I am writing this lesson in my blog today, so it can be a reminder for me in the future. I have learnt this lesson in the past, but again I have fallen for trying a high risk option with no benefit on the first leg. The result I ended up at the tail end of the fleet and I spent the rest of the race playing catch up.<br />
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Till next time.mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-10642465270760178302010-09-29T21:24:00.001+10:002010-09-29T21:24:55.073+10:00Volvo Ocean Race - Online GameTonight I found the following link regarding Volvo Ocean Race - Online Game. For me and many Albert Sailing Club sailors the 2008-09 edition provided many hours of fun, competing against some 220,000 players from across the world. Below are to links relating to the 2011-12 online game, which you might be interested in reading.<br />
<ol><li><a href="http://www.volvooceanrace.com/news/article/2010/september/back-in-the-game/index.aspx">Back in the Game</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.volvooceanracegame.org/beta_signup/">Newsletter Sign-Up</a></li>
</ol>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-37039935571809467502010-09-29T21:05:00.003+10:002010-09-29T21:07:24.174+10:00My Summer Sailing Program 2010/2011The southern hemisphere summer is just just around the corner and so it is time I look at my sailing program. This year I have decided that is it is time to try some Laser sanctioned regatta's. For the past few years I have only fronted to Victorian Laser Masters Regatta and I must say I have enjoyed them. So looking forward to the challenge for this year. Below are the regatta's that I am planning to attend, subject to family or work activities taking a precedence.<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Nov 06-07, Jolly Roger Laser Regatta, PMYC, VIC</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Nov 13-14, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">VLA Port Phillip Championships, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">MSC, VIC</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Feb 05-06,<b> </b>VL<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Masters Championship & Youth Regatta, MMYC, VIC</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Feb 11-14, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Australian Masters Championships, PSSAC, NSW</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mar 19-20, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">VLA Championshi<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">ps</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">, MCCRAEYC, VIC</span></li>
</ul>So if anyone else is planning to attend any of these events, I would be interested in hearing from you, as I find it is fun sharing the experience.<br />
<ul></ul>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-17884888109398405252010-09-11T23:15:00.001+10:002010-09-11T23:17:04.767+10:00race no.3, a lucky first :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Well after 6 weeks of not sailing. It was clear that all upwind legs, bar the first one have a lot of room for improvement, but overall I am pleased that I managed a first for the day (with a little help from Rod on the last leg).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vlrP2AbV9DgOnjHXXWc1wSj5I3KF-rE2kLoD4qioDOmM9c8KB6rTV_ybMAW_SylRYoyQAbKPcWCHgOWDwWNP9MZXxbmHVYzLpy9ZtMg1dcAYVSR_lLECuvx5Iof83DsNZdjmgv5eHGs/s1600/100911-Leg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vlrP2AbV9DgOnjHXXWc1wSj5I3KF-rE2kLoD4qioDOmM9c8KB6rTV_ybMAW_SylRYoyQAbKPcWCHgOWDwWNP9MZXxbmHVYzLpy9ZtMg1dcAYVSR_lLECuvx5Iof83DsNZdjmgv5eHGs/s320/100911-Leg1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leg 01</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The screen grab above is of leg 1. I was very pleased with the outcome rounding mark A in second, with a clear break already established from the rest of the fleet. My strategy for this leg was to play the shifts and as you should be able to see from the image above, I managed to achieve my goal throughout this leg, with the exception of deciding to duck under Rod on the second last tack.<br />
<br />
Then it was off for a couple of reach/run legs and heading down to the St.Kilda end of the Lake. The diagrams below are of my two upwind legs from St.Kilda. As you should be able to see that I was not picking the lifts very well at all, with Leg 4 being the worst of the two. Rod increasing the gap significantly from me and the rest of the fleet gaining to the extent with Denny in third round mark B with me for the start of Leg 7. My analysis of Leg 4 was that I did an ok job from St.Kilda through the narrows, but once past the narrows I decided to go to the right. Looking at the tack for Leg 4, this is the place I lost a lot of ground to the rest of the fleet. Leg 7 I did take note of my loss, once past the narrows and made some adjustments, which you should be able to see in the Leg 7 screen grab. I felt that I was able to extend the gap from the chasing fleet and I made some in-roads on Rod's lead.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0IwtX_lCMn2zt63In6m6sqnGEyDVeDxuUrU3BalZMoTS7jsrvCZpjq94aqzVfGtrKJsaARnu2Kn20gpXulI-C8XM0Pdi6aXYFtMLI0OO0VVZ1NnYGPd3515jIeAOTS9lwCHhP6HEfqs/s1600/100911-Leg4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0IwtX_lCMn2zt63In6m6sqnGEyDVeDxuUrU3BalZMoTS7jsrvCZpjq94aqzVfGtrKJsaARnu2Kn20gpXulI-C8XM0Pdi6aXYFtMLI0OO0VVZ1NnYGPd3515jIeAOTS9lwCHhP6HEfqs/s320/100911-Leg4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leg 04<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbwiygo-dbmA5l6td803IBtgRihpgyg_0o84tdDc92NMaloQ4Mm4_KROe-FGp70dohG26uORlJ5pubAt9uJzBHdIMcYiLkoyd0jG2MaEqq8TdKvwX7j4gdNslITCv0_91cnBJgab9stE/s1600/100911-Leg5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpbwiygo-dbmA5l6td803IBtgRihpgyg_0o84tdDc92NMaloQ4Mm4_KROe-FGp70dohG26uORlJ5pubAt9uJzBHdIMcYiLkoyd0jG2MaEqq8TdKvwX7j4gdNslITCv0_91cnBJgab9stE/s320/100911-Leg5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leg 07</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This completed our last trip to St.Kilda.<br />
<br />
Now all that was left was three small triangles to complete and I was some 200+ metres still behind Rod. As the course was laid out, this meant that we only had two more upwind legs, as the screen garbs below represent. Leg 10 for me was an improvement on my other upwind legs, minus Leg 1 of course, and I was able to close some of the gap on Rod, while extending my gap on the chasing fleet. At this point I did set myself a goal to at least catch Rod before the end of the race. I must admit that my next two reaching legs and last upwind leg went very well, with me reducing the gap from 200+ metres down to less than 50 metres and a chance to have Rod thinking about having a race on his hands, rather than a cruise to the finish.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSkxWW6GBZbKzM48fxYBVrHEfPcMIGLacbdHESoKhF-xTb1S7nkwLW_Hyli4YR-2Wu7L5A6OFRAhNThnBukbi-fx3ltd6u7rujA7JT_55wjqpxW_QG_AO86HAUOJUBYYrsGYbI9N_1AM/s1600/100911-Leg10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSkxWW6GBZbKzM48fxYBVrHEfPcMIGLacbdHESoKhF-xTb1S7nkwLW_Hyli4YR-2Wu7L5A6OFRAhNThnBukbi-fx3ltd6u7rujA7JT_55wjqpxW_QG_AO86HAUOJUBYYrsGYbI9N_1AM/s320/100911-Leg10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leg 10</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAnhXEVDKRiERG-BzpEMdfIv10CE-HY1xXXi84ghPihGtKafjqXT5DO5VPyZO9EDLR26jAxsDJdzkTDTEDlHE9_cZP2snE0id9Wq9eLsGzPNJe0qG1lFoAywJypOstMKRqM40InRcYu4/s1600/100911-Leg13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAnhXEVDKRiERG-BzpEMdfIv10CE-HY1xXXi84ghPihGtKafjqXT5DO5VPyZO9EDLR26jAxsDJdzkTDTEDlHE9_cZP2snE0id9Wq9eLsGzPNJe0qG1lFoAywJypOstMKRqM40InRcYu4/s320/100911-Leg13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leg 13</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>The next reaching Leg, I managed to close the gap to an extent that I attempted (unsuccessfully) to achieve an inside overlap at the next mark, so it was now on, one mark to round and then to the finish. On the second last leg I was able to establish an inside overlap on Rod and to my benefit Rod attempted to push me up prior to the mark. The outcome for me was that I was able to come over the top of Rod, to an extent that I clearly rounded the last mark in first place. In the end I was able to maintain my lead to finish in first for Laser Full Rigs division, so I was very pleased with the outcome for the day.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Even with a lucky first, my lesson from the day is to play the shifts and get a better feel of my new boat, as I am know (based on my GPS tracks) I am missing some of the small lifts that always present themselves on the Lake.</div>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-45460082305607567362010-08-26T21:20:00.000+10:002010-08-26T21:20:42.190+10:00I have my first repair job for my new boat....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CgPdPxGgiyocig2QSIINX9b9WAnVZuS2VK-F3brCNttsa0lauputDesQCdFomnbFPVfeFUpTYRHC-5bH9hRC_VQm2VjKv2kxySvKB0p6sXoUkvKXPGxU9VhJRe4pUgM_M0vsegg0MAU/s1600/bailer_springs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CgPdPxGgiyocig2QSIINX9b9WAnVZuS2VK-F3brCNttsa0lauputDesQCdFomnbFPVfeFUpTYRHC-5bH9hRC_VQm2VjKv2kxySvKB0p6sXoUkvKXPGxU9VhJRe4pUgM_M0vsegg0MAU/s320/bailer_springs2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So, I have my first repair job for my new boat. Replacing the o-rings in the bailer.<br />
<br />
Rather than get an o-ring kit from my Laser distributor. I began to look around the Internet to find out the right o-ring diameter, so I could pick up some o-rings from my local hardware store and make the repair ASAP. To my surprise, my research uncovered these stainless steel springs from <a href="http://lasersmartparts.com/">LaserSmartParts</a>. At first glance, I thought this replacement option for o-rings must be illegal. As it was too good to be true to have a permanent fix for the regular replacement of the Laser bailer o-rings.<br />
<br />
On further investigation, I am pleased say the stainless steel springs are now legal replacements for o-rings. As in January 2010, The <a href="http://www.laserinternational.org/">International Laser Class Association</a> had made the following rule amendment:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">---*---</div>Rule 13. Self Bailer<br />
<br />
A self-bailing device as supplied only by the builder may be added. The bailer may be sealed with tape, filler or glue along its edge where it joins the hull and at the screw hole. Filling the screw hole level with the flat surface of the bailer is permitted. Fairing the flat surface of the bailer to the hull shape or changing the profile of the bailer is not permitted. The drain bung may be removed from the self-bailer, and the self bailer opening pin may be secured to the cockpit floor with self adhesive plastic tape. The builder-supplied o-rings may be substituted with non builder-supplied alternatives provided the basic function of the bailer is unchanged.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">---*---</div><div style="text-align: left;">I purchased my stainless steel springs from <a href="http://lasersmartparts.com/">LaserSmartParts</a> via eBay. The great news is they only cost me $7.20AUD, including shipping from the UK and they arrived at my door within 7 days of ordering. I would recommend this option for anyone who needs to replace bailer o-rings in the future.</div>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-28845816265533900162010-08-16T19:56:00.000+10:002010-08-16T19:56:08.301+10:002010 Albert Sailing Club Winter Regatta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg373jdiKm4z7go4VXwpZdiPxopa24KdU_jkA2DKiUqRYp2vwIUWP7-QvS3Z68rn49qsHElE5RgLegI9ulOtDLEIBXy1VcFbMdsRtJ3G5doPMODKiKr4p56FhTAtt1wd3UcWdf0q1oUcZE/s1600/DSCF2153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg373jdiKm4z7go4VXwpZdiPxopa24KdU_jkA2DKiUqRYp2vwIUWP7-QvS3Z68rn49qsHElE5RgLegI9ulOtDLEIBXy1VcFbMdsRtJ3G5doPMODKiKr4p56FhTAtt1wd3UcWdf0q1oUcZE/s320/DSCF2153.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This is an article that Rod Thoms and I wrote on the Albert Sailing Club Winter Regatta last month, but I thought I would share. Enjoy.<br />
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<div align="center">--- ---</div><br />
Albert Sailing Club's annual winter regatta on Albert Park Lake on 19/20 June, was the second event in the <a href="http://www.viclaser.yachting.org.au/">VLA</a> Jolly Roger Traveller Series which runs from May to October. The regatta was successful with over 130 monohull dinghies competing in a short race format series which consisted of seven 30 - 40 minute races in three sessions. <br />
<br />
<br />
The racing was concentrated in the four most active dinghy sailing classes currently racing in Victoria - the Laser, Impulse, Sabre and junior Optimist classes. The largest entry was in the Laser class where there were 38 boats, consisting of 17 standard full rig Lasers, 12 of the mid-size Laser Radials, and 9 Laser 4.7's sailed by teenage sailors. The light Westerly winds had plenty of shifts and changes in wind strength which favoured the more experienced and more alert sailors.<br />
<br />
In the standard full rig Laser's there was a close battle all weekend between Sean Bly and Glenn Collings. Glenn lead the fleet after day one, but Sean hit back on day two to win the last three races and take out the class win after a countback. There was good competition in the Grand Masters category with Peter Wright from Albert fifth overall and first in the category. <br />
<br />
In Laser Radial's Jeremy O'Connell from Albert Park Yacht Club had a clean sweep with wins in all seven heats. It was good to see Buster Hooper in his Laser Radial in the Saturday session. The Laser 4.7's, had close racing all weekend with four separate race winners. Tom Vincent, from McCrae YC and Albert winter member, sailed the most consistent to finish first overall, with Ben Hartnett (Sorrento SCBC/ Albert SC) and Lachlan Imeneo (McCrae YC) close behind in 2nd and 3rd respectively.<br />
<br />
Spot prizes of Laser parts were provided for the <a href="http://www.viclaser.yachting.org.au/">VLA</a> Travellers Series race by Jolly Roger Sailing Centre, Performance Sailcraft Australia and Zik. The winners of these prizes were : George Andrysik from Albert SC (Laser Standard) ; James Catton from Albert SC (Laser Radial) ; and Natasha Van Rennes from Newhaven YS (Laser 4.7). Full results and a range of photos from the Regatta are available on the home page of <a href="http://albersc.org.au/">albersc.org.au</a>. There are some good shots of individual Laser sailors and Laser fleets.<br />
<br />
Two weeks before the Regatta there was a well attended <a href="http://www.viclaser.yachting.org.au/">VLA</a> coaching session on Albert Park Lake at Albert Sailing Club. Sixteen boats, with half of these from the host club, sailed in a full day session in moderate South West winds. Ricky Ironmonger took the Laser 4.7's group, and Glenn Collings the Laser Standard/ Laser Radial group. The focus was on tacking, sailing upwind, and starting. The VLA training sessions continue monthly - see the <a href="http://www.viclaser.yachting.org.au/">VLA</a> coaching calendar for dates and details.<br />
<br />
The third event in the VLA Jolly Roger Traveller Series will be at 1pm on Sunday July 18 at Elwood Sailing Club. The Albert Sailing Club winter sailing season continues weekly till mid September, with details and dates on <a href="http://albertsc.org.au/">albertsc.org.au</a>.mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-47229234645763491452010-08-10T09:43:00.001+10:002010-08-10T09:51:56.684+10:00My New Laser<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEl5yQ_6YAac_anPmWL7HndqPLzktIXWUdZwTaae3k_wpt6C47rULIMzejPgekZVnHEQZMc1HnPobeD6n16qFNhzIpOVMjLkrcLIi7M5UY3ZCkWRGdIroYr21AhtnHph7h2CHJpNpRrQ/s1600/100807-191630-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEl5yQ_6YAac_anPmWL7HndqPLzktIXWUdZwTaae3k_wpt6C47rULIMzejPgekZVnHEQZMc1HnPobeD6n16qFNhzIpOVMjLkrcLIi7M5UY3ZCkWRGdIroYr21AhtnHph7h2CHJpNpRrQ/s320/100807-191630-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A photo from last Saturday. Thanks to Leisa Hartnett for the photo. You can see some more of Leisa's images at <a href="http://sailingshack.com/">sailingshack.com</a>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-57476135126291960042010-08-08T21:25:00.000+10:002010-08-08T21:25:34.692+10:00Second Outing in the new BoatYesterday was my second outing in my new (read as "second-hand") Laser. I am very pleased with a 3rd and for all bar the last 10 minutes of the race I was mixing it up the the two front runners.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-yRjH1loziUjLQT5lUWu49JACW6Q79-Faj2vZHHrOcMATm8B6xPDq_4_iLGqyxqm59sii9buoO1ThJZbYsNEM8Baux8vrYq9q9e1cXjsPmJqkndRhMQ6Sw_-xScVPijvkAE0Uco5i4o/s1600/100808-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-yRjH1loziUjLQT5lUWu49JACW6Q79-Faj2vZHHrOcMATm8B6xPDq_4_iLGqyxqm59sii9buoO1ThJZbYsNEM8Baux8vrYq9q9e1cXjsPmJqkndRhMQ6Sw_-xScVPijvkAE0Uco5i4o/s320/100808-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Reviewing my race on TrackTacker I believe I have been able to pin point my key mistakes. Referring to the diagram above, point 1 circled is the place I managed to loose 100+ meters on the front runners, with my VMG for the leg reducing to 2.27 knots vs ~3 knots for all other upwind legs. Basically for me, after 75 minutes of sailing I lost the opportunity to challenge for first or second place in the last lap (another 10 minutes of sailing). My focus quickly changed to protecting 3rd, as Ken had been tracking me all day and the gap had reduced between use by the end of this leg.<br />
<br />
My analysis of the situation was that I was faced with two problems:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>The breeze had significantly eased between the circled area and mark A, and</li>
<li>I had a Solo and Sabre pinning me to the Island side for this leg, based on position relative to me.</li>
</ol>Lessons learned for me from this situation is to observe boats in other classes around me earlier, rather than solely focusing on the leaders and pressure zones on the lake. I believe if I had observed what the other class boats had been doing prior to or at Point 2, I would have mitigated the loss of the breeze easing. In hindsight, I should continued the port tack closer to the edged of the lake, which would have provide me options to pass the Solo and Sabre to the right side, which in all the past legs was working for me.<br />
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We will see next time when I am in this situation, if I have learnt from my past mistakes.mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882094854498250318.post-52175765627192339992010-08-06T22:30:00.003+10:002010-08-08T21:38:33.833+10:00Like To Improve You’re Sailing?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCATPyDPTkZ7nhCLUaZZXm-zItAZK22Sxl5jGJS3OrtAfmM673x_3jUaTO5X0vRBSopz3VYpgbcYvQloRbcxCg9GeuHf5sXTRVkHYCnycY9s4ZSZMT4hasdd52DN5mi8_cEMMeOrF6ezk/s1600/100221A-TackTracker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCATPyDPTkZ7nhCLUaZZXm-zItAZK22Sxl5jGJS3OrtAfmM673x_3jUaTO5X0vRBSopz3VYpgbcYvQloRbcxCg9GeuHf5sXTRVkHYCnycY9s4ZSZMT4hasdd52DN5mi8_cEMMeOrF6ezk/s320/100221A-TackTracker.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, late last year I came across a new website called <a href="http://www.tacktracker.com/">www.tacktracker.com</a>. It is run by an Australian company that has constructed a software application that allows you to analysis your own races via a GPS logger in the luxury of your own home and easily sharing your tracks with others who raced that day. After looking at how the software worked with the publicly available races. I decided to invest in the racing software + the GPS logger + a water proof pouch. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So far I have been pleased with my purchase, as it has been a great tool to review my own race, put notes in regarding conditions, note what was happening to you at the time, etc. Even if it is your own track you have loaded I have found that you can compare your approach to similar legs to see which one was quicker and why.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
The real power of the software comes into play when you start to load multiple tracks, as seen in the screen shot below. Luke on several occasions has been kind enough to send me his track data so I can see what is happening between our boats. One thing that I have picked up is that Luke picks lifts better and more consistently as 9 times out of 10 his upwind legs are quicker. On the other legs the time is much closer with me having a better chance in closing the gap.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now you might wonder to yourself that all this data looks good, but how long does it take to load? Well the answer is no long at all. For example the screen shot included is of Summer Series Race 4. If anyone remembers the course was 3 large and 3 small triangles. This equates to 20 legs in total. All I needed to do was transfer the data captured from the GPS logger into TackTracker (30 seconds). Create an Event and type in the course marks i.e.( C B A C B A C B A C D A C D A C D A G) ( 2 minutes). Then place marks on the graphic screen, so one placement are required for the A, B, C, D & G marks (2 minutes). Then finally place your start and finish lines (2 minutes). Once this is done the software automatically calculates all legs and the data associated, so you can start analysing straight away. So in less than 10 minutes you have your race broken down into legs and ready to share with others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The TackTracker software has a nice feature, instead of sending emails with data to your fellow competitors. All you need to do is click on the Share button and your track is stored in the TackTracker site and is downloadable to others who share their tracks and are in the same race location as you are.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, I would recommend this software as I believe that it is helping me with my sailing and it is also good to see your own race warts and all. If this article entices you to invest, then please let me know so we can share our experience/knowledge.</div></span></span>mostlyharmlesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09498878701189536285noreply@blogger.com0