Pretty fun first night. Aside from car troubles we got the boat on the course in time and had our first race of the year. Practice this past weekend helped.
We were third place out of three boats and I’m reflecting now on what to do better. Add to this list if I’m missing something!
– Getting out there: we were pretty fast at rigging the boat but more of it can be done as we make our way to the course.  But really, thanks to all for getting there early on a Thursday anyway! I know it’s not easy.
– I’m still blasting the horn for the bridge without warning and I’ll stop doing that.
– I didn’t really analyze the course, which side of the line was favored etc.
we could have also deployed the jib earlier and practiced since we had the time. This would have helped with proper winch direction! (No comment on that besides wtf.)
– Start was slow. I was late getting us to the line, not up to speed and slow to get up to speed.
– Tuning! This is the big one. I had a hard time finding the groove and this is just my bad and one technical area that has a lot of parts that influence one another. But basically the rig was too tight for the light wind and was very unforgiving as to my steering. More twist in the sails, a deeper draft, not so strapped would have been the call.
– light air requires super focus. Weight distribution, rolling the boat through the tacks, sail trim and fine tuning, looking for wind and puffs on the course and in the sails of other boats. I think we did a good job keeping our heads both in and out of the boat.
– Thanks to Fred for bringing the sailing instructions and to all for reading them at some point.

So really, thanks for that first race of the season both on the water last night, and all the work and sailing getting us there in the weeks past.

Next race next Thursday. Following race Sunday the first. My car’s in the shop for now. Ben, sailing this Monday on your boat?

Cheers,
Jason

It is refreshing to have a recap along with ideas for improvement!  Most admirable and demonstrative of skipper-worthy leadership.

On a lighter note, I believe the unnamed sailor’s confusion with the winch stemmed from his recent sail in China, where he participated in the Junk Cup.  There, the rotation is “Refty Roosey, Lighty Tighty.”  I believe he came in third place.

Regarding the drawbridge, I suppose it is preferable to give crew no warning versus drawbridge no warning.

My high points –  leaving the smoking hulk of Volvo behind, even though Jason changed the timing belt.  -Meeting Fred –  viewing such a fine craft – seeing Mike so fit and rosy – the beautiful determined many sails to and fro – treading the start line – following orders – the cut of the line on my hands – up and away with the spinnaker – the bold stern crossing to come out of the wind shadow – a pleasant taste when I bit into my fajita.
Idea for improvement – fresh water on board.
I will be happy to pipe aboard come Thursday.
Awaiting orders,
Ethan

With Ethan, Mike, Jason and Fred.