Messages

HI

I don't very often sail in handicap fleets so cannot really say.  Sorry to be unhelpful!  Husband always seems to think the Merlins are handicap bandits but he might be biased.
Jane

Hello

Very difficult to put a single handicap on a development class like the twelve - the difference in speed between the newer and older boats is pretty evident at the bigger meetings or at Burton Week(end).  I believe Ken Goddard did a lot of work on club sailing handicaps to help even out the difference in 12 designs through the ages.
Jane 
Crew 3527 Snagglepuss

What a beautiful bottom, Simon.

Hi

Well from where I have been sitting compared with all other boats with only two exceptions (Steve Norbury / Andy Hill in 3514 at Weymouth & Ian Gore / Penny Yarwood 3441 at Hunstanton) the new DCB with wings is faster in all directions except a dead run when it is difficult to say.  In fact they are much quicker upwind and noticeable quicker on the reaches.  In Weymouth there were a few occasions when if felt as though we were planing upwind, although I think hydrodynamics experts say this is not possible.  
It is difficult to know whether it is the winged rudder alone though, the hull shape is different as is the sail plan so there are a few variables!  They are a very different animal to sail, so see if you maybe you could try one at an Open later in the year?

Jane
Crew Snagglepuss 3527 and Alpha Male 3512

I think that the Foolishes retro fitted with a good winged rudder are as quick as the DCBs.  Watch the results next year....

Was that just behind us on the slipway Gerald?

Thanks to Hykeham - great weekend.
Simon - I think you should definitely consider a Foolish, you know you would love it!
Jane

Oooh do tell Simon?  Your son has been gossiping on facebook.
Jane

Kevin and I hope to be there with our entourage so will require tent space please.  If there is a volunteer with a boat, babysitter and crew then I am sure Dave would love to join us on the water!
Jane
Crew of 3527 Snagglepuss

HI
My experience as a crew having broken both carbon and metal masts is that actually the carbon mast is more forgiving.  There are many times when I have looked up at the carbon rig and thought better not tell the helm but this is about to fall down and it hasn't and a couple of times when I have looked up at the rig and thought this is about to fall down and it has.  So fortunately the former far outweight the latter. 
The carbon boom is brilliant as it hurts your head far less when it hits you and it does have less impact on the gybe lessening the chances of a swim.
Jane
Crew of 3527 Snagglepuss  

I totally agree with the feedback from Spinnaker- it would be good for all youth entries to get a recognition of their achievement.  
The sailing and facilities at WPNSA were great but it really was a soulless place and with no-one living particularly close, a choice of changing rooms and sharing with other fleets it lost the intimacy we have enjoyed in previous years.  I don't think this will be the case at Brightlingsea.
We have in the past had buddy systems to encourage communication and experience sharing throughout the fleet and I think this is worth exploring again.  We could start pairing the buddies before Burton Week so that maybe some of the old-timers could help the newcomers prepare for the week at a couple of opens beforehand. An incentive to enter early as you could get some extra help in the run up.  
Perhaps we could do more with the Friday night as well - maybe games / speed-coaching/knowledge-sharing (as in speed dating) which might also help with the point made by Spinnaker where some of the younger fleet members find it difficult to get to know everyone.  
The races were all about the right length but the actual legs (Burton excepted) felt longer than necessary - I would rather go round a smaller course more times and it tends to stop the fleet spreading too much.  
Well done to everyone, I know how much hard work goes in to make it such a success - I really enjoyed it even if I did hurt a lot on Sunday evening.
Jane 
Crew 3527 Snagglepuss

Congratulations on getting 'Cat in the Hat' on the water - love the name.  They are lovely boats - looking forward to seeing the full litter of kittens on the water at Weymouth.
Jane

I am reliable informed by a sailmaker that some classes (505s amongst them) still use sail cloth gaskets so maybe not 1982 for them...

HI Paul
Discards are now completely discarded and don't count at all.  Then you count number of 1sts, 2nds etc until you can separate the two boats.  If that still fails you start from the last race to see who beat whom. 
I am 99% sure this is the case however if I am wrong someone will correct me...
Jane

Hi Phil
I think we have the same as your original set up on both 3512 and 3527.  Have you tried spraying the boom with mac lube?  Ours works well but does need a spray from time to time.
 
Jane