Here is a great video from the RYA and Sam Whaley on how to rig your Laser/ILCA.
Recovery Techniques - Back to a beach in all wind directions
Lot's of people are struggling to recover back to the mat’s and I thought it might be worth dropping a video on how to recover back to a beach here, at KGSC.
Key Points
Approach slowly, releasing the sail so that it flaps.
Raise the daggerboard and rudder to ensure they do not ground out.
In an onshore wind, approach on a broad reach.
In a cross shore wind, approach on a beam reach.
In a offshore wind, approach on a close hauled course.
Ensure the boat has stopped, by turning it into the wind, before stepping into the shallow waters.
Check out this video.
Launching Techniques - From a beach in all wind directions
Lot's of people are struggling to launch from the mat’s and I thought it might be worth dropping a video on how to launch from a beach here, at KGSC.
Key Points
Keep the boat head to wind, or as much as possible.
Depending on wind direction, you may need to wade out to launch the boat.
In an cross shore or off shore wind, turn the boat on to a beam reach to sail away.
In an on shore wind, take the boat out as deep as possible and place both the rudder and daggerboard down as far as you can. Big push off and sail on a slow close hauled/reach course.
Sail slowly until you can fully put the rudder down (If you sail fast you may pull the fittings, known as gudegons, off the back of the boat)
Check out this video.
February 4th Racing - Monster Gusts for Laser/ILCA First Sunday
Well that was exciting, I haven't been that fast for ages! 14 Lasers/ILCA’s again, this time for Laser/ILCA First Sunday, which was fab and at least 5 different drivers from last week! Tim and James were in the RS400 too. Course was 2 , 4, 14, 11, (that's an 11 Gotta Go Gary!) 0, A. The start line was hotly contested, the first beat up to 2 was tricky and I never know whether to come in on port or starboard there - there's always more wind on the right, but you have to sail past the lay line (Princess Pete seems to have it sorted) will watch next time! The 400 rounded followed by Princess Pete, then me and Micky, Pete C, Ewan and Kevin all rounded together. There were lots of changes of position and a few swims along the way we finished me, Princess Pete, Micky, Corneille (in the ILCA 4) and Kevin (nice to see you back)! Second race saw a change of course with Gary’s 11 being replaced by 3 which lead to a great beat from 14. The first run claimed a few, a massive gust hit us and there was a bit of carnage it was a race to get boat up and away! The race carried on like this with some monster gusts coming to through to bring some amazing reaches and terrifying runs. The race finished me. Princess Pete, Corneille, Kevin and Pete C. Amazing da,y thanks to Bob and Stuart for R.O. and starting on time. And thanks to Tim L for safety cover.
Have a great week.
Cheers
Tony
January 28th Racing - Return of the Jedi - Tony Cooper
Amazing day thanks to race team, Stuart and Rodger for a prompt start (fastest I rigged my boat in years hahaha) 14 ILCA’s was epic I ain’t sailed for a while so brilliant to be back I'd still be out now if I could. We had some excellent and exciting racing the shifts were tricky to read Micky read em well and won the first race followed by me (Tony Cooper) then Princess Pete (you can't be Commodore Pete anymore hahaha). Not sure how everyone finished, but there was some close racing and photo finishes all round.
Second race same course and some tight racing again definitely a day to pick out the pressure not sure how we finished I'm sure Micky will be on the case! Brilliant day thanks everyone I'm on settee with a lovely warm glow (probably the red wine) have a great week.
Cheers Tony
