We forget sometimes that the right tactics at the finish are as important as your start.

1. As you come around the leeward mark, look to the finish line to see which side is closest to you. That is the side to which you should go. This idea is similar to that of choosing a favored side of the line when starting. However, if the wind has stayed constant, and if the line is where it started, the favored finishing end is the opposite end from the favored starting end.
2. Once you set this plan, stick with it. Too many times racers tack at the last second, only to lose the place because they got worried. Set up your run so you’re coming at the line at full speed, and don’t tack too much. It throws off your concentration for going fast, and this is where you need the speed the most-the race is almost over.
3. Just like a runner throws his or her body forward into the tape when finishing, you “throw” the boat over the line. If you’re confident you have the speed, once you’re about 1 boatlength from the finish, “shoot” the boat straight into the wind. This cuts down the distance you have to travel to finish.You must make sure you have enough speed for this maneuver. It would be a shame to be in front, only to come to a dead stop just inches from the line.

   Acknowledgements : – Mark Johnson

Article by Axel Adelbert

Stiff Dabchick competition at the Youth Nationals

28 Dabchicks took part in last year’s Youth Nationals sailed from Aeolians on the Vaaldam from 12^th to 18^th December. The stage was set for a titanic battle up front with the big guns determined to make the National title theirs. Daily the leader board changed, with Jonathan Kukard, Jason Gray, Jeremy Foreman and Tim Manley vying for top spot.

The fleet had all conditions to contend with, ranging from light and fluky to fairly strong winds, with a fair amount of rain thrown into the mix. Only one race was abandoned due to the wind dropping off completely, which was unfortunate for Jacques Louw who was leading at the time.

Competition was the stiffest it has been in many years, with the last race deciding the winner. Jonathan Kukard being declared the National Champion for 2010 with Jason Gray being awarded the silver medal & Jeremy Foreman the bronze medal. The first six places went to sailors from the Cape, with Euan Hurter from KZN in 7th, followed by Julian Wertheim Aymes, the first sailor from Gauteng. The two 2up teams of Robyn Spratley & Bianca Louw and Eamonn Jooste & Jesse Smart fought hard for the coveted 2up trophy.

Aside from the raised level of competitiveness amongst the fleet, the camaraderie amongst the sailors was encouraging to witness. Fun was had both on and off the water, with most Dabbie sailors & their parents camping in a laager, sharing their experiences, encouraging each other and others to get involved in arguably the most exciting and competitive fleet at the regatta. The Vaal served up all possible conditions for the campers including a lightning, thunder and hail storm one evening with flooded tents after 15 hours of  continuous rain.

Vicky Stock was the first girl home, finishing 10th overall. She was one of seven girls competing. Performances that were particularly impressive came from Megan Eccleston, Jeremy Foreman and Tiran Long.

If the Nationals are anything to go by, 2011 promises to be an exciting and competitive year for the Dabchick fleet. The class hopes to field no less than 40 boats at the next Nationals.

The Dabchick fraternity thanks Aeolians Yacht Club for hosting a well run regatta.

Click here for some  pics  Nationals pics

Click here for some  pics Nationals pics

Click here for some  pics Nationals pics

Best regards

Owen

The sun came out yesterday at Youth Nationals and spirits began to lift. A beautiful sunset was enjoyed by all. As we speak race ( 11)  has started in very light conditions,which should favour the lightweights for a change.I spoke to Rob who is on the water, he reported a beautiful day,actually a little hot for some.The top positions are not safe yet and one bad race could mean a tumble down the pecking order.So hold thumbs for your favorites and lets enjoy the racing that only a fleet of Dabbies can produce.

I leave for Namibia at lunch today,so to everyone have a great safe and enjoyable festive season.To all the sailors and parents who made a long trip to the Vaal, thank you and have a safe trip back.

Owen, Cheryl Gareth and Kirsty

Axel Adelbert and Brent Gray have sent me a results update.

Rob Foreman reported this morning rained out tents and water logged roads.Axel & Brent report tight racing and are having a good time.

The sun is shining in JHB I hope Aeolians is lit up as well.

ABRIDGED VERSION

Youth Nationals is in full swing at Aeolians club and John Samuel and his course crew are doing very well in getting in the races in. Contrary to my assurances of sunny days with an odd thunderstorm it has not stopped raining since Sunday, with lightening and thunder scaring everyone………..less.This is my 3rd Nationals at Aeolians and I havent seen anything like this, ah well if you are camping you just sleep in your wet suit. On the up side,wind has been plentiful and I think surprised many a Capie who expected light stuff.The Chop has seen many a Dabbie nose diving but some spectacular reaches and competitive racing has been the order of the day.

Internet reception at the venue is not good but I have results up to day 2 click here Results

I will do my best to get some updates.

Owen

If you are responsible and can look after a boat,and respect other peoples property and would like to compete in the CHAMPs but need to charter a boat – Contact me on 083 236 7518 (Owen) or obaxter@fnb.co.za

YOU BREAK IT, YOU FIX IT , OR REPLACE IT, OR YOU IN DA TROUBLE……..

And No Axel you are too old ………

SEE YOU ON THE WATER ……

9 NINE DAYS to go ARE YOU READY ???????????????????????

CLICK HERE FOR THE NOR
Youth Nationals 2010 NOR

NEED DIRECTIONS CLICK HERE

See you there ….

OWEN

Top racing tips
By James Pass

Do you want to do that bit better at your local club regatta? Are you keen to place higher up the results table each week? We’ve compiled a few helpful top tips for beginners to help you improve your sailing dinghy racing. They may not get you into the GB Olympic sailing team, but they might just help you gain that extra place to earn you bragging rights for the week at your club.

1/. Get out on the water nice and early – Conditions can change very rapidly and every course will need a different approach depending on the conditions. If you are sailing on a lake you may find that natural obstacles on the shore create pockets of gusts or eddies. If you are in tidal water there may be a stronger current on a particular side of the course. If you get out on the water nice early you can get a good sense for how the conditions are playing for that day.

2/. Practice your starts – So much is won and lost at the start; you can be way ahead of the fleet or a long way behind depending on how you manage that opening tack. Make sure you have a good stop watch so you can set a countdown timer to give you adequate warning on the guns. Practice your approaches to the line; make sure you can hit it perfectly, split seconds after the gun goes. Try and identify whether the start line has been set correctly, quite often there might be an advantage starting at one end of the line to the other. Consider what tack you want to be on when you cross the line and how long you want to remain on it. With a crowded fleet you may wish to focus on getting clean air as opposed to the perfect line position.

3/. Get the basics right – Sometimes when racing it’s easy to get bogged down in boat rigging set ups, tactics, racing rules and the rest. While all of these things can help you get more out of your boat, make sure you get the basics right. – Ensure that you balance the boat correctly, most dinghy’s sail faster flat! – Get your For and Aft trim right! Weight forward going upwind and move it back as you come off the wind. – Centre board / Dagger board position. Up downwind and down upwind. – Sail setting – Make sure your not too tight or de-powering your rig too much. – Plan your course so it is efficient.

4/. Plan ahead for mark roundings – This doesn’t need much explaining really. It can get pretty crowded and hectic going round a buoy in a race, so plan ahead and think about what you are going to do. Make sure you consider how much water you have between your boat and the boats around you.

5/. Know the racing rules – Even if you just enjoy the occasional Sunday race down at your local reservoir, it’s worth making sure you understand some basic rules of racing. Some races are started in a different manner, so it is worth checking out the local preference before you start a race. Utilising right of way “Starboard” and “Water at the mark” are both fair and effective racing tactics – be sure you understand them though as they can lead to some fiery arguments. In all cases though, ensure you avoid a collision. Put safety first, you don’t want to be claiming on your boat insurance.

6/. In extreme light winds, sit still! – This is my favourite tip, a lazy sailor’s dream! In extreme light winds, set you sails and get a comfortable position. Do this once and then try your best not to move at all. Lie back and sun bathe! Avoid the temptation to keep altering settings as your movements will only slow your boat up. There is nothing more satisfying than overtaking another boat, simply because you’re better at being lazy.

To see the video click here sailing

Enjoy

See ya at Aeolians

Owen

ClickSWAT DAT FLY to play the game

Enjoy

Owen