WW Northern Travellers Tips 11 : Starting and finding the right tack…!!

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Here’s another installment in our Traveller Tips series, this time from multiple champion Richard Lovering:-

Traveller Tips #11 Starting:

“We use a Wot-tac to work out line bias and always take a lot of wind bearings so we know what the wind is doing.

Once line is set we already know what a square line should be, then sailing down the line getting your heading you can work out which end is biased. There are is also the Tacking Master for this too:
 

Wot-Tac:


Available from here (other retailers available!): http://www.xtremity.net/acatalog/Wot-Tac-Race-Planner—special-offer-wottac.html

 

Tacking Master:


Available from here (again, we aren’t endoring this supplier specifically): https://www.force4.co.uk/force-4-tackingmaster.html

 

Helm, Richard Lovering, FF4002

The best way to take half a dozen FFs to the Europeans at Garda….!!

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Garda is a fabulous spot – have you been?  It’s spectacularly lovely …. but a blinking long tow.  Plus I think you have to have one of those stripey square signs on the back.

Anyway – is there a better way to do it?  Well think about the joy of towing from Ireland !!  This is how the Irish are doing it – click here to read

Waples Wines Northern Travellers Tip of the Week 10… Changing Gears and Learning from Others!!

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Changing gears:

As the wind goes up and down on a lake far more (always seems that way), remember ease and tighten the main and jib sheet accordingly

As you adjust the jib sheet you’ll be able to see the leech of the jib in the window by the spreader literally open and close with more or less tension. 

Learning from others:

A very simple tip, if a boat is going faster than you, don’t bury your head in shame, look at the sails, the boat trim, and copy them…….and if it works remember to thank that boat afterwards!! Eyes out of the boat…….the smaller the sailing area the more important when it’s not all going right, remember that the alternatives are never as exciting…..….you just might be working….so just smile and carry on.

 

Helm, Justin Waples, FF4033

Waples Wines Northern Travellers Tip of the Week – Number 9 !!!

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Here’s another installment in our Traveller Tips series, and it’s from sponsor of the series Justin Waples:-

When light air sailing on a reservoir, remember to move the mast forward with the controls as the wind goes light (ie. when the crew sits inside the boat)…….and then move it back to neutral as the crew sits on the windward deck.

Practice it beforehand….. look at the top of the mainsail when it’s light, trim the main to your normal position then move the mast forward (approx. 2″ if it’s really light) and see the difference (you might need to then ease the mainsheet slightly too….the top 1/3 of the leech just fans out.

Helm, Justin Waples, FF4033

Waples Wines Northern Travellers – Tip Number 8 !!!

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Traveller Tips #8 Following Others:

“It is good to watch what other boats do but not to slavishly follow them. They may have made route decisions relative to other boats or the wind conditions at the time which would be different by the time you reach the same position or on the next lap

At inland venues just because something worked on lap one it will not necessarily work on lap two. Whilst it is good to watch what others do, try to work out why it worked to help you make your decision.

Finally, remember: if you have not been able to understand what was going on, go and ask the experienced sailor after the race – they are usually more than willing to help!”

Helm, David McKee, FF4005

Waples Wines Northern Travellers Tip of the Month – 7….!!

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Here’s the seventh installment in our Traveller Tips series, this time from class stalwart (and current leader of the Worlds Qualifier table) David McKee:-

You will seldom see the top boats in our fleet luffing each other on a reach. This is common at the smaller events. If someone luffs it will usually promote a luffing match in which you will lose out. Boats behind will catch up and you will lose ground to the boats ahead.

Try to avoid a luffing match as much as possible. If the boat ahead is significantly slower get into a much higher lane early, the boat ahead may not feel as threatened and if you are faster you may be able to sail over if the leg is long enough.

If, as is the position in most cases, the boat ahead is of similar speed, consider putting your bow below his transom to show you are not threatening and ride with him to the next mark. You can always pass him on the next beat.

Helm, David McKee, FF4005