Pete, thanks for posting that excellent picture of the bay, that makes it much easier to figure out, I think. It was my first time there but here's what I thought:

1. It seemed to me the wind was both stronger and from a better angle to the north side (top of photo).

2. The tide was going out all day, from that picture it looks like it would flow south under the bridges on the way out, is that true Todd? If that is the case, the north side would be better to sail less distance.

3. On the last leg of the last race, I had a problem snuffing my spin, I wasted quite a bit of time getting through the gate, and when it was over I was pointing to the south side so I just kept going that way. Huge mistake. Jenn rounded after me, she was at least 500 yards behind before I had the snuffer problem. She went north (again, like I had all day until that last leg) and then I tacked over to try to cover her, but when we came back together she was well ahead. That's how much favored the north side was.

4. The wind on that little bay is exactly like here on the lake. Lots of puffs, 30 degree shifts, etc. In those conditions there are no laylines, especially when A mark is up against a shore with swirling winds. So instead of trying to one-tack it out to the corner, a better strategy is to tack on every shift up the middle, favoring the side with better wind, less obstructions, less adverse current, what ever, but do not try to go to a layline far out from A mark. The layline will change at least 5 times before you get there.

Same thing going downwind. There are no laylines with that kind of wind. In a puff with the spin up, you will have to run deep, and if you are already on the layline, you will be overstood deep, maybe even have to drop the spin to get back to the gate, or try to go in on a high reach, which can lead to a pitchpole in the next gust.

It's blowing again today, I'm going out to practice some more, getting ready for Saturday... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />