Some really great info above!! Excellent to see a competitor's perspective in print.

One thing I would ADD from watching this race over the years and cat sailing off the coast for many more (H16 to H21se). In addition to practicing your starts, there seems to be serious need for practiciing the BEACH finishes in the surf. I actually cant count how many botched landings I have seen over the years from the inexperience in bringing the cats in through the waves. I have seen pitchpoles, capsizes on the beach, getting sideways in the surf, daggerboard problems, etc.

Most of the problems stem from improper weight distribution combined with a lack of practice riding the surf and judging the waves. Just as in learning the proper method for punching out through the surf, there are right and wrong ways to bring it in, many time depending on minute adjustments with tiller and weight distribution, not to mention the timing of the waves. I have seen everything from positions lost to boat damage in this last 50 yards. Of course, the beach landing is very unpredictable, but practice in a variety of conditions and breaks will really help (tides can really change the same location. knowledge of the bottom is imperative, too).

One last comment as well. IT is AMAZING how much ground one can pick up riding following seas or even cross seas. It can make a MAJOR MAJOR difference in the ocean and this is where experienced ocean sailors can REALLY eat up distance between the lake sailors. The Cats can really surf and if the helmsman REALLY concentrates on riding the swells, and not just SAILING, you will be WAY ahead of the competition. Anyone that has surfing/wave riding experience on board and boat will be way out front given all else equal.

kelly