Hey, I was just wondering if anyone has had a recent encounter with a channel marker and there spinaker.
If you have had such a problem, could you please give me
a step by step procedure for the proper method for getting
out of this event with minimal damage.

Every once in a while you really need to stress test your kite. Now you won't find this written in too many books, it's technique only, but I find if you can just drift up to any available channel marker on the way out to the starting line, launch your spinnaker, wrap it around the marker, check it for strength and while you're there, test your hulls too.

If you are really good, you can drift away backwards, test the luff tension of the spin, shake it violently, get it unhooked from the marker, stow it, turn downwind and sail away. I find it beneficial to thoroughly test all my equipment just prior to the start. I also like to remove any gaskets that might hinder the boards moving up and down with ease.

Two weeks ago I had to test my main halyard just prior to the start so I lowered my mainsail and re-hoisted it, just to be sure it would come down later, after the racing.

Next week I think I'll try sailing out to the start without my tiller extension. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

So what is the story here?

I just told you. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Oh, so this post was about you.... sorry.

Is there an F16 in Norman, OK?? You are not that far away from myself or Rob in Tyler, TX.

Kirt
Taipan 4.9 "My Tai"
Little Rock, AR <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Nope, No F-16 in Norman,OK. I currently sail a N5.2. I just like to read about F-16's and what they are doing.

I have thought about building a F-16, and did some research into it, but that will have to wait until I am out of school.

It's also worthwhile leaving shore without the split rings in your pintles, just so you can test that there won't be any problems unmounting the rudders when you're done sailing for the day. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

It's also worth testing the fairing of the launching wheels occasionally by leaving them attached when heading out to the start. Loud gurgling sounds and "disturbed" water means they could do with some work!

Ah. Have you left the slip (ramp) whilst your mainsheet system is still safe and dry in the garage at home!! It comes as a bit of a shock when you go to clip it on and it isn't on the tramp <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> This happened to Sailwave whilst suffering from a hangover. I laughed <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

A towing test with the rig slumped across the tramp is always handy! Just remember to forget about doing up the sidestay shackles!

Hands up. Who hasn't forgotten to put their bungs in!! This has also happened to Sailwave but unfortunately on this occasion I was crewing for him on an F18. I didn't laugh <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Another hangover?

If you find a channel marker between your hulls, strike it squarely with the spin pole. The resulting recoil will set you free.

Ever try to hook into a trap harness that is still in the back of the truck?

Timbo,

Thanks for making my day. Too bad it wasn't caught on tape (or memory card, nowadays)....

Tom, it's more like, thank GOD it wasn't caught on tape! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />