If the pressure is the SAME over the course, a gradual persistent shift to the right will favor sailing to the right side upwind for the shortest course, and other side downwind. (other wise you will be sailing the ole 'great circle route')?

Thanks everybody! It will take me a while to digest the strategy. Now, how 'bout some tactics.

I rounded "A" mark ahead of TT and K2, had a decent set, continued on starboard for a bit before jybing to port. For what ever reason, TT ran me down and soon after K2 was right with us. This made for three boats ovelapped, on port, needing to jybe to starboard! I was slightly ahead, but could not initiate the jybe without fouling the other boats.

What to do?

In this last case whoever the leeward boat was, was covering you both and there was nothing you could have done until the ROW boat gybed. Obviously he cannot carry way over the laylines.

I would have slowed down, gybed, then I would be covering them both; if they decided to follow.

In the amount of wind that day, you can have slowed down by heading up. Yeah you would have gained boat speed, but seeing how you are sailing off course you are actually falling back. Once I was clear then I would have gybed. Then all of a sudden you are on a good course and covering.

I am sure Murphey can tell us more about this stuff. After all he does sail a super duper fast TheMightyHobie18. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Murphey, dont blow a vein, im only pulling your strings. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> er mean lines all in good fun.

If it really was time to gybe then you could signal the boat below you and ask them nicely.
While what Robi said is true the only problem with it is that there is a danger you will have
gybed too early which means you probably have to do 2 more gybes or sail really deep to make the mark.

This is where it gets sticky. I try not to get too aggressive with this one and everyone has their own definition of aggressive.

I have heard of people losing a tacking/jibing too close protest because there was no contact. Yes, I know contact is a no no. I'm just saying when it goes to the room it's a bit of a crap shoot.

In your case Pete, unless the left looked really yummy I probably would have bailed before the other two boats could pin me. If I'm going to lose a race I'm going to do it on my terms not someone else's :-)

The fist hitting the water, then fingers splayed out in a "Rolling puff" as the air comes rolling down from above while advancing.
I actually saw this happening on a bright sunny blue morning at Lake Louise, Canada- there were light snow crystals being driven down to the water with the rolling puffs coming from the other end of the lake. It looked just like the Fist and Splaying Fingers: I had read about this but until made visible, it's hard to imagine as real. Dang- No video camera!

I think you're right.

Oh Robi,

You made me smile and laugh ...

I do have a slow P19MX w/ a 25sqM Zucoli spinacker that I purchased from .... (wait for it) .... Robbie Daniels!!!

My strategy/tactics are simple .... I call my friend Glenn ... have him take the stick and I move forward and follow the "Captain's instructions" ... sometimes I do realize my limitations!!!

I don't like to do "bouys" races w/ the spin on my P19MX as I have a bowfoil and carry my pole very low and therefore have limited visiblity ... so we mostly do "distance" races w/ her.

Thank you for spelling my name correctly ... it is apprieciated !!!

Did you give Robbie my message??? Jill and Robbie will understand ... they care and love Glenn alot ... he is the second best sailor I know.

Sail Flat, Sail Fast
Harry Murphey
P19MX w/spin / #86, CRAC
H18mag / #9458, Fleet 54/Div11

Harry: Talked to Jill today and I totally forgot to relay the message. I will do so tomorrow as I am sure they are both tucked away in their home. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Robi

Glenn got "burned out" trying to race Tornadoes and just "walked away" and went fishing ... literally! When he did, Eric Jacobson and him were ranked 3rd ... just behind Robbie ...

It's been a long and slow process to bring him back ... Last year a mutual friend lent him a boat (I set it up), a TheMightyHobie18 so Glenn could take his 15yr old nephew to the TheMightyHobie18 North Americans ...

w/ a borrowed boat and a set of sails made in 78'? they came in THIRD!!!

To use "cowboy lingo" ... he is my "Pard" ...

Its time for Jill and Robbie to come and re-new old friendships ...

I do apprieciate you relaying the message ... It's not always about WINNING RACES.

Thanks
Harry

Sorry to "Hijack" the tread guys ... but a personal message delivered from a unexpected source may do the trick ...

I think this is important for my friends on both ends here ...

Stategy and Tactics ... Strategy and Tactics....

and Robi, I will give you all the room you want at the mark for doing this HUGELY IMPORTANT favor .... and a cold beer.

HarryMurphey
TheMightyHobie18/P19MX