That is what Rick White constantly says at his seminars. It is NOT a race out there. It is about learning how to complete the maneuvers with proper technic.

We will come up with a list of drills, I have Rick's book on sailing drills we can choose some of those, and have a skipper's meeting to discuss it prior to the start on Saturday.

Being on a lake, if the boats get spread out they will be sailing in different wind so we will keep the courses short. Robi came up yesterday to look at the motel and lake, he can give you his opinion. He may have some pictures as well. I just hope I can get the days off! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

It might be interesting to swap boats for a few runs. Deck layout, sheeting angles, line diameter and "feel", etc, all are personal preference based on experience (or lack of it). Formula does not mean one design! Wisdom is best when swapped.

We used to run one of this type of event every spring at my old fleet in the Midwest.

It typically started out with an hour or so set up of a boat and the basics of what you are trying to achieve with the various settings. (Unless you are good enough sailor to be competing with the best at the national and international level, as long as your boat is set up in the ball park you result is going to be determined by your sailing ability only anyway)

We then hit the water, and swapped skippers/crew with the best skipper going out and crewing with the newest sailors etc. You experienced guys know how to keep the boat going fast by feel and the various small clues happening around you on the boat. This translates into all the knowlege that allows you to know how and when you can pull off a fast tack or maintain speed going downwind etc. By being on the boat and showing them your techniques for reading the boat and talking them through whats happening they can get more out a few minutes than days of drills.

This was how I learned anyway and it realy helped me out until I had developed enough background knowlege to sort out the reason for why things were happening myself. Plus it promotes more social interaction. Not that I do not need the practice, but spending a weekend doing drill does not appeal to me. Hanging out at the lake and sailing with friends appeals to me much more.

Matt

Matt, you should be banned from practice anyway! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> We humble few can drill while you leisure sail and cook the dogs!

Resucitating this back from Page 5.

This is still a go. I am going to setup my reservations Tomorow Monday August 27th 2006.

I am most likely arriving thursday mid-day. Setting up and sailing that afternoon and all day friday, saturday and sunday I will return home late afternoon.

Just got off the phone and I made my reservation. I will be checking in thursday early afternoon and checking out sunday. A few days of sailing perfection on a beautifull lake. Wont get any better!

Hotel Information:
Sunset Beach Motel
2221 SE Lakeview Dr, Sebring, FL
(863) 385-6129

Hotel information linked to google earth.

The hotel with beach access is B on the map. Sunset Beach Motel.

Good news, this storm Ernesto is filling the lake up! It was getting a little low.

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

We got about 9" of rain yesterday. The wind is great today, you guys should all call in sick and get over here!

Sorry but I am all the way down in Key West. Plus if I call in sick at my job, they usually say, OK come in and see the DOC, so I really have no way around it. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Now I remember why I didn't stay in the Army! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

To truly improve boat performance you need to do speed testing.
In my book "Sailing Drills" there is a whole area devoted on how to do it.
Back when we first got Nacra 6.0's a few of us did speed testing and really got the boat tuned in and were the fastest boats around.

Rick

Thanks Rick! I would definitely be interested in speed testing!

I'm making my reservations this morning, to coincide with Robi. My wife is unable to attend, so I'll be a batchelor, if anybody wants to split a room.

btw- I'm bringing my fly rod! Early mornings, before the wind comes up, can be awesome.

Bump only a week and a half away. All are invited. Its for free. Only cost is the gas to get you there and the food you will consume. Nothing like lake sailing, specially in sunny Florida.

And the beverages you consume. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Oh, except that Timbo is sponsoring (with Corona) the beverages <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have Rick's book of "Sailing Drills". Maybe we can go over it Thursday night, if you two don't get to deep in the Corona's! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Sorry Petey, there is no such thing as being too deep into good cervezas! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Can anyone bring a big cooler? I dont have one. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Yes, I have a cooler. Anything else? I have an orange mooring ball we can use as a mark.

Question, If I come up without a boat will you be doing any crew training/practice? You never know you guys may be looking for crew one day.

If needed I could bring a small 8hp Dory for marks and/or filming, I saw that post somewhere. Also have a cooler(may even put some Corona in it!)

Jerry