Results today were 14, 17, 7. Not that great considering I rounded the first windward mark in the top ten every race. Most of my losses were on the down winds, some were upwind if I didn't go far enough left.
After the Nationals, where I scored too many black flags, I started conservatively today. It made holding a lane off the start harder. My goal for this event is to figure out how to be a little back and trim in early in order to hit the line at full speed - and be on the line but not over.
Generally you had to go left on the beats, but there were shifts to play on the first beat. Since we sailed an outside trapezoid (windward - reach - down - up - down - reach - short finish upwind) the second beat was closer to the left shore, and it was crucial to go hard left as all the puffs were coming off the shore.
Downwind: The waves were more from the west, and it took me two whole races to figure out that it was better to get speed reaching (on starboard) and take it down than to go by the lee on either gybe. With the wave angle, by the lee was across the waves and slow. Have to recognize that faster next time.
Lessons learned:
On the down winds: Pay attention to the other boats that rounded near you, and compare angles and speed early on. If you are losing to them, figure out why!!!!!! If by the lee is not helping you catch waves, try reaching to see what works.
In general, spend more time checking other boat to see if you are losing or gaining. If you are losing, it might be good to change something! (settings, angle, tack?)
Upwind: Land on the left - go left.
I got the last one mostly right today, but sometimes didn't go as far left as other boats and lost to them.
After we got to the dock it started pouring. It is kind of blowing the dog off the chain right now. Tomorrows forecast is for lighter winds, so I guess the storm will blow itself out tonight.
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