Speed & Smarts: In heavy air, play the shifts
By David Dellenbaugh When you’re sailing in a lot of breeze, your boat is usually overpowered. Because of this, finding more wind velocity probably won’t help you go much faster or point higher. In fact, in some cases a strong puff might even slow you down. A good wind shift, on the other hand, can…Read More
Bareboat Cruising: Weather and the Sailing Environment
Before you leave the charter dock, check the weather prediction for the next few days. Local weather stations will carry up-to-date information. Rapid and/or large barometric pressure movements usually indicate major changes in the weather. East Coast East Coast weather patterns change constantly as the continental land mass reconfigures passing weather fronts. Cool Canadian highs…Read More
Dos and Don’ts of Planning and Cruise
An integral part, and part of the fun, of any cruise is planning for it. Preparing for a bareboat charter includes a number of responsibilities to consider. Here is a list of “Dos and Don’ts” of planning for your cruise. • Do make travel arrangements well in advance. • Do leave some extra time in…Read More
Weather Forecasting: Thunderstorms and Squalls
by Stan Honey and Ken Campbell There are three types of squalls/thunderstorms: those associated with a cold front or low pressure area, the “air mass” thunderstorm, and trade wind squalls. Cold front thunderstorms develop along the leading edge of a cold front. Remember, the cold front brings a wind shift from the south or southwest…Read More
Crew Overboard Prevention: How to Remain Aboard
Following these rules can prevent virtually all man-overboard incidents: 1. Remain sober, especially if you expect to go on deck for any reason. 2. Wear non-skid footwear when working on deck and have nonskid paint or pads in critical work areas. 3. Walk or crawl on the uphill windward side in a crouched position with…Read More
Sunday Recap: 2016 U.S. Match Racing Championship
Notes: by Emily Willhoft Wind was slow to start this morning, but picked about around noon to start racing. Remained patchy throughout the semifinal. All day long the racing was tight and competitive with really good exchanges in the semifinals. As always in match racing, pre-starts and starts were important. Snow, Dellenbaugh, Merrick and Lalumiere…Read More
Nevin Snow Wins his First U.S. Match Racing Championship
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (October 9, 2016) – The #3 ranked match racer in the country, Nevin Snow (San Diego, Calif.), may be moving up the rankings following this weekend's triumphant performance in San Diego at the 2016 U.S. Match Racing Championship. The San Diego native earned his first Prince of Wales Bowl in impressive fashion…Read More
Patin Earns Championship of Champions Honors
LAKE BLUFF, Ill. (October 8, 2016) - In his fourth bid to win the Jack Brown Trophy, Paul-Jon Patin (Forest Hills, N.Y.) won the 2016 Championship of Champions, hosted by the Lake Bluff Yacht Club, over three days of racing in the Sunfish class. Patin, who was representing the JY15 class, was the 2016 Sunfish…Read More