Easter Camp at Royal Vic

I am seriously travel weary when I get here. Nine flights in two weeks. This is city number 7. The airport was a mess this morning in Calgary. Long weekend travelers. Line-ups at the Park & Jet, huge line at baggage drop, and an enormous line at security. 10 minutes until my flight boards and there is a 40 minute line at security. I march past hundreds of people in search of a place near the front to butt in. There is a young woman traveling alone. No problem. Except for the problem of why she was a good choice. But this is a sailing blog. Not much sleep last night. Maybe 4 hours.

It was a beautiful day for sailing. It was cool in the morning, but probably 5 degrees warmer than the February mornings. I have a new Rooster main to try out. Although it seems quite similar to the original main, I like it better because it is tricolour (blue with red and yellow). The old one was evil red and black. I also have new paddling gloves from MEC. I'm hoping both that they will be warmer and that I will be able to grab lines off the deck with ease.

The wind is coming from the NE. Zoe has a difficult time tacking out of the harbour between the Big Rock and the boats. I'm nervous about it too, but out I go. No problem, just a lot of quick tacks and no room for mistakes. Plus you have to be willing to sail awfully close to the rock.

We started with windward/ leeward work. What did I learn?
- when rounding the windward mark, heel the boat to windward to help with the turn.
- play with the vang on the downwind leg. It's not set right until the leach is flipping slightly when by the lee.

We also practiced starting and stopping.
- to stop quickly: head up and then back the sail briefly. Ensure the vang is loosened before doing this.
- starting- the roll is critical

The wind was just right today. Not too heavy, but enough to be hiking some of the time. I felt like I got the start right once. Sheet in, allowing the boat to heel to leeward. Then flatten to accelerate, sheet in fully and tighten the vang.

After lunch we had a few short races. I was sailing well. I had one really good start. I dodged down the line after the port tackers took my spot and came into a hole with enough speed that I got clear air.

I'm so exhausted that I'm sure I've forgotten many important parts of the day. Finished up with drinks at the clubhouse followed by a late dinner at the Carriage House with some of the coaches. Must sleep.