Perfect Conditions

Last night I watched the Cockerill Upwind DVD and as a result, planned to work on sheeting for mark roundings, roll tacks, and windward heel. I also wanted to work on starting from stopped to get the steps and timing down. I have to say that the wind was absolutely perfect for practicing all of these things. Not too strong, not too light. I started with the roundings and I think I have sped up my sheeting by grabbing the sheet lower down instead of going hand to hand and then pulling right up. I still need to work on timing of the rounding so that I hit the mark tight as I turn upwind. Also need to work on gybing with the rounding a bit more.

Roll tacks are going better. Playing with windward heel, but still don't have a feel for when it helps and when it slows me down. I had a few decent starts. It helps to actually stand up and step above the leeward toe rail to roll the boat. Still, even with a good roll to leeward, I don't always get power coming up. Is that the rate of righting, the angle to the wind, or the sail trim? In just hiking conditions, it took me 5 seconds to go from stop to full speed. In lighter air it took 10. Next time I should remember my wind indicator.

It was a beautiful, sunny day. The Olympic mountains were visible, but not clear and bright. As I came out of the bay, I could see the snow on the mountains to the east. I love sailing in such a beautiful place.

When I was doing the mark roundings, I was actually too hot in full wetsuit and spray top. I wished that I'd skipped the double toque today. Rain and serious wind forecast for tomorrow.