[Rhodes22-list] 04 Race Season Ends

[Wally Buck]

We had our final day of racing yesterday. Temps in the low 60s and wind 
measured at 12 knots. Perfect! The turnout was light as top 4 positions were 
locked up. I had a slight chance of moving from third to second but I didn't 
race well. I did manage to secure third place in our B Fleet.  Not to bad 
considering this was my first year of racing in 30 years. I sailed every 
race but one solo and managed 2 firsts out of about 25 races. My best 
strategy was just showing up and completing every race. Second best strategy 
was following the guy in the Seafarer 23 for starts.

We have 12 boats in the B Fleet and I am the only one without a full keel. 
If anything I think the IMF helped. The abilty to furl both main and genny 
got me through two races that crewed boats pulled out of due to conditions. 
Back in Feb, I saw a Catalina 30 round up so violently they did an out of 
control 360. They pulled out of the race because they could not reef due to 
snow and 20 plus wind. In the same race I beat a Newport 28  BEFORE 
corrected time.

Some other lessons learned....the R22 is pretty hard to flip but if you are 
going to bury the rail it is wise to keep hatch board in place. In one race 
I couldn't keep the boat flat and it was gusty. I took several gallons of 
water over the gunnel and when I came back level a bunch of water emptied 
right into the cabin. Also the use of the traveler with the furled main is 
extremely important to maintain any kind of sail shape. My makeshift boom 
vang helped a bunch as well.

So off to the lake today for some great fall sailing!

Wally