[Rhodes22-list] refent1 - at least: and a technical question

[Jim White]

Ya'll PLEASE don't change a thing....
I'd be bored to tears if this list was just another nuts and bolts forum.

Now for a highly technical question:
Last Sunday when we were out on the Laguna Madre, as I approached the Queen 
Isabella Causeway (a rather large structure) the wind that I needed to be 
able to push through the underpass channel was essentially blocked, and 
reduced from the open bay. I was pointing as high as I could, and needed 
all of speed I could get to shoot the gap. So I asked (as in commanded) my 
crew (wife) to let out another third or so of the big 175. This immediately 
led to a disagreement concerning my need to lengthen sail at that moment. 
On the open bay, winds were about 20-25, so I was main reefed, and only 
flying about 1/3 of the genny, but here they had dropped to about 12-15, so 
I NEEDED more sail).

We've been through this a dozen times already....you'd think she'd know 
from past experience. Her rationale was that I already had all of the wind 
that I needed, was already 3/4 of the way through the gap and only wanted 
to generate a bigger heel to impress the Night Magic which was approaching 
from downwind. Sheesh. No respect.

So, how does one convince their (significant) crew that their order is not 
frivolous, no rooted in vanity, but necessary for the safety and well being 
of the entire ship? This is not the first time that I have been second 
guessed. And yes, the heel was magnificent, I'm still picking seaweed out 
of the spreaders ;-) .
Curious minds are curious.


Jim White
Le Menagerie
www.lemenagerie.blogspot.com