LSC Crew Notes - June 12, 2003

Information for Crew Involved in Racing with Members of the Lansing Sailing Club.

Weather Threatens - But Sailing Will Prevails
The weather was a little threatening last Tuesday, but it cleared just in time for another great evening of sailing on Lake Lansing. Three boats with full crews were on the water. Thanks for coming.

Crew Racing To Begin
Beginning this coming Tuesday, we will be incorporating a Crew Race or two into our evening of practice. This will be an opportunity for crew who are ready to gain some experience at the helm during racing conditions. We'll keep track of results and have awards at the end of the season.

Idea of the Week - Call the Layline
Crew can help a lot by helping to determine when the boat has reached the layline to the windward mark. The Lightning tacks through ninety degrees - roughly. In light air, it is slightly more than this - and in heavy air, slightly less. A crew member that can sight across the boat is in a great position to see when the boat gets to the layline. A hiking strap that goes across the cockpit is a good sight line. Look for other good sight lines on the boat you are sailing. In moderate wind conditions, when the mark appears in a line of sight directly across the boat, you have reached the layline. In light air, when the mark appears in this line of sight, you are almost to the layline. In heavy air, you have already passed the layline when the mark appears in this line of sight.

Individualized Skills Development is our Goal
The main purpose of our crew/skipper practice night is to help each person participating to take their next step toward becoming an even better sailor. Each time we practice, an effort will be made to design the activities to fit the needs and desires of those participating. Be sure to let the crew coordinator know if you have special interests - or if the activities aren't meeting your expectations.

Practice Tuesday, June 17
Please feel welcome to join us for some practice next Tuesday - 6 PM to sundown. It is helpful to email Pat Dolan, LSC's Crew Coordinator ahead of time to let him know you are coming. This will help assure sufficient boats will be available to accommodate those participating. You can just show up - but no guarantees on whether there will be a spot for you. The goal is to to provide a structured opportunity for crew and skippers to expand their sailing skills. We will be doing this every Tuesday evening as long as there is an interest. Only lightning and very high winds keep us off the water. Assume we are practicing. If weather conditions are really bad, we have plenty of video to watch and "chalk talks" ready.