LSC Crew Notes - May 3 , 2004

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

May 8 Crewing Seminar at LSC
This Saturday, we will be holding a Crewing Seminar at the Lansing Sailing Club from 1 PM to 3 PM. All of our "regular" crew members are welcome to attend - and we hope to also see some people without experience too, so please help us pass the word. We will have some "shore school" activities as well as activities on the water - so come prepared to sail. Several skippers are currently looking for regular crew and this Seminar is a good opportunity to meet some of them. There is more detail on the Lansing Sailing Club web site at www.lansingsailing.org.

Tuesday Practices Have Begun
Anyone interested in doing to practicing is welcome to join us at the Lansing Sailing Club on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 until dusk. Each evening we will pick several boat handling and other skills to work on - based on the interests and abilities of those participating. This is a great opportunity to learn some new skills. We also try to provide opportunities for those who want to try working a different position in the boat to do so. Driving the boat often provides those who usually work in the front or middle positions with a unique and helpful view of how to improve crew coordination. Also, moving the driver to one of the other positions usually serves as a good reminder of how challenging some boat handling maneuvers can be.

Associate Memberships for 2004 Available
Just a reminder for those of you who are not members of the Lansing Sailing Club: our Associate Membership for $135 might be just the ticket. Some benefits include:

• Use of the Club facilities for you and your family.
• Sail the Club Sailboats - there are currently 3 Sunfish and a Laser available to use
• Swimming
• Picnic next to the lake or on the deck
• Use the grill to cook burgers, hot dogs, chicken, steak,
• Etc.

If you are interested please use the "Contact Us" page of the web site to get in touch with us.

Long Tacks and Long Gybes
Before the race, each crew should prepare a strategic plan for how to get around the race course in the fastest time. Knowing whether more time must be spent on one tack or gybe than the other is critical in developing this plan.

From the starting line, pointing the boat directly into the wind and checking to see whether the windward mark is to the right or left is often a helpful exercise. While we don't recommend this as good for the sails (flogging sails is one of the fastest ways to ruin a sail), sometimes a short stall during a tack can provide this information without too much additional wear on sails.

If the mark is to the left of the wind (and the wind direction holds), more time will be spent on starboard tack going to the windward mark than on port tack. Similarly, if the mark is to the right of the wind, more time will be spent on port tack going to windward than on starboard tack. This is usually very helpful information when preparing a strategic plan for the race. If more time needs to be spent on Port for example, being able to tack soon after the start may be key to success.

When going from the windward mark to the leeward mark, the long gybe will be opposite the long tack. For example, if the long tack is starboard - then more time will be spent on port gybe than on starboard gybe.