Seasalter Sailing Club

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To all you Dart 18 sailors, I bid you a Hearty welcome to the sailing season which is fast approaching.

I remember reading in a book some time ago the phrase fair stood the winds for France, and Seasalter keeps springing to my mind, I for one can't wait to get back on the water.

We were blest last year with some good breezes where by the 18 's started to show their pace, over those pesky 15's and crossed the line first but still did not have the time in the bag to get a first.

Looking back, I recall perhaps haft way through the season making some alteration to my boats mast rake. (on the suggestion of Steve and Joan, as the boat would not point to windward as much as others). what a difference it made for the second race.

So what do we need to do to make up the extra time, I guess it starts with the assembling up of the boats, getting the trampoline as tight as possible using a lever for the final purchase. Then the setting up of the mast, this will vary according to crew weights and how and where you sit on your boat. As I have said it took me up until mid season before I adjusted my rake on the mast. A lesson learned, you'll now when it's not going fast enough or pointing up, so don't wait adjust right away even between races.

Better to do something then stay the same.

Look to the starts, Just get crossing the line at a good pace on the "GO" light, will keep you in touch with the pack.

Hears hoping to see you behind me !

Bob Walker - Dart 18 Fleet Captain

Seasalter Sailing Club

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