Strictly Sail 2017

Well, it was a lot more big fat motor boats and RVs than "strictly sail"ing, but the show was pretty good.  We got the most out of the seminars, and especially one on knot tying of all kinds, one from a meteorologist on interpreting weather, one from a Quantum sailmaker on tactics, one from Crowley mechanics on diesel engine maintenance.  These definitely made the show worthwhile.

Here are some highlights of our experience at the show:

• Karen and I attended the Level 35 meeting.  Mostly J/35 drivers, with one other Thomas 35 skipper.  We talked about extremely low participation in regattas last year, a crew and skipper list, and prospects for a level fleet for the Chicago/Mac this year.
• Seminar on rigging was interesting, but I didn't learn an awful lot.
• Seminar on Chicago/Mac safety regulations was good.  The regs were just posted and there are a few changes: only 2 parachute flares instead of 4 (these are really pricey!), no second anchor required, no spec for reefing the main or carrying a main trysail.  That's about it - very few changes from 2016.  I had a debate with the presenters about what constitutes a quick release safety tether.  I believe that a quick release on the harness connection is dangerous for unintended release, but this is what is required.     
• Seminar on tactics by Andy Camarda, a young Quantum Sails sailmaker in Chicago, was outstanding.  I have pages of notes based on Andy's practical and valuable experience to share with you.  Great stuff.  
• Seminar on diesel engine maintenance by two "down home good ol' boys" at Crowleys taught me some things about the Yanmar 3-cylinder diesel engine in Mercedes.  Working on these engines is pretty easy, though access is hard!
• The various vendors' product offerings were pretty lame.  "Show special" prices were actually higher than Defender and APS charges online.  Buyer beware.  I am looking for a few more necessary equipment items, but I'll go back to Defender for most of them.