Sailor Changing the World

This is a TED talk by one of our friends, who is also a sailor.

His name is FK Day, he owns SHRAMM bike parts and he's working on changing the world.

Elements of Performance Sailing updated

Crewmates,

I added a lot of material to the presentation I created last year entitled "Elements of Performance Sailing", especially in the Sail Trim section.

The document does not have a lot of text explanation embedded, so it's not intended to stand independently, but I think/hope it is useful.  

Find it under the Learning tab, at the very bottom of the page, and linked here.

Change the World by Making Your Bed

Change the World by Making Your Bed is an inspiring commencement address by Admiral William McRaven.  Adds a little perspective to our lives, helps us realize what the important things are, and reinforces that every one person makes a difference.  Take a look!  - Chris

I actually meant to share this on another blog, but I'll leave it here.  Let's rock the sailing world.:-)  - Karen

Sailing: The Basics

Our studious mate Steve Botimer has purchased three extra copies of a sailing book that he offers to lend out!  It is a good introductory book written by Dave Franzel entitled "Sailing: The Basics [The book that has launched thousands]."  

In simple, clear language, it succinctly covers all the basics of sailboats and sailing technique.  Might serve as a good refresher for you for recalling principles, terminology, and what strings do what for trimming sails!  

Let me (Chris) know if you want to borrow a copy.   

Quantum racing articles

Hello crewmates,

Quantum Sails publishes a collection of articles that have really good information about sailing and racing, including rig tune, sail trim, crew work, coaching, maintenance, and cruising lifestyle.  Here is a launch site for Quantum articles.  Good reading!...

Schedule, etc.

Hello, crewmates,

Is winter coming to an end?  It's starting to look that way.  I'm looking forward to sailing!

I'm starting to populate the racing schedule with dates.  Check out the Schedule tab.

This spring, I have a list of refitting projects that is not too long - like bilge pump install, glasswork for holding tank, stuffing box tightening, compounding/polishing topsides.  If you can help out once or twice, I'd appreciate it!  I'll let you know prospective dates.

Fair skies and warm weather - bring it!    

Chicago Boat Show This Weekend

Hey Sailors, anyone up for the Chicago Sailing Seminars this Saturday? Or Sunday?  I'll be there on Saturday.

There are learning seminars and an expo.  Here's a link for the seminars:  http://www.chicagoboatshow.com/seminars#d20180113

Anyone up for the adventure?

Lonely

Mercedes was the second-last boat left in West Basin Marina today when we moved her over to Anchor's Way Marina, where there are still a lot of boats in the slips!

Rides for TriState Races

Hello, we're trying to coordinate rides for the TriState both to Chicago and home from Michigan City.  Please post here if you can offer or need a ride to Chicago.  

Also please feel free to follow up.  We're using this as a ride board for everyone.

If you aren't comfortable posting or have trouble please email Karen from Mercedes at kfittyk@yahoo.com

Good luck and sail safe!!

USSailing August 2017 newsletter

USSailing is the primary governing body for sailboat racing in the US.  The organization now publishes a newsletter with sailing news and educational content.  This August 2017 USSailing Newsletter issue has a short video on sailboat race management by my friend Hank Stuart from Rochester Yacht Club, and other interesting features.  

Mac Race Rides

Hello, we're trying to coordinate rides for the Mac Race.  Please post here if you can offer or need a ride to Chicago or home from the island. 

Also please feel free to follow up.  We're using this as a ride board for everyone.

If you aren't comfortable posting or have trouble please email Karen Kelly at kfittyk@yahoo.com

Good luck and sail safe!!

Tripp Cupp

Tripp Cupp had some ups and downs.  We had a great start along with the J35 Hat Trick.  Then after the start all the other boats started pulling away.  Our boat speed wasn't good at the beginning of the race.  Chris, Doug, and Brett reported the rudder felt like it had a vibration as if something was stuck on it.

As the race went on winds picked up and boat speed increased to 6-7 knots hitting 8 knots here and there.

About 6 miles out of Milwaukee the wind died and the flies swarmed.  We let the sails flog for awhile with boat speed of less than a knot.  We decided to take the sails down and wait 20 minutes to see if the wind filled in.  Oddly we picked up a knot of boat speed by taking down the sails.  Finally the wind filled in and we were able to finish the race.

Pictures of the wait outside Milwaukee: