Log of Alberg 30 #262 on 25 August 2021

Course: A2
Time limit: 2020
Sails: Interrupt 170LP genoa and main. EP Sails spinnaker.

Poor start. Thought to parallel the line from beyond the committee and then turn up to close hauled. The idea being to reach the line at full speed on-time without anyone able to interfere with us. Mistimed, misestimated the distance. We started behind everyone, more than 30 seconds late and perhaps 6 to 10 lengths back. By contrast, Skybird reached down the line on port, flipped over to starboardm and started bett ethen we did.

On the first starboard tack board to windward, worked to make up ground on everyone, and did close the gap somewhat. Everyone tacked over to port. Waited to get above their lines before tacking. Good speed at the end of this first board, getting to 5kts in 10 to 12 apparent at 40*.

On the first port board, Kawahai tacked back to starboard comparatively early and crossed our bow about three lengths ahead. Rolled Skybird and continued till we fetched/past LinGin's line, perhaps 100 yards before the ground shoals. Skybird tacked immediately behind us, perhaps six lengths back.

On the second starboard board, crossed ahead of Kawahai by a length plus. Needed two more tacks to reach the mark. Reached the windward mark three to four lengths ahead of Kawahai.

Parade of spinnakers to the finish. Both Kawahai and Skybird had trouble setting, much slower to do so than we were.

Finished at R"8": LinGin, Constance, Kawahai, Skybird, Rinn Duin.

Notes:

• Need a better starting plan and better execution.
• Overall, we sailed as fast or faster than the rest of the fleet upwind and often pointed higher, once we got the boat dialed in. Took us a bit of time to get set up.
• Kept the helm light to balanced till the last board when the helm was a bit heavier, not loaded by any means.
• Playing the traveller was enought to balance the boat.
• Did well keeping the windward telltail lifting at about 30* from horizontal.
• Favored with excellent conditions in rather steady wind at 10 to 12 apparent without much wave action.
• Had an issue with the foot and some amount of the spinnaker getting caught on the bow light. That's a new one.
• Perhaps we needed to fully pre-guy and hoist before bringing the pole back.
• Race Committee did not announce shorted course.
• Mark boat did not fly "Shorten Course".
• Mark boat called out "Alberg" in place of "Over" and sail number.
• Race Committee failed to respond to VHF after the finish. The second call to the Race Committee resulted in another competitor informing us that the Race Committee was not listening.