Date: 12/20/2006
Name: Jerry Snell
email: snellj@csdk12.org
subject:Thoughts on the Season...
Aye...there's two seasons of the year-- time to go sailing and time to talk about sailing. Excellent discussions about keeping our class alive, generating interest in racing, and the go fast "arms race" quandary. I started racing my SJ-21 to learn how to sail and after 6 years have progressed to at least the level of advanced beginner but enjoy my boat and good company every time I get on the water. The idea of having different trophies at major regattas for those who haven't placed previously appeals to me especially if you add an old guy category. But then, there's always more room for T-shirts than trophies... Tim's previous note about being competitive with old sails and a worn out gasket, brings up a good point. These boats are tough, fun, cheap, easy to trailer to different ponds, and quick to set-up. I've put many hours working on my boat because it's a hobby and I enjoy doing it, but when the wind picks up, it's the skipper's skill that makes the difference not the go fast modifications with the exception of an adjustable back-stay to flatten the main. However, the difference in speed seems more evident in very lite air where my boat performs well as I often fall over in the heavy stuff. A fared keel and a good gasket whether cloth or aluminum, seems to help but as with any boat, a slick and smooth bottom is most critical and a little teflon paint doesn't hurt. I appreciate the effort by our current and previous Chief Measurers to keep the "arms-$$$-race" for speed at a minimum, no carbon masts or mylar sails, but also with a little common sense where maintenance and low cost equipment is concerned, i.e., aluminum gasket and fiber glass tiller. Also, thanks to Jim for his effort at making the Harbor an excellent forum for voicing different opinions and ideas---long live Jennifer.Jerry, Naiad #540
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