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WINTER READING
Yachting activities on the water slow down during the cold months, but that’s no reason to stop enjoying the sport or learning. There are numerous books on the racing rules, tactics, tuning, cruising, navigation, mental attitude in competition, etc., and there is nothing like sitting in your favorite chair next to a warm fire on-a cold night reading about your favorite sport.
An interesting book to peruse this winter is entitled, “The Racing Edge” by I'ed Turner and Gary Jobson. A three-time yachtsman of the year, Turner has won just about every major national and international event at one time or another, including a successful defense of the America’s Cup in 1977. Co-author Jobson has served as head sailing coach at the U. S. Naval Academy and the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, as well as Director of racing clinics and training programs for USYRU. Gary was also Turner’s tactician aboard the 12 meter yacht, Courageous, during the defense of the America’s Cup. In other words, these guys know what they’re talking_about!
The book consists of 191 pages and is written in an entertaining style. It begins with an interview of Turner by Jobson, giving the reader a dose of the Turner philosophy and wit. The book also contains sections on boat speed and handling techniques, tactics and strategy, match racing, protests and appeals,j and a short section giving notes on exercises, clothing, nutrition, and mental preparation.
The book contains information for sailors of all levels of experience, and is well illustrated. Just to give an example, here’s what the book calls a “brief” description on what happened aboard Courageous during a tack:
“First the tactician passes the w'ord to the helmsman and counts down the distance in boat lengths: ‘Stand by for a tack in two and a half boat lengths . . . two boat lengths . . . ’ and so on. When it comes time to tack, the helmsman calls ‘hard-a-lee’, giving good warning to the crew ... At this time the jib is being trimmed in to keep the sail full and help the boat round up into the wind . . . the main traveler is pulled to windward, also helping the boat head up.
“As the boat rounds into the wind, the helm is turned faster to get the boat on the new course sooner . . . To bag the main as the sails begin to luff, the permanent backstay is eased off to straighten the mast, and the hydraulic ram Dn’the~outhaul is being pumped in. The genoa halyard, the jib cunningham, and the main cunningham are eased off, so that the sails will become fuller when the boat is on its new course . . .
“As the sails are beginning to fill, one running backstay is eased off while the other is being ground up . . . At this time, speed begins to increase, and the traveler is reset to its normal position, the jib cunningham is trimmed back down, the jib halyard is put back up, and the main cunningham goes down. The hydraulic
ram on the outhaul goes back out as the permanent backstay comes down to bend the mast once again. Then we are up to full speed and it’s time to stand by for a tack once again! !”
They must be kidding! ! I collapsed somewhere back there when the wheel was turned faster. Can you imagine a tacking duel ! ? ? ? It’s published by Simon & Schuster and lists for $12.95, but can be had at a discount from the usual book clubs, etc. Enjoy it! !
Walter Chamberlain
LADIES AUXILIARY PENSACOLA TRIP A HUGE SUCCESS ! ! !
On October 3rd and 4th, forty of our members took to their wheels and headed for Pensacola. Bobby Leapley and Gloria Wood put this trip together and they really outdid themselves on making superb plans. The group was housed in one section of the Seville-Best Western Motel which is adjacent to the Seville Square Section of Pensacola. Most of the group arrived there in time for lunch and everyone found a place to his or her liking in the Seville Square area. Many of the group had taken advantage of the unhurried scenic route along the coast with a few tailgate cocktail stops to add extra zip to the trip. Saturday afternoon found everyone exploring and enjoying Seville Square which has been totally and tastefully restored and boasts boutiques to fit every interest, whim, whimsy and bank account!
There were numerous “hospitality rooms” at the motel - - somewhat of a giant houseparty prior to each meal (including breakfast). Dinner had been arranged at the Driftwood Restaurant where the Red Carpet was rolled out in fine fashion--a long banquet table, beautifully appointed with bouquets of fresh flowers the entire length of the table. The food and the service was superb! From there the group went to Rosie O’Grady’s for the rest of the evening’s entertainment. Here again, special arrangements had been made for the BWYC guests, and a real party atmosphere prevailed. Sunday AM found the group ready for further action (one room dispensed coffee and doughnuts for those who didn’t want to dress for breakfast!) Bloody Marys and Screwdrivers were also available as eye-openers. The next stop was the “Thieves Market” down near the waterfront - a great old warehouse re-done as an indoor and outdoor Flea Market - great fun and everyone came away with some sort of treasure! We regret that photos of some of our ladies astride a three wheel bike parked outside the Market are not yet out of the camera to be developed!
After the Market it was “back to the houseparty” for cocktails before going on to the Pensacola Yacht Club (they too were expecting us!) for cocktails and dinner. We were royally treated there also and it was with real regret that we all headed home after dinner. The entire weekend was a delight and one we’d all like to repeat!
Betty Burnett