I agree, Danny. There’s certainly enough experience out there to demonstrate the folly of taking unnecessary risks. It would be great if everyone knew the rules and observed them. Readers can check out our articles on the racing rules, with some very well-done animated scenarios.
Got a comment from Henry Chesnutt, who asked us to seek out Bill Colburn’s opinion on picking a side. Bill is a multiple ILYA MC champion. Here is Bill’s response:
I watched what they said, and guess I would respond that there are other mindsets that work too. You mention “other key strategy rules, such as sailing in clear air, more breeze, and on the lifted tack.” Those three “strategy rules” are most important to me, and if they take me to one side of the course that is fine, but I never pick a side. My plan is this: to get a good start, stay in clear air, stay in strong air, stay in phase with the shifts, and go as fast as possible.
Here’s a reader comment on “both boards down.” In the article, we state that for scows having both boards down gives you bite as you change quickly from one tack to the other and back again. Another opinion is to put only the “outside board” down. The outside board is the one to the outside of the turn radius (e.g., starboard board if you’re turning clockwise). This makes it easier to make a tight circle, because a single board gives you a single point to spin around.
Thanks for emphasizing that, JP.
I agree, Danny. There’s certainly enough experience out there to demonstrate the folly of taking unnecessary risks. It would be great if everyone knew the rules and observed them. Readers can check out our articles on the racing rules, with some very well-done animated scenarios.
The link in the article also now goes to the North U source for Performance Racing Tactics.
Thanks, Bill!
Got a comment from Henry Chesnutt, who asked us to seek out Bill Colburn’s opinion on picking a side. Bill is a multiple ILYA MC champion. Here is Bill’s response:
I watched what they said, and guess I would respond that there are other mindsets that work too. You mention “other key strategy rules, such as sailing in clear air, more breeze, and on the lifted tack.” Those three “strategy rules” are most important to me, and if they take me to one side of the course that is fine, but I never pick a side. My plan is this: to get a good start, stay in clear air, stay in strong air, stay in phase with the shifts, and go as fast as possible.
Thanks for your comment, Jean. We’ll work on a post with examples.
I think it’s OK to leave the cleat off. I only use it to keep my boards from inadvertently dropping while trailering.
Here’s a reader comment on “both boards down.” In the article, we state that for scows having both boards down gives you bite as you change quickly from one tack to the other and back again. Another opinion is to put only the “outside board” down. The outside board is the one to the outside of the turn radius (e.g., starboard board if you’re turning clockwise). This makes it easier to make a tight circle, because a single board gives you a single point to spin around.
You’re next, Ron!
Thanks for the comment. Here’s the link to the item he mentions.
Stainless Welded Slug 7/16″ – SailRite