Bandits!

Hmm, I think I'm getting a bit weird in my old age, but I've decided this summer that I rather like club handicap racing.

The challenge of keeping up with the Solos in light wind and of avoiding the cats when it is blowing is rather entertaining, as is the unusual mental challenge of trying to remember which marks to go round, and which way to pass them, nevermind trying to work our which marks are actually where on the reservoir. A refreshing change from windward leeward.

I also like the fact that you get to 'race' a different boat or two on each leg, and you never know whose won till long after. Still, it would be even nicer if there was another Cherub to play with in the fleet. 

The other thing in favour of handicap racing is that you have to keep pushing 100% all the way to the line. In class racing, once in the lead you can relax, relatively speaking, playing Mr Nasty if anybody gets close.

That's a bit contentious, I know. What I really like about h'cap racing is that it's like time-trialling rather than racing, which I prefer. I tend to get irritated if people get in the way of me enjoying my sail, and equally, I feel I'm cheating if I use the rules to gain an advantage (as opposed to just sorting an uncontrived right of way issue) or get in other people's way.

Edited by Medway Maniac

I like handicap at chew as firstly it makes a change from windward leward and also it is nice to have alsorts of boats and the surprise of how well you do at the end

They both have their attractions, that is why so many people sail the Laser who are either too big or too small so they get the 'fleet' racing.

I moved away from fleet racing for a new challenge so all my racing is now done as handicap. I am enjoying it more as it is me and the boat against the clock. Some times the wind is in your favour, some times it is not you just have to sail the boat to best advantage.

You also have to push all the way through the race sometimes unless you know you have a big enough gap (it is surprising how far you have to be ahead of a Topper to beat it on handicap).

All sailing is fun and all types of racing have their merits.

However, I see no pleasure in winning anything just because I sought out a dinghy with a bandit handicap ...

Rick