Back on the Lake.

Originally posted by ex laser Is have always sailed at clubs that have always sailed mostly pursuits and have always been surprised that more clubs don't use the pursuit format more often.

It's because most of us grow out of kiss-chase eventually....

nope all routine stuff.

besides it'll be spring soon and it is only one race

So iGRF we'll see you at queen mary next Saturday then after a good race today

So a month has passed and a new year dawned and for one family or move or daughters of darkness reason or another today was the first time back, it's a new series and apparently it's customary to run the start of every series as a pursuit race.

Not something I've ever experienced before, it's enough down that lake to remember the mark rounding sequence and wether to take them port or starboard, trussed up in a death bag, temperature 1 degree, fumbling in gloves, not the sharpest of sails, yet despite starting last I think my 6 minute was after the Solos and the three minute was as the Laser departed, I ended up damn close to winning it, had I not had one of my classic senior moments falling into the bottom of the boat, then another issue with that stupid harness rig thing coming adrift and leaving me without the main sheet for a couple of wild gybes down wind when the cable tie securing it snapped, I could have won.

So what is my point?

The point is, how is it possible to make that ludicrous ground up coming from behind when imv it simply isn't feasible if we all start together. Now they were all out, Miracle, Europe, Solos, Streaker, Laser, the only boats missing were the 300 and the Rooster.

I've been going over and over it in my head, I wasn't sailing exceptionally well, I got a couple of shifts and a couple of good mark rounding as I came through, but I've sailed much better in conventional races and not done as well, what is it about a pursuit that does this? Has anyone else had any similar experience?

Maybe it's down to psychology once out front, not needing to push hard to keep making up time, i guess from years of not needing to worry about time if you are in the lead, maybe it's easier to catch up than gain ground, there is an element of that, it's easy to spot a boat in front making a shift error and indeed what the shifts definitely going to do before it reaches you, anyway it was an interesting experience, kind of gives the lie to the handicap being wrong though doesn't it? i may have to STFU in future.

Good, then broadly we are in agreement then?

So, who has to be the new target for ironic abuse if not you?

Where does the responsibility lie?