Ariel's first race! (at least with me)

[drcam1]

Thanks to all the advice you all have given. I took possession of Ariel this week and raced her on Saturday. Despite sailing short-handed and being overpowered (for the crew weight) we came in 3rd out of 5. We actually doused the main for our second beat and sailed under just the genoa. Many, many comments from the other owners at the marina & club about how great she looked on the water. Ariel is on the far left in the group shot (main down) and yes that is Cedar Point amusement park in the background.

The only toll King Neptune collected was after the race I was putting some rigging tape on the backstay, leaned back and SPLASH! Now I need a replacement aft cowl vent. BTW, an upside-down Venti Starbucks cup covered in a garbage bag fits perfectly. You think those things would either be put on tighter or FLOAT!

 

[Morgan Stinemetz]

Congratulations

Middle of the fleet ain't bad for the first time out. Boat looks gorgeous. I will guarantee you one higher place next time if you move the jib lead forward downwind so the jib doesn't twist off at the top. Wing-and-wing is an art form. Crew weight forward, means less wetted surface. All extra weight below over the keel, always. Vang on. Halyards relaxed. Just remember to re-adjust when you change your point of sail.