Spinnaker Drills – Racing vs Cruising

 

Spinnaker Drills – Cruising 

Last Friday I had the Can Opener doing spinnaker drills double time quick on the foredeck of our buddy Cap’n André’s boat. 

The three of us cruised over to Langstone Harbour for the day, put the assymetric up and joyfully tweeked the sail controls all the way to maximise our speed.

A truly fantastic day. Not one thing I’d change about it. No sir-ee.

In the past, the Can Opener’s been skipper more often than not. So finetuning his skills on the foredeck is one of the many priorities I have for him. He worked like a trooper and I must say I was tolerably pleased with his performance.

When we’re out alone, he’ll be the one attending to the sail changes so it’s critical he gets it right… right after he finishes sautéing my fresh-caught fish juuuuust the way I like it.

 

Spinnaker Drills – Cruising vs Racing Performance

 

The number 1 racing spinnaker

On Saturday and Sunday, the Can Opener and I relocated to an ocean racer – delightfully named Cougar – to do a Junior Offshore Group race from Hamble to Poole and back again.

Great to be with a new team of eight, all stalwart men and women with a nostalgia and passion for racing that matches our own. The Can Opener was once again assigned to the foredeck – fantastic! 

Saturday had whisper light winds; Sunday produced a steady 18 knot breeze. I was thrilled that he could get practice in on varying wind speeds and on different deck set ups.

Every time you get on a new boat, you find a different set up. Lines laid differently, winches and fittings configured in new and interesting ways. Lots of new stuff to consider and file away in the old mental recesses for when we are laying out our own deck.

What’s the difference between cruising spinnaker hoists and racing hoists? Speedy, baby, speed.

I videoed the Can Opener hoisting on our buddy André’s boat. When I reviewed the video earlier today, I couldn’t believe how leisurely we approached spinnaker work on André’s boat. 

I guess cruising is all about taking it easy… but everything has a balance. And we’re gonna make that cruising balance a little more racy going forward.

Why? Because cleanly executed sail changes and foredeck work could be critical while cruising in an unexpected blow. 

Might as well get your speed and skill up cruising now for when you (may) need it cruising tomorrow!

The number 2 light racing spinnaker

 

–Captain Cat 

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Previously: Spinnaker Drill

 

Spinnaker Drill

The Can Opener and I made it out sailing again on a J80 this past weekend. I put him through demanding short-handed boat handling drills, spinnaker work and a mooring exercise. 

At the start of the chilled morning, I strategically positioned myself upon warm comfy sails lying below decks, a vantage point from which I could still maintain a clear view of the First Mate grunting and sweating in the cockpit.

The relaxing morning snooze was progressing quite well until the Can Opener’s first energetic spinnaker hoist… wherein he popped me like a champagne cork from my comfy spinnaker bag, up through the companionway and spreadeagled into the air above. 

Of course, I landed cat-like on the deck, my handsome fur spectacularly a-poof.

The First Mate apologised profusely – though the hysterical giggling and falling about led me to suspect the sincerity of his professed regret. 

He wasn’t so pleased with himself I can tell you, however, when he noticed the shredded spinnaker cloth immediately thereafter. He who laughs loudest… etc etc. 

Still. Two smoked oysters less for the Can Opener this week by my reckoning…

We will work on continued improvements to speed and agility in the upcoming year.

Have you ever managed your First Mate during spinnaker drills? How’d it go? Any suggestions on First Mate management and motivation? 

These are happily received. I become concerned regarding the Can Opener’s recent reduced deference and respect for his Liege.

–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)