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I was having a bad morning working. Things just weren't going well. There was some wind, though it was a weak front and I wasn't sure if it was going to last. At any rate I was tired of having a bad morning and I headed to Grassy. There wasn't anyone there, but I didn't want to go looking for company, so I rigged and sailed anyway. It was gusting to 25-30, but the lulls were serious, into the singles. I rigged the 6.6 and put it on the Screamer. I would have used the Seatrend and it's larger fin selection, but the water looked really low.
It was a good choice. If I wasn't planing, my fin was scraping the mud in a lot of spots. I had a 12.5 inch fin, which meant the water was about 12 to 18 inches deep in most spots. Scary! But, when planing it was okay, and the bottom is mostly mush or mud, so the fin wouldn't get torn off. The Seatrend has a 15.5 and a 17.5, which would have been too long.
I felt really comfortable. I don't know why. Maybe I finally found the balance point for the 6.6 on the Screamer. I was able to just lay back and not use my arms at all. I felt really fresh and hit about 10 of my best jibes ever. They still weren't perfect, but they were really good. I was planing out of them but wasn't timing everything so it wasn't as smooth as I wanted. I'll get them.
One thing I noticed about jibing was the oversheeting. It really helps fling you into the turn, and helps set the rail. BUT, I would stick with it too long. It's pretty much an "oversheet, then start the flip" sequence. I would stick with it too long, and end up having trouble flipping the sail. Also, I was stepping way out onto the rail when jibing and it sure helped make the turns work. I guess I wasn't getting out there far enough before. If I can remember those items, and keep everything else straight, I'll start getting my perfect jibes down soon. Maybe it will be my Christmas gift to myself.
I can't believe how nice the weather is here. It's mid December and I could have sailed in a shortie! It's warm and windy and beautiful. I love this place! Mike showed up after I'd sailed for awhile, then a guy from Kansas I hadn't seen before. I was derigging at 2pm when John showed up. It's nice to have sailing buddies.
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