Not the end of the world

Sailing a bad race, or having a bad day, isn't entirely bad. Everybody has a day off sometimes in their life. But what's important, is to be able to take some away with you, from that bad day. I know I know, you must be thinking that I must be kidding you.. it's a bad day! Why would I wanna take something away from it? Well, look at it this way, you wouldn't had know that you are not all that fantastic and perfect after all when somebody beats you. And if you know how he/she beats you, or the reason/s why you lost (not having a carbon tiller / extension set is not a reason... period), you would have then deem, to have taken something away from it.

The next step is to work on that particular area and relooked at the rest as well. Like I've said before, sailing is a complete sport, you lack in one area, there's always gonna be somebody out there digging you at that exact spot.

We did not have a good day at SSA, so let's look at why.

1. Collection of information.
- It is always about collecting information, information and more information. How could I tell you if the wind is clocking left or right even before I go out on the course? weather.com helps quite abit. How I know which side gusts more than the other? Go out earlier and sail the course and open your eyes and feel the wind against ur skin. Or, simply stand up and look around. The more information you collect, the better picture you can paint and plan your race, and race your plan.

2. Shifty winds
- Wind shifts all the time, so work on noticing wind patterns and recognizing them. A burgee helps alot, which was why I kept telling you guys to bring money to buy them at APS when we are at SSA. If the wind is that fluky, I'll never bang corners, I'll be sailing up the middle of the course and play the shifts when it happens. I wont' win the race by a mile, but all I need to do is to win it by a nose. Of course, I wouldn't loose by a mile either. So if you recongise that sailor described as above, I suggest you get a burgee, and start working on those windshifts whenever you are sailing.

3. Where to start?
- Once again, it balls down to information collection. The more info you collect, the wiser the decision you will make.
- We had done these drills before, but just in case you dun learn good

4. Flat is fast
- Period, flat is fast.

The usually useless skipper's briefing

Josh sailing away to his first bullet!

Catching up on his "girlfriend"

Checking out the prize that he will get - next time

My earnings for the day - for helping some nice lady unload some optis - actually, I just wanted them to get out of my way fast so that I can get my chaseboat unloaded!!!

Looking pretty in pink Mr Good & Mrs Gorman!

Remember, at the end of the very day, just do what the fella behind the camera tells you to! Ahem.... ME!!!