Latest News:
Fleet 1 Investment In 2 Spinnaker Poles
At the 2022 Fleet 1 AGM, following a unanimous recommendation from the Fleet 1 Executive Committee, the attendees voted to invest in two spinnaker poles for loan & sale.
- One pole is brand new and has been ordered from ProTech in North Vancouver and will be for sale for CDN$900 (photos to follow post-construction)
- The second (black) pole is in very good used condition and has been purchased from Allan Strain (see attached photos) and is available for loan
The concept is that if someone in Fleet 1 or at a North Americans/Canadians/BC Champs/Cow Bay needs to borrow a pole for a short time while theirs is being repaired, Fleet 1 will lend them the black used pole. But if they damage or break it they would be responsible for repairs or buying it outright.
On the other hand, if someone breaks a pole and/or end fitting and does not want to repair it, or just wants a new pole to replace an old one, Fleet 1 will sell them the new pole for CDN$900, and will immediately order a new pole from ProTech. In this manner the multi-month lead times are cut dramatically.
The two poles will be stored in Michael Clements' garage and either he or one of the Fleet 1 members will transport them to major regattas.
Note that Orcas Island has one or two spinnaker poles which could be loaned out in Washington State - contact Ken Machtley or Chris White.
The “racing concept of the month” articles are way of sharing the general racing knowledge that has been developed over the decades in the Martin 242 fleet – this is the fifth of a series. All are loosely based on the excellent content in this article by Michael Clements.
Tips & Tricks for the Leeward Mark Rounding
The leeward mark rounding can be another pivotal moment of the race where many positions can be gained or lost in not a lot of time or distance.
In general, your key goals for a good leeward mark rounding are:
- keep your speed up – remember how long it takes a 242 to get back up to full speed at the start line; the same applies at a leeward mark rounding.
- be in full control – try to have at least two crew members (helm and one other) with their head out of the boat and focused on speed and heading during the rounding, and not focused on rescuing a wayward kite, untangling jib sheets, or fishing a crewmember out of the drink. This control also helps if tactically you need to spin right around the mark and tack immediately onto starboard.
- don’t lose position to other boats – most likely to occur due to other boats being overlapped on your inside at the mark.
Steven Moses sends this report from the Winter Warmup Regatta sailed by our M242 friends down in Santa Monica, CA.
And a reminder for those interested - MIDWINTERS IS COMING UP FAST: FEBRUARY 19 & 20. REGISTRATION IS OPEN : Register Here
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