Two of the boats on our dock are preparing to leave this week for the Vic-Maui, a 2300 mile open ocean race from Victoria, B.C. to Lahaina, Maui. One of the boats, Time Bandit, a J 120, has won the last three big overnight races in the area. The other, Tranquillite, a Swan 46, will include as crew a woman who is one of the owners of our marina. Not a racer myself, I find the excitement of all the boat and race preparations very hard to resist. Are you a racer? Do you race your own boat or crew for someone else? Richard Hazleton, editor of 48 North, a Seattle sailing magazine, says that racing makes you a better cruiser because it prepares you to handle more situations you might not otherwise experience. What have you learned from racing? If you don't race, is it because you doubt your skills or knowledge of the rules? Or is it just that the competition of racing is not why you sail? Share your views on sailboat racing and be sure to vote in the quiz on the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
- Status
Racing helps
I started sailing as a racer and have been racing all kinds of boats for 25 years. This year I bought my first cruising oriented boat. I think racing helps with boat handling in various conditions and provides confidence that you can handle adversity. If you race long enough you will experience squalls, heavy air sailing, out of control spinnakers, close quarter sailing with many boats,all of which help you with handling your cruising boat. However, racing does not teach you how to provision your boat, how to repair an engine or what is the best gunk-hole and most imortantly how to relax! Right away with my new boat I am signed up for a number of races. My wife has reminded me that she is not a racer, nor are my two kids (yet!) and she wanted the boat as a place to go to be stress free. Bottom line, racing can help you sail better technically. However is that really important for cruising?
I started sailing as a racer and have been racing all kinds of boats for 25 years. This year I bought my first cruising oriented boat. I think racing helps with boat handling in various conditions and provides confidence that you can handle adversity. If you race long enough you will experience squalls, heavy air sailing, out of control spinnakers, close quarter sailing with many boats,all of which help you with handling your cruising boat. However, racing does not teach you how to provision your boat, how to repair an engine or what is the best gunk-hole and most imortantly how to relax! Right away with my new boat I am signed up for a number of races. My wife has reminded me that she is not a racer, nor are my two kids (yet!) and she wanted the boat as a place to go to be stress free. Bottom line, racing can help you sail better technically. However is that really important for cruising?
Racing - Never
I can't think of anything that is more likely to take the fun out of boating than racing. I get enough competitive input during the week. Why ruin a day on the water yelling at each other?
I can't think of anything that is more likely to take the fun out of boating than racing. I get enough competitive input during the week. Why ruin a day on the water yelling at each other?
Racing
I am with you Garry...I sail to enjoy the peace and quiet of being on the water and just hearing the sound of the wind across the sails...and not someone yelling at me to haul this or do that.
I am with you Garry...I sail to enjoy the peace and quiet of being on the water and just hearing the sound of the wind across the sails...and not someone yelling at me to haul this or do that.
Cruiser
I'm with Garry and Agolden on this one. Racing would defeat the purpose of why I got into sailing in the first place. Like many people, I have been involved with a hectic high stress lifestyle for most of my life and don't want to add to it by the competition and stress of racing. Sailing is the one activity that I have that allows me to take it easy and not be in a hurry about anything. I even go to my boat on rainy, stormy weekends when I don't have any intentions of doing anything but staying tied up to the dock. If I wanted to race, I would have bought me a boat with a real big motor in it that went real fast. To each his own, and for the folks that enjoy racing, and there are a lot of them, I'm sure they are doing exactly what they want to do. More power to them.
I'm with Garry and Agolden on this one. Racing would defeat the purpose of why I got into sailing in the first place. Like many people, I have been involved with a hectic high stress lifestyle for most of my life and don't want to add to it by the competition and stress of racing. Sailing is the one activity that I have that allows me to take it easy and not be in a hurry about anything. I even go to my boat on rainy, stormy weekends when I don't have any intentions of doing anything but staying tied up to the dock. If I wanted to race, I would have bought me a boat with a real big motor in it that went real fast. To each his own, and for the folks that enjoy racing, and there are a lot of them, I'm sure they are doing exactly what they want to do. More power to them.
agree with the 2 previous posts
it is the cruising life for me. I would like to add that even though I dont race, Im no stranger to heavy weather and close quarter boat handling. if you have ever been on a boat cruising for more than a couple days you are bound to find some bad weather. esp in this neck of the woods when summer thunder storms are a everyday thing. also some of the events around here like the Blue Angels show or the July 4th fireworks will teach you close quarter boat handling in short hand. ought to try the Billy Bowlegs festival in Fort Walton Beach. it makes most boat races look like wide open sailing!
it is the cruising life for me. I would like to add that even though I dont race, Im no stranger to heavy weather and close quarter boat handling. if you have ever been on a boat cruising for more than a couple days you are bound to find some bad weather. esp in this neck of the woods when summer thunder storms are a everyday thing. also some of the events around here like the Blue Angels show or the July 4th fireworks will teach you close quarter boat handling in short hand. ought to try the Billy Bowlegs festival in Fort Walton Beach. it makes most boat races look like wide open sailing!
I love both
I understand the positions of the purre cruisers, but my 20 days or so of racing experience has done more to improve my sailing skills than 5 years of cruising has. I thrive on competition, so racing is fun to me. The main benefit to racing is that you are constantly monitoring boat speed relative to other boats. This is something you rarely do while cruising. Under these circumstances you get a much more intimate sense of what you need to get the best performance out of your boat, your crew and yourself. This information is extremely valuable to both the racer and the cruiser. As a pure cruiser you're still going to find times when you need to get the most out of you & your boat. Maybe you need to sail fast to meet a weather window, a tide window or to get to the harbor before sunset. Maybe you have an emergency & need to get in ASAP or to avoid a squall that just formed off your stern. Maybe you're in a hard blow and you're not sure how to optimize speed vs sail area. Do I need to reef? What if I pull in the vang & the cunningham? Do I even have a vang or a cunningham?? Personally, I have found racing to be the best teacher but I also respect my fellow sailors who just like to take it easy. Either way, there's something for all of us out there on the water, so let's enjoy it! Fair Winds, Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
I understand the positions of the purre cruisers, but my 20 days or so of racing experience has done more to improve my sailing skills than 5 years of cruising has. I thrive on competition, so racing is fun to me. The main benefit to racing is that you are constantly monitoring boat speed relative to other boats. This is something you rarely do while cruising. Under these circumstances you get a much more intimate sense of what you need to get the best performance out of your boat, your crew and yourself. This information is extremely valuable to both the racer and the cruiser. As a pure cruiser you're still going to find times when you need to get the most out of you & your boat. Maybe you need to sail fast to meet a weather window, a tide window or to get to the harbor before sunset. Maybe you have an emergency & need to get in ASAP or to avoid a squall that just formed off your stern. Maybe you're in a hard blow and you're not sure how to optimize speed vs sail area. Do I need to reef? What if I pull in the vang & the cunningham? Do I even have a vang or a cunningham?? Personally, I have found racing to be the best teacher but I also respect my fellow sailors who just like to take it easy. Either way, there's something for all of us out there on the water, so let's enjoy it! Fair Winds, Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
Yin-Yang
After cruising and daysailing for about 30 years, I started skippering in races last year. It is exhilerating, and I find I'm learning something new each time out. Sure, it's intense, but in a very positive way. I've learned as much about sail trim in the last year as I did in the previous 30. Away from the race course, sailing is just as relaxing as ever. But the night before a race day I'm finding it hard to sleep, anticipating the fun I'll be having. So why not enjoy the best of both worlds? You don't have to do high-intensity, Olympic trials, multiple-protest events. Find a club or class that stresses friendly competition and fun. We haven't had a protest in the two years I've been involved - that's about 50 races, counting all classes.
After cruising and daysailing for about 30 years, I started skippering in races last year. It is exhilerating, and I find I'm learning something new each time out. Sure, it's intense, but in a very positive way. I've learned as much about sail trim in the last year as I did in the previous 30. Away from the race course, sailing is just as relaxing as ever. But the night before a race day I'm finding it hard to sleep, anticipating the fun I'll be having. So why not enjoy the best of both worlds? You don't have to do high-intensity, Olympic trials, multiple-protest events. Find a club or class that stresses friendly competition and fun. We haven't had a protest in the two years I've been involved - that's about 50 races, counting all classes.
Racing improves Skills
Our Hutner 280 is our fourth boat in five years and should be our last for awhile. The past two years I have been crewing on a Laser 28 and in that two years, I have learned a lot more that has helped me on our 280. I believe that racing improves the skills needed to cruse with the family. I wife comments on the fact that she is more confident in my ability to keep us out of trouble.
Our Hutner 280 is our fourth boat in five years and should be our last for awhile. The past two years I have been crewing on a Laser 28 and in that two years, I have learned a lot more that has helped me on our 280. I believe that racing improves the skills needed to cruse with the family. I wife comments on the fact that she is more confident in my ability to keep us out of trouble.
Sailing = cruising + racing
I tend to lean more toward the cruising side, but have crewed on 26 foot Thuderbirds during races and learned so much about sailing, trim, navigation, etc. from the experience. Some of the old timers I've sailed with have forgotten more than I'll ever know, and their lessons are very valuable. For instance: if you are trying to make headway against the tide in a channel, is it better to be in the middle or near the shore? The shore, because the current will be moving faster in deeper water. Racers win by knowing every little advantage and using it. On my own boat, I've learned to tweak things a little better and even clean the bottom once or twice a season to gain the extra 1/2 knot a clean bottom provides. Also, when I have raced my own boat (H260) , I'm in much closer quarters with other boats and have to be mindful of the rules of right-of-way to a much greater degree than passing the occasional boat in a channel. Try it, You'll like it! Fair winds, Tom
I tend to lean more toward the cruising side, but have crewed on 26 foot Thuderbirds during races and learned so much about sailing, trim, navigation, etc. from the experience. Some of the old timers I've sailed with have forgotten more than I'll ever know, and their lessons are very valuable. For instance: if you are trying to make headway against the tide in a channel, is it better to be in the middle or near the shore? The shore, because the current will be moving faster in deeper water. Racers win by knowing every little advantage and using it. On my own boat, I've learned to tweak things a little better and even clean the bottom once or twice a season to gain the extra 1/2 knot a clean bottom provides. Also, when I have raced my own boat (H260) , I'm in much closer quarters with other boats and have to be mindful of the rules of right-of-way to a much greater degree than passing the occasional boat in a channel. Try it, You'll like it! Fair winds, Tom
Racing makes cruising better
After a few tight starts and mark roundings, with close maneuvers and people hailing (yelling), you: 1. are a better sailor when you cruise. 2. don't sweat the small stuff when you cruise. For me, racing is an outlet for the "serious" side of sailing, even if it's just beer can. It lets me enjoy cruising even more. Since racers go in almost any conditions, one's idea of what constitutes acceptable conditions for sailing changes quite a bit. But if I had to pick one over the other, I'd take cruising every time.
After a few tight starts and mark roundings, with close maneuvers and people hailing (yelling), you: 1. are a better sailor when you cruise. 2. don't sweat the small stuff when you cruise. For me, racing is an outlet for the "serious" side of sailing, even if it's just beer can. It lets me enjoy cruising even more. Since racers go in almost any conditions, one's idea of what constitutes acceptable conditions for sailing changes quite a bit. But if I had to pick one over the other, I'd take cruising every time.
It not the racing it is the racers
Like many cruisers I did not want to add stress to my sailing experince. I was dragged into racing by my local club. The great part was they wanted the racing to be fun. I have seen "serious" race clubs and I walk the other way. However, with A good fun club you can race, party and learn something all at the same time. Bob S/V Knot Necessary
Like many cruisers I did not want to add stress to my sailing experince. I was dragged into racing by my local club. The great part was they wanted the racing to be fun. I have seen "serious" race clubs and I walk the other way. However, with A good fun club you can race, party and learn something all at the same time. Bob S/V Knot Necessary
You need not yell to race.
Racing can be stressful, if you let it be. I raced for years on a C-15, that I co-owned with a good friend. We would travel all over the Pacific Northwest, participating in regattas. When we started in on this sport, we were very rough around the edges, and spent much time looking at the transom’s of other boats. We were also very intense. Experience taught us that we would always perform better when we relaxed and had fun. No yelling or barking of commands was the rule. We spend time with other sailors, learning about boat maintenance, and preparation. We learned how to make our boat go when there was almost no wind. We learned that our best decisions were made with a calm head, and not when we were overly excited. We learned that having a clear plan, that we both agreed to, made our racing endeavors more enjoyable and successful. Let me tell you, this last lesson really helps, when my wife and I are pulling the boat into the slip. Last, but not least, most regattas have wonderful after race buffets.
Racing can be stressful, if you let it be. I raced for years on a C-15, that I co-owned with a good friend. We would travel all over the Pacific Northwest, participating in regattas. When we started in on this sport, we were very rough around the edges, and spent much time looking at the transom’s of other boats. We were also very intense. Experience taught us that we would always perform better when we relaxed and had fun. No yelling or barking of commands was the rule. We spend time with other sailors, learning about boat maintenance, and preparation. We learned how to make our boat go when there was almost no wind. We learned that our best decisions were made with a calm head, and not when we were overly excited. We learned that having a clear plan, that we both agreed to, made our racing endeavors more enjoyable and successful. Let me tell you, this last lesson really helps, when my wife and I are pulling the boat into the slip. Last, but not least, most regattas have wonderful after race buffets.
racing and cruising
I have sailed for over 30 years, both racing and cruising. I think everyone should race at least once to see if you like it. I know of many who wouldn't race, but after a lot of persuading they went. Now they are hooked! It teaches you boat handling, sail trim, and comeradery that most never see when only cruising. With the new PHRF True Cruising class, any boat can be competitive and have fun and it's a great excuse to just get out on the water when you may stay at the dock otherwise. One pointer... never go with a skipper that yells at thier crew...they lack confidence and skills to be good at racing and yelling is their only way to express that! Happy Sailing Mel s/v Sea Puppy.....Santana 30
I have sailed for over 30 years, both racing and cruising. I think everyone should race at least once to see if you like it. I know of many who wouldn't race, but after a lot of persuading they went. Now they are hooked! It teaches you boat handling, sail trim, and comeradery that most never see when only cruising. With the new PHRF True Cruising class, any boat can be competitive and have fun and it's a great excuse to just get out on the water when you may stay at the dock otherwise. One pointer... never go with a skipper that yells at thier crew...they lack confidence and skills to be good at racing and yelling is their only way to express that! Happy Sailing Mel s/v Sea Puppy.....Santana 30
2 Boats is a race
I think we all know that if you have 2 boats going the same direction then you unofficially have a race. I've been racing now for about 3 years and I have learned so many things about sailing. It's amazing how much you can get out of a boat when you tweek here, let out there and pay attention to the wind, other boats and position. Even though we have a cruiser we're both amazed how fast she is. We have a 1970 30 Foot Ericson and she has a reputation of not only being stout but fast. This is something I want to know when we set out for our dream of cruising. You never can tell when the situation arises that you need to know some of the skills you learned while racing. I personally recommend racing to sharpen the skills. Plus as one of my friends say, it's a good excuse to have water under the keel. John & Candi "Gypsy Woman" Lake Mead, Nevada
I think we all know that if you have 2 boats going the same direction then you unofficially have a race. I've been racing now for about 3 years and I have learned so many things about sailing. It's amazing how much you can get out of a boat when you tweek here, let out there and pay attention to the wind, other boats and position. Even though we have a cruiser we're both amazed how fast she is. We have a 1970 30 Foot Ericson and she has a reputation of not only being stout but fast. This is something I want to know when we set out for our dream of cruising. You never can tell when the situation arises that you need to know some of the skills you learned while racing. I personally recommend racing to sharpen the skills. Plus as one of my friends say, it's a good excuse to have water under the keel. John & Candi "Gypsy Woman" Lake Mead, Nevada
Racing makes better sailors.
As a racer for some 15 years in one designs and cruisers to 43 feet, I'd say racing makes you a better sailor. Racing puts you in situation you'd probably never intenionally put yourself in while cruising, like heavy weather, tight quarters, fog, sailing at night, to name some. But these things can happen while cruising due to poor planning or happen-stance. It makes you more confident to handle these events when they do occur while cruising because they often happen while racing. Also, while racing, you can observe how other boats handle the situation and usually confer with skippers after the race and get ideas to improve your handling of the problem next time...I highly recommend racing as a crew if you're a bit anxious about skippering yourself, but take charge of your own boat ASAP.
As a racer for some 15 years in one designs and cruisers to 43 feet, I'd say racing makes you a better sailor. Racing puts you in situation you'd probably never intenionally put yourself in while cruising, like heavy weather, tight quarters, fog, sailing at night, to name some. But these things can happen while cruising due to poor planning or happen-stance. It makes you more confident to handle these events when they do occur while cruising because they often happen while racing. Also, while racing, you can observe how other boats handle the situation and usually confer with skippers after the race and get ideas to improve your handling of the problem next time...I highly recommend racing as a crew if you're a bit anxious about skippering yourself, but take charge of your own boat ASAP.
Further comments on racing and yelling.
I've read some of the comments about racing and yelling and how some sailors avoid racing because, to them, sailing should be a relaxing sport. I guess to some that's true... But if you enjoy competition, there are few sports that require the absolute teamwork of a competitively raced sailboat. It's physically impossible to launch and fly a spinnaker by yourshelf, or change a headsail, or reef, or get a good start, etc... In the heat of battle, a yell is acceptable to most crew, but continual abuse is not. You will not hold on to your crew if they think they're being abused. On the otherhand, if 5 people in a crew of 6 are busting their tails to gain 10 feet against a competitor and a crew member through negligence or sloppiness causes that advantage to be lost, a yell is appropriate in my opinion. But if that crew continues to screw up, continous abuse will serve no good purpose, it's time to give additional training, or speak to him about the unfairness to the other crewmembers, or find a new crew. At least that's my opinion....
I've read some of the comments about racing and yelling and how some sailors avoid racing because, to them, sailing should be a relaxing sport. I guess to some that's true... But if you enjoy competition, there are few sports that require the absolute teamwork of a competitively raced sailboat. It's physically impossible to launch and fly a spinnaker by yourshelf, or change a headsail, or reef, or get a good start, etc... In the heat of battle, a yell is acceptable to most crew, but continual abuse is not. You will not hold on to your crew if they think they're being abused. On the otherhand, if 5 people in a crew of 6 are busting their tails to gain 10 feet against a competitor and a crew member through negligence or sloppiness causes that advantage to be lost, a yell is appropriate in my opinion. But if that crew continues to screw up, continous abuse will serve no good purpose, it's time to give additional training, or speak to him about the unfairness to the other crewmembers, or find a new crew. At least that's my opinion....
Race/Cruise
First of all, I agree with Richard Hazelton completely. Secondly, it is very important to know how to get the most out of your vessel. If you are out doing long distance cruising, by not trimming the boat for it's best performance, you may be condemning yourself to several extra days on passages that may already be three weeks long. Throwing away half a knot on a three thousand mile pasage can easily add two days or more to the trip. That issue aside, racing gives you an excuse to leave the dock. There are all levels of racing available. In my opinion, most of the people who do not race are avoiding it for a combination of two reasons: they're unsure of their own skills - and they don't want the high-pressure environment associated with the serious racers. (If there are any Bridge players out there, it can be like the difference between a duplicate tournament and a low-pressure evening of party Bridge. Not that I haven't seen marriages dissolved over party Bridge.) Racing should be fun. There are lots of yacht clubs around that have very informal racing around the buoys. The best introduction would be in racing where spinnakers are not allowed. That removes a lot of the variables and pretty much eliminates the need for extra crew; a couple can race most cruisers in those conditions. My experience has been that those who own sailboats and only cruise, use their vessels only once or twice a year. Racing helps to keep the boat from being eaten at the dock by polyestermites.
First of all, I agree with Richard Hazelton completely. Secondly, it is very important to know how to get the most out of your vessel. If you are out doing long distance cruising, by not trimming the boat for it's best performance, you may be condemning yourself to several extra days on passages that may already be three weeks long. Throwing away half a knot on a three thousand mile pasage can easily add two days or more to the trip. That issue aside, racing gives you an excuse to leave the dock. There are all levels of racing available. In my opinion, most of the people who do not race are avoiding it for a combination of two reasons: they're unsure of their own skills - and they don't want the high-pressure environment associated with the serious racers. (If there are any Bridge players out there, it can be like the difference between a duplicate tournament and a low-pressure evening of party Bridge. Not that I haven't seen marriages dissolved over party Bridge.) Racing should be fun. There are lots of yacht clubs around that have very informal racing around the buoys. The best introduction would be in racing where spinnakers are not allowed. That removes a lot of the variables and pretty much eliminates the need for extra crew; a couple can race most cruisers in those conditions. My experience has been that those who own sailboats and only cruise, use their vessels only once or twice a year. Racing helps to keep the boat from being eaten at the dock by polyestermites.
Hard on boats
I believe that friendly competition will improve your sailing skills but I have seen far too many situations when the drive to win exceeded good judgement and things got broke and people got hurt. Any opportunity to practice your boat and sail handling skills is welcome. Among cruisers when two or more boats are going in the same direction the boats in front are racing the one at the rear is cruising. Just as important as the race is the friendly discussion over a few beers afterward; how did you make that sail change?,you were watching my spinaker launch, what went wrong? Etc.Ross
I believe that friendly competition will improve your sailing skills but I have seen far too many situations when the drive to win exceeded good judgement and things got broke and people got hurt. Any opportunity to practice your boat and sail handling skills is welcome. Among cruisers when two or more boats are going in the same direction the boats in front are racing the one at the rear is cruising. Just as important as the race is the friendly discussion over a few beers afterward; how did you make that sail change?,you were watching my spinaker launch, what went wrong? Etc.Ross
Experince not racing is more important
Racing provides a better sense for the wind in relationship to your target. Unfortunatley most cruising is done under Aux power. At least in Reg 3. I have encountered more situations and faced more challenges cruising than most racers will. Why, because we have a schedule, marina reservations, options in case of severe weather to be aware of, breakdowns, lack of crew, lack parts, meals to prepare, always safety to keep in mind and only ourselves to depend on.
Racing provides a better sense for the wind in relationship to your target. Unfortunatley most cruising is done under Aux power. At least in Reg 3. I have encountered more situations and faced more challenges cruising than most racers will. Why, because we have a schedule, marina reservations, options in case of severe weather to be aware of, breakdowns, lack of crew, lack parts, meals to prepare, always safety to keep in mind and only ourselves to depend on.
- Status