Feedback on the Book and Charts

[jonfreeman]

Don -

Bought your book and charts 3 weeks ago, and read the book 3 times before heading out with the charts in hand. Went out by myself, so I could focus on the boat, and I was VERY happy with the initial results.

Was sailing to windward for the most part in 5-12 knots of wind. My Catalina 310 never sailed so well. I was out with a few other boats, and one in particular got passed by me 3 times. I suspect I was irritating him, as his was a larger and theoretically faster boat.

Will provide more feedback as i go, but for now, I am a happy sailor!

Thanks Don!

 

[Don Guillette]

Thank you for your kind words. I hope you don't mind if I use your testimonial.

It is a great feeling when your boat performs at 100%. A number of years ago I was just fooling around in Long Beach harbor. My wife, who was sitting with her back to the cabin wall facing aft, told me a boat with 2 young couples was coming up behind me. I knew these guys from my YC. I told her I had seen them and asked her to tell me when they get within about 50 yards. I then casually eased the traveler down and eased the jib sheet to slow down a bit and sucker them into passing me on the starboard side so I could take their wind. All my controls are led back to the helm so adjustments are easy to make. At about 50 yards I pulled up the traveler and cranked on the jib sheet and the boat took off. They never did catch me. When I saw them later at the bar they wanted to know how I did it. I told them I never saw them and the wind speed must have changed!!