Need Morning Advice . . .

[Nick]

I’ve been, without it being expected, invited to crew aboard a racing sloop (like a J boat) for the New Year’s Day Races here in San Diego tomorrow . . .After three, almost four, years of owning, “Julia Bell,” a Catalina 27, I’ve gone from, “I wonder what this rope does,” to being able to fairly well handle her in any conditions I have a right to be out in.I’ve followed racing in the local press somewhat, and have read a few books . . . but that’s about it. What’s the Top Ten mistakes I could avoid tomorrow . . .Hurry, I only have 17 hours . . .Nick “Julia Bell” C-27, #86

 

[Doug Rodrigues]

Be honest about your abilities....

Let the skipper know exactly what you know, and what the limits of your knowledge is. He'll take it from there. I once did what you're about to do, went beyond my abilities and fell off the boat!

 

[Sean Herron...herrons@telus.net]

How much do you weigh...

Hello,Everyone looks good with fatties on the rail...Don't argue with the guy with all the gidgets screaming 'lay line, lay line, NOW'...Don't fight with the gorillas on grinders...Don't offer to make Gin and Tonics upwind, liable to get a beating when home...Just smile and look smug while you hold onto something that somebody else is not using at that moment...Don't put white stuff on your nose if it ain't sunny...Don't wear gloves if you are not handling lines...Use a false name in the club...YABOH...Happy New Year...SH.