I'm going down to Jacksonville Fl. ST Johns River, Mug race the first weekend in May.This racing stuff is totally new to me. I have a VERY heavy boat that is set up for crusing, things like 4 Type 27 gel batteries, TV DVD, CD, pressurizes water system, extra fuel carring capablities (18gal), 1200watt inverter, 1 k Honda generator, air conditing, refrigerator-freezer, you get the idea, a very heavy boat. My question is should I off-load as much as possible, for the race? The trim of the boat is great. Should I empty the forward fresh water tank? Do I try to keep the bow heavy, move the crew up front as much as possible? any help for a novice in racing. MY crew and I just spent a Saterday giving Baums Rush 6 coats of Poly-coat and the hull, rudder, and center-board all faired. Thanks all for your help!
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Yes... offload as much as you can...
...onto my 260 at Whitney's Marine! These are some of the upgrades that I have been wanting to make
I don't know about your weight distribution on your 260 with all of the modifications that you have made, but if I were going to race my 260, I would add some weight in the front to balance out the Engine and large battery I have aft. We plan on sailing up river to meet the fleet as you pass through the Shand's bridge... (I hope it isn't high tide when you get there!) and then sail back with the racers... Also, Whitney's will be having their "Discover Sailing" day the same day as the race (Saturday May 1st). They will have all fo their new hunters open - plus a few in the water for a nice leisurely sail. Darren
...onto my 260 at Whitney's Marine! These are some of the upgrades that I have been wanting to make
I don't know about your weight distribution on your 260 with all of the modifications that you have made, but if I were going to race my 260, I would add some weight in the front to balance out the Engine and large battery I have aft. We plan on sailing up river to meet the fleet as you pass through the Shand's bridge... (I hope it isn't high tide when you get there!) and then sail back with the racers... Also, Whitney's will be having their "Discover Sailing" day the same day as the race (Saturday May 1st). They will have all fo their new hunters open - plus a few in the water for a nice leisurely sail. DarrenIf you haven't raced before...
boy are you going to learn a lot. There are lots of things to consider. You might want to start with an understanding of the rules. The link below takes you to US Sailing and their rules. Your 260 is going to have a hard time keeping up with all of the extra weight. Plus its a relatively slow boat anyway. The archives have some suggestions but you'll still have a tough time. Racing is about making the boat go as fast as possible over the shortest route. Weight slows you down, inadequate sail hinder power, bad sail trim limits your pointing. Too negative. Racing is fun! Manuevering the boat at the start and around the marks, trying to figure out how to get around a leader, drinking beer to celebrate the event. I've found there is a lot of commaraderie among racers and they can be very helpful (more so after the race than before.) My only real advice is: "Don't yell. Your crew is trying their best." Markdb
boy are you going to learn a lot. There are lots of things to consider. You might want to start with an understanding of the rules. The link below takes you to US Sailing and their rules. Your 260 is going to have a hard time keeping up with all of the extra weight. Plus its a relatively slow boat anyway. The archives have some suggestions but you'll still have a tough time. Racing is about making the boat go as fast as possible over the shortest route. Weight slows you down, inadequate sail hinder power, bad sail trim limits your pointing. Too negative. Racing is fun! Manuevering the boat at the start and around the marks, trying to figure out how to get around a leader, drinking beer to celebrate the event. I've found there is a lot of commaraderie among racers and they can be very helpful (more so after the race than before.) My only real advice is: "Don't yell. Your crew is trying their best." Markdb
For this trip
I will not be captain, one of the guys has been appointed captain due to the fact that he is a hobbie-cat racer with a lot of knowledge of the rules and regulations that I know nothing of. So I will follow his orders, but I want to make the boat as competive as possible.
I will not be captain, one of the guys has been appointed captain due to the fact that he is a hobbie-cat racer with a lot of knowledge of the rules and regulations that I know nothing of. So I will follow his orders, but I want to make the boat as competive as possible.
Off load everything
If you don't need it take it off, empty the water tank and anything else you can get off. Extra weight is just that extra weight you have to haul around the course. Racing can be a very very cool thing. I'm 42 and have been racing for the last 15 years. What other sport can you go out be competitive racing against people of all ages. It makes you by far a better sailor and improves your boat handling skill's. You will be able to take your boat to the limits and really see what it can do. Cliff H 28.5 "Red Dog"
If you don't need it take it off, empty the water tank and anything else you can get off. Extra weight is just that extra weight you have to haul around the course. Racing can be a very very cool thing. I'm 42 and have been racing for the last 15 years. What other sport can you go out be competitive racing against people of all ages. It makes you by far a better sailor and improves your boat handling skill's. You will be able to take your boat to the limits and really see what it can do. Cliff H 28.5 "Red Dog"
cliff is right
If you don't need it for that day get it off the boat! Weight is everything, especially on a boat that is already heavy.
If you don't need it for that day get it off the boat! Weight is everything, especially on a boat that is already heavy.
John, Bring a chute.
The wind typically comes out of the South, SW, or SE. You will have an early morning start. Wind is very light then and if it is out of the "S" you will need all the sail area you can get. Big hint: Study the nav chart!! The race is basically a slow curve to the left. You want to stay on the left side as much as possible. Just south of the Shands bridge on the left is a large point off land. When you come up the river and that point is in sight, head straight to that point. You will cut 2 miles off the race. When you round that point you will be lined up perfect to hit the center span of the Shands bridge. Enough for now.. can't give all my secrets away. Ted
The wind typically comes out of the South, SW, or SE. You will have an early morning start. Wind is very light then and if it is out of the "S" you will need all the sail area you can get. Big hint: Study the nav chart!! The race is basically a slow curve to the left. You want to stay on the left side as much as possible. Just south of the Shands bridge on the left is a large point off land. When you come up the river and that point is in sight, head straight to that point. You will cut 2 miles off the race. When you round that point you will be lined up perfect to hit the center span of the Shands bridge. Enough for now.. can't give all my secrets away. Ted
The MUG...
John, I've heard some mention about Portsmouth Rules for this race...and I am not sure what that means. It was explained that given the number of boats in this race....it was a practical thing for what ever reason. The largest Mug Race ever had somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 entries in a whole lot of classes. Its a reverse start which means the slower boats go first and the hobies blow by later when the air fills in, (Go Ted, Go). I'm in it for the fun and comaraderie, but its always good to finish well...and lighter is faster...but don't forget the cooler....like Ted said 'the wind is often from the south,' unless its from the north, or you could be drifting in the sunshine--you never know for sure with this one. PS. Tee-shirts are now available...order soon as they are going fast and they only ordered 975 this year....
John, I've heard some mention about Portsmouth Rules for this race...and I am not sure what that means. It was explained that given the number of boats in this race....it was a practical thing for what ever reason. The largest Mug Race ever had somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 entries in a whole lot of classes. Its a reverse start which means the slower boats go first and the hobies blow by later when the air fills in, (Go Ted, Go). I'm in it for the fun and comaraderie, but its always good to finish well...and lighter is faster...but don't forget the cooler....like Ted said 'the wind is often from the south,' unless its from the north, or you could be drifting in the sunshine--you never know for sure with this one. PS. Tee-shirts are now available...order soon as they are going fast and they only ordered 975 this year....
Thanks all
I will off load everything that isn't nailed down, I do have a chute and will let it fly. Looks like we are set up for the South Course from the Palatka Bridge to the Buckman Bridge. I just hope to finish the race in the time alotted, already set up to get the tee-shirts, so wish me luck. Baums Rush
I will off load everything that isn't nailed down, I do have a chute and will let it fly. Looks like we are set up for the South Course from the Palatka Bridge to the Buckman Bridge. I just hope to finish the race in the time alotted, already set up to get the tee-shirts, so wish me luck. Baums Rush
Seriously John
Are you spending additional "cruising time" in the area? If you need a place to keep some of the stuff you are taking off for the race, we live about 5 miles from the finish line, you are welcome to use my garage if you need to. dmayes@iwon.com
Are you spending additional "cruising time" in the area? If you need a place to keep some of the stuff you are taking off for the race, we live about 5 miles from the finish line, you are welcome to use my garage if you need to. dmayes@iwon.com
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