How to Learn to Sail by Racing! Ep 282 - Lady K Sailing

[@JoeRadman]

I’ve been driving the safety boats for our club races while I learn to sail. It’s a great way to support my club and watch the racing up close. Also moments of excitement helping out after a capsize. Amazing experience - maneuvering a small power boat around a capsized wayfarer in high winds and waves with 2 sailors in the water is great skill to learn.

[@ICFUBAR]

I was a cruising sailor and joined the local club which did keel boat racing. At the first few times racing I was in awe of the skills of the rest of the crew so much that I actually lost some of my abilities to sail effectively. I persevered, the skipper persevered and as crew (always short handed it seemed) had an amazing time and learned much. The Saturday around the bouys was fun and the overnight (Southern Straits) was a test of fortitude which many men like as a test. Yes by all means learn to crew and race as our host here is correct in that your skills will improve dramatically over the short run.

[@rmuhlack]

totally agree. i've learned WAY more racing (initially on trailer sailers, and more recently on larger keel boats) than I ever would just cruising. As you say, racing requires you to *constantly* pay attention to sail trim and boat handling. it trains you to execute maneuvers quickly and efficiently. you get to experience sailing VERY close to other boats (especially on a start line, where other boats are close enough you can reach out and touch them). And something I have found so helpful - when the conditions get a bit dicey (strong winds, steep waves), it is a huge confidence booster being out with other sailors far more experienced than yourself. No need for a "panic attack", because there are experienced people on board to not only keep the boat safe and in control (by adjusting sail trim/sail area/point of sail/crew weight distribution etc), but keeping the boat fully powered up (as the conditions allow) and - most importantly - competitive on the race course.

[@TravelinLight303]

Good advice, I am currently doing this for the summer race series and this is exactly how I approached it. The captain is great and teaching a lot. It has been a blast on top of getting much needed experience.

[@jaapBooij-rz1id]

Hi guys, just a story , i am now 71 and learned to sail at the age of 10 at the water( sea ) scouts. Why , we simply did not have the money at home for privat lessons or owing a sailboat at all. I learned sailing,rowing , and a lot of nautical stuff like splicing and a fair lot of discipline. This was the base of my nautical knowledge. Still sailing and enjoying it after 60 years.

[@donmcneal233]

@ 74 & a novice, I'm soon to jump into that salt life. Found & buy that old Catalac8M fixer upper but pretty decent & just do it! You sir / Lady K Sailing..., have been a great 1st. timer's learners curve. An eye opener when I thought of what I didn't know. Soooo..., much to learn! {Telltails*} Thanks. ⛵

[@LadyKSailing]

Go for it! You got this! 😎

[@redox600]

Great video! I learned way more about how to sail by racing on someone else's boat than sailing my own boat. Racing forces you to do maneuvers that you would never choose to do when cruising or day sailing. Will be showing this video to everyone that says they want to learn to sail.

[@normanplotkin8105]

Great advice. Last year on a Wednesday night race, a port tack boat hit me doing $3000 damage to my stanchions. They paid for the damage, but this year I decided to crew on another boat. And I agree I have learned more and have just as much fun. So I will keep my boat for cruising and race on other boats!

[@adamshawtmr]

Racing also builds perspective. When you have duked it out through squals with others while trying to go as fast as possible, cruising with family seems easier🤙

[@LadyKSailing]

Good point!

[@captainjimolchs]

Like he said: Check the weather so you know what to expect, and where you want to be when the wind shifts, but staying home is not an option.

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

Love introducing new sailors to racing - thrills-a-minute, lots of smiles. The trick is not to strip their brain gears - i.e. figure out how to get them to do what has to be done NOW (for safety) by keeping it simple.

[@captainjimolchs]

Teaching is a great way to learn.

[@captainchristianguy3307]

Ah, almost bought a c&c 30 needed an engine. I could have done the work but it was several states away. I'm not comfortable doing that so far away from home. It was an awesome boat and someone got it before I did. I did end up with an Irwin 30. I know to check the water tank I've heard they're built with plywood from that era. Engines solid, roller furling diesel with a wheel. Pretty much my dream boat but moldy as that cheese in your fridge lol! I'll let you know how it goes. Gotta get her in the water first. Then I'm quitting my job and going on a long journey to wherever the wind is good.

[@rustyheyman214]

I bought a series of sailing lessons. One was canceled and I was not informed. So I did what any respectable sailor would do. I went to the closest bar. A couple guys next to me were smashed. They asked what I was doing. I said reading a book on sailing. They said you don’t want to learn that way come race with us. I never finished the sailing lessons. A few years later I ran bow on a National Championship Winning Schock 35. Start as rail meat and be happy when someone ask you to pull a rope when they ask. 💯 correct that you will learn more in one weekend race than a year of KZbin videos.

[@captainjimolchs]

Changing one year of YT videos to 10, would bring me to totally agree. Also, I would add "learn fewer bad habits" plus how to handle a REAL spinnaker without a condom and without shredding it.

[@pkrockit]

I always tell new crew, if I yell at you, I’m not mad, it’s not personal … it’s really important.

[@rustyheyman1521]

I don't believe there is a place on board a boat for yelling. You need to be cool like Fonzie.

[@dsadoski]

Racing opbs are the best.. Other people's boats. Nothing like saying hey look what broke going to have that fixed by next week? Most these days I'm skipper on my own dehler DB1 just south of you on the western basin of lake Erie. Make it to Leamington every now and then cruising. And Dan's rules of racing I always tell new crew and I always recite before a major offshore event like Mills. Protect the crew Protect the boat Have fun Win. You pretty much said the same thing, but a little abbreviated. And I tell everybody if we can't get all these right in the last order, the last one doesn't count. 35-year racing sailor. I've known screamers raced with screamers, and try not to. The only time I raise my voice is when we're going to break one of the first two rules.

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Absolutely skipper! Lately I've crewed [mostly] a 40 on Thursday evenings. After 25yrs off yachts, only sailing skiffs, it comes back, just seems much harder work now... But I've learned lots of boat, equipment & skipper/crew preferences. Our local YC has a "crew reserve list' you can join, to fill in for boats as needed on the evening.⚓

[@lyfandeth]

When it is 4PM and you been out for a week, and the marina tells you there is ONE SLIP LEFT...all of a sudden you develop an interest in racing. (There's a great steakhouse there!)

[@keshermedia]

Or.... you just remember the pump-out will be closed for a week starting at tonight! 😳😬🤞

[@captainjimolchs]

Or the bars are either closing or running out of beer.

[@charlesprettyman1398]

I’m curious about your description of PHRF racing. In the clubs where I sail (I crew on a few boats in the NYC area) the “pursuit” format, where the PHRF adjustment is made at the start, is fairly unusual. More often we race Time on Time, with the adjustments made after finishing. That said, you are right that the details of PHRF are a long weedy topic. Your main point is more important - if you want to learn to sail, go and race. One thing you didn’t mention - many boat owners are looking for good crew. If your basic criteria are met (not a jerk, comes back) there are owners who really need more crew!

[@valerieb.4912]

I was wondering about how you were doing on Lady K. I love surprises. Happy Sailing ⛵

[@LadyKSailing]

Same to you!

[@edwardpardy7866]

I use my old Chrysler 26 to race every boat I meet. I get my butt kicked constantly but ocassionally make them work for every inch. This weekend I had max hull speed reached a few times and the rudder out of the water every wave trough we crossed. Still lost but had the other captain wondering. Great video brother.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@edwardpardy7866]

@@LadyKSailing anytime brother. Cheers my fellow canuck

[@captainjimolchs]

--You have captured the essence of this video. You're SUPPOSED to lose, but the other guy has to work hard tp beat you because you're pushing the envelope. --One season, I crewed on the pickle boat of the pickle fleet. We were proud of our performance.

[@bobdailey9533]

Nice and informative! As always!! Good job Tim

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@beorbeorian150]

Thanks!

[@yzScott]

True story... I started racing other peoples' boat in about 2010. Next month I "retire" with the Pacific Cup (San Francisco to Oahu) Last weekend, we brought home our own first boat, a Swan 59.

[@LadyKSailing]

Very nice!

[@yzScott]

@@LadyKSailing We sailed down the East River through NYC from 9pm to midnight last night. One of the most epic and memorable bits of motoring ever. NYC is gorgeous from the water at night. Amazing.

[@LadyKSailing]

Yes it certainly is 😄

[@mememe5231]

Great info as always. Thank you

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@lachielvaher9168]

That is hilarious, the same damn thing happened to me last summer. The Yanmar in my E38 has an exhaust elbow that is connected to the dump by a fitting which is basically a short threaded pipe. Damn thing snapped right off, causing the engine to dump water and exhaust into the engine compartment. Luckily I heard it happened. Shut the engine down and called for a tow. The upside is I got to spend a week in Sandusky waiting for a new part :D.

[@chrisseidel6347]

one design is much better. pursuit starts are not common. driver should sail to the marked settings upwind. team work and clean air wins races. no yelling. practice, practice, practice...

[@mountainmandale1587]

As I've always said, "Sailing is days and days of pure boredom, interrupted by moments of sheer terror."

[@knlazar08]

And that's also what we pilots say about flying. And what I used to say about dirt biking... before I started motocrossing. It turned out that motocross is more like fleeting glimpses of boredom, surrounded by a LOT of sheer terror. 🙂 Nevertheless, I think that's the linkage between boats, planes, and motorcycles!

[@aaronfreeman1479]

Surfing is very much that way too.

[@apeiron42-j1r]

I was only thinking about this topic the day, and happened across the Clipper round the World race! Downloaded the info for next year and well, I like to go off at the deep end! Can't quite afford full circumnavigation but a leg is doable! What say you?

[@LadyKSailing]

You go first! You can do it! 😃

[@michaelmcnair1880]

Thank you

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@6atp]

I've been watching only videos about sailing for a week and a lot of the videos are yours; everything about boat life is so enthralling. I live in Arizona so I have little chance of sailing, but I want to get out there when I graduate. The seas are calling me ... Side note: You talk a lot about Catalinas, especially Catalina Morgans. What are your thoughts on the Cat 445 ? I've been eyeing this boat and I plan on getting one in the future when I have the experience. I've read on forums comparing the Jeanneau 44 and the Beneteau Oceanis 45, but the Catalina 445 is not talked of often despite high praise from their owners. I'd appreciate your input on the boat

[@LadyKSailing]

Check out this video on my Practical Sailor channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/l164lHimrq-bosksi=ABc66i0puHG2Lf25

[@WillN2Go1]

"You're not annoying." Ah, so that's why I've never been invited to race night.... Thanks. I wasn't sure. Even though my boat is 45' I like solo sailing. Probably a holdover from solo sea kayaking where I'd paddle back into the marina and see all the crewed rowing boats. A bunch of people all being yelled at and they never actually enter the ocean. After a blissful couple of hours with the sea, dolphins, sea lions and whales, it didn't look like much fun. Each to their own... When racers come on my boat I always say, "Great you can teach me how to better trim my sails." I can sail solo, they can sail better. Symbiosis.

[@jenrdemldeml8328]

Showing up on race day has never worked for me. I have the ASA bareboat and an international proficiency certificate. I don’t claim to be an expert, but I would like more time on the water! Maybe the Lake Mead (las Vegas) sailing scene is just not great? All of the boats on the lake are old and overpriced. It’s literally cheaper to fly to California and grab a rental.

[@branniganification]

Hi Lady K folks, I'm new to the GTA area and I'm keen to learn to sail (only have a little experience from when I was a lad). I'd be keen to learn some dinghy sailing as well as get some crew experience on a keel boat. Anyone have some recommendations on where to start?

[@vreepeter]

Albacore sailing at Mooredale, JTown, crew at National, the Bluffs or ABYC

[@crates12]

Did you see the Dufour 39CC in Kingston area… I am selling my house and wanting to buy that as a liveaboard What do you think?

[@vreepeter]

Can anyone suggest a good racing boat for a beginner sailor? I'd like to both race at a club in the GTA, and have something large enough to sail from Toronto to Sodus Bay. Max budget would be $75k

[@charles.neuman18]

"not annoying" - ha!

[@GreybeardMO]

What happened to the box truck conversion?

[@LadyKSailing]

Still working on it- stay tuned 😎

[@RMORMOND]

The Cup 😮😅

[@lyfandeth]

Black soled shoes: except, Vibram never leaves scuff marks. If someone looks unhappy about my black Vibram soles, I just tell them not to worry, if I leave one mark, I'll scrub the entire deck. I've never lost that bet.

[@rustyheyman214]

I love Vibram Five Fingers as deck shoes.

[@aaronp1434]

Tim, if you need crew to bring the boat home - I’m available

[@LadyKSailing]

Where do you live?

[@LadyKSailing]

Actually already have 5 or 6 volunteers so should be ok - would love it if someone could take a pic of LadyK going upriver

[@mostlysailingnz]

If a skipper yells and swears at you - leave and find a new boat to race on. Lets face it - its not Americas Cup. I used to race to keep sharp - as you said always other people out there to keep you safe. Racing is great if you get the right skipper. But if you are just meat on the side and have to endure abuse, then find another boat.

[@captainjimolchs]

Let him scream, as long as he invites you back.

[@apeiron42-j1r]

Wasn't it your birthday the other day? If so happy belated, if not take it anyway

[@LadyKSailing]

Well thank you- yes it was on Sunday 😎

[@TheyCallMeSir_H]

I always thought Sailing, especially racing, was an elitist sport, like golf. Guess not. You actually make it sound like fun.

[@captainjimolchs]

Like it's not?

[@TheyCallMeSir_H]

@@captainjimolchs Not what? Fun or Elitist?

[@captainjimolchs]

@@TheyCallMeSir_H Not elitist and it is fun. Many spend more for fuel for their bass boat. Or bowling, or cigarettes.

[@TheyCallMeSir_H]

@@captainjimolchs Sounds good to me.

[@jameshuggins7320]

Ozempic

[@LadyKSailing]

🤣

[@jamesbaldwin7676]

It's all well and good until you suddenly find yourself and a half-dozen other, heavily heeled and flying sailboats, all converging, uncontrollably, round the first buoy. Suddenly you realize that those silly, "right of way rules" seem to be the only thing preventing a serious collision (or so you hope). Suddenly you realize that this is the exact opposite of your reasons for being out here in the first place. The rat race was something you were attempting to escape from, not polish to perfection. Suddenly you realize that this is infinitely worse than the crap you put up with everyday on the freeway (for which you get paid). Suddenly your "skipper friend" becomes a real road-raged idiot and no longer any kind of person you'd even want to call "friend". "Yacht racing" is not what I call "fun".

[@vmlinuxz]

Hey I'm a new subscriber RV guy, but considering a boat. I'm concerned about something though. Let's say I get a nice little boat and stuff it with my cool electronics and toys then go ashore to go climb a mountain to paraglide at some island. How do I keep someone from stealing all my stuff or even the whole boat???

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Either you are on the hook, so they'd need a boat, or you're in a marina & they'd need a security pass. That's normally how this works. Moreover, how do you stop people ransacking your RV when you park it? Boats are far more secure & much, much harder to steal imho. Cheers from AU.