Here are the recipes that I think are the most promising:

First, drizzle a glass with chocolate syrup.  Then, blend the following ingredients in a blender and our in your chocolatey glass to enjoy.

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 2 oz. Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
• 2 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 6 oz. vanilla ice cream

or 

• 4 cups crushed ice
• 2 jiggers (1.5 oz.) Vodka
• 2 jiggers (1.5 oz) Coffee Liqueur
• 2 jiggers (1.5 oz) Irish Cream Liqueur
• 1/2 cup whipped cream for garnish

If you prefer a Mudslide that’s not frozen, You can mix 1 oz. each of vodka, Baileys, and Kahlua and shake it over ice.  Enjoy!

If you are looking for supplies to make these drinks, you can start here:

Please remember to drink responsibly.  These drinks are so much like a desert that the alcohol in them can be deceiving.

The post Cocktail Time – Are You Ready for a Mudslide? appeared first on Race Girl Talk.

Last weekend took me to Newport to bring a boat back to Annapolis.  At this time of year, there are a lot of distance races and deliveries to and from Annapolis.  So, I thought it was worth taking a minute to share some experiences.

This is my third delivery in three years (Bermuda, Charleston, and Newport all back to Annapolis).  One thing I’ve learned is that there is not one RIGHT watch system.  It is dependent on aspects like:

• Number of crew members on board
• Experience and capability of each crew member
• Weather and sea conditions
• Navigational needs and skill

A quick Google search will result in a lot of different watch possibilities.  Wikipedia shares multiple systems; and background about each of them.  It was interesting information and helpful perspective.  However, most of the watches there include three teams.  Most of my delivery experience is with two teams of two people each.

The following table shows a watch schedule that I’ve found really useful.  The watches during the day are longer than the ones at night.  Teams also switch from Watch 1 to Watch 2 every other day.  That way, one team isn’t stuck with all late night watches.  Daytime watches sometimes go more quickly because it’s normal daylight.

Someone once gave me advice that when you’re on watch be on; but when you’re off, make sure you’re off.  Don’t feel the need to stay on deck or help with extra work if conditions don’t demand it. It’s important to get your rest and be ready for the next watch.

On the watch schedule above, we typically have the crew cook the meal or make the coffee before they come on watch.  The crew leaving watch will then clean up the dishes.

Hopefully, these watch options are helpful.  I’m also a big fan of my wrist watch to make sure that I’m ready when my watch comes back up.  Here’s a link if you’re interested…

The post Recommendations for 24 Hour Watch Schedules appeared first on Race Girl Talk.

Some crew members on my Wednesday night boat drive as far as an hour and fifteen minutes to make the race.  Others live within walking distance of the marina.  The weather was deceiving and variable throughout the afternoon.  Some crew members only saw a few rain drops on the way to the boat; others saw massive thunderstorms.

It seemed like we had every way possible being used to communicate with crew members.  Checked the AYC web site — no cancellation posted there. Word of the cancellation was e-mailed to the crew shortly after it was announced.  So, you could tell who was incredibly attached to their iPhone or Android vs those who go sailing as a way to get a break from the barrage of continuous technology.

Only about half of the crew members made it to the marina.  But, the realization that struck me the most was from a crew member who had driven past AYC and saw the November flag flying.  So, I thought it would be a good time to share a reminder of the November flag.

November Flag — All races are abandoned. Return to the starting area.
The warning or other signal will be made 1 minute after removal – unless, at that time, the race is abandoned or postponed.

If the November flag is flown over Alpha, it means that all races are abandoned.  There will be no more racing today.

If November is flown over Hotel, it means that all races are abandoned and further signals will be given ashore.

Hopefully, this reminder will be helpful if you see it at the yacht club or out on the race course.  Or, on Wednesday night, November may signal that dinner starts early!

The post Who Remembers November? appeared first on Race Girl Talk.

Tuning Masthead Rigs

• Side Bend & Lean — Make sure that the mast is centered in the deck.  Tighten the shrouds (uppers first) evenly to make sure that tensions and distances are even.  Don’t over tighten the shrouds.  Sail in a moderate breeze on both tacks and watch for symmetry in the mast.  Tighten the leeward shrouds and count the number of turns to make the shroud tight.  Watch out for shrouds that are too tight.  This can lead to failure of the rig.  Keep a record of the base tuning positions.  Number of turns on the turnbuckles can then be increased or decreased based on conditions for any given day.
• Rake — This is how much the mast leans forward or aft.  More rake increases weather helm.  Rake should be tuned so that there is a reasonable amount of weather helm in the conditions which the boat is most likely to be sailed.  Headstay tension can be increased on heavy air days to help balance weather helm.
• Pre-Bend — Pre-bend is achieved through mast compression (tight rig) and putting blocks in front of the mast where it enters the deck.  This is permanently tuned into the mast.  Pre-bend helps achieve correct adjustment in the main.  As the sail wears and stretches, the pre-bend may need to be adjusted to account for the changes in the sail.
• Mast Bend & Headstay Sag — Increasing tension on the back stay will provide compression to bend the mast, as well as, increase tension to the headstay.  Baby stays can then also be used to help with ast bend.

•  Tuning a fractional rig is somewhat different from tuning a masthead rig because of all of the different configurations of fractional rigs.
  • If spreaders swing, they should be fixed in position before rig is tuned.
  • Put max backstay on and make sure the mast is still centered.
  • Release backstay and adjust lowers so that the main fits appropriately.
  • The rig is now tuned for max headstay tension. Backstay can be used to bend the mast and provide additional headstay tension.  The mast will bend more easily if the lowers are eased a bit.
  • There is only so much headstay tension that can be taken advantage of without running backstays.
  • Easing lowers may reduce side bend.
  • Rake should be set for a balanced helm.
  • For additional adjustment or fine tuning, options include tension of uppers, tension of lowers, and spreader sweep.

Always remember that the tune of the rig must match the cut of the sails.  This may change over time or with age of the sails.  Small rig tuning changes can mean big changes in boat performance.

This is the fifteenth in a series of posts based on Bill Gladstone’s book Racing TRIM from the North U. Series.  Periodically, I post about a chapter or two.  This will be my short summary of what I’ve read.  You can read the posts to get my abbreviated summary; or you could read through the books with me.  Your comments can help point out what you find most interesting, or even poke fun at what I do and don’t know.  If you are interested in getting this book, you can find it in the online store section of NorthU.com for $25.

The post Sailboat Racing Trim — Part 15 appeared first on Race Girl Talk.

Bioluminescence is when a living organism emits light.   You probably already know bioluminescence on land from watching lightning bugs.  During a night kayak tour in Vieques (where they have one of the largest bioluminescent bays in the world), I learned more about this phenomena.  Apparently, it is a defense mechanism.  Microorganisms in the water emit light to protect themselves.  Fish swimming below them will look up and think they are stars shining into the water instead of their next meal.  Other organisms use it as a way of communicating or attracting a mate.

No, I didn’t take this picture. It’s pretty tough to capture bioluminescence on film. I liked this picture & it reminded me of what I saw (in blue instead of green). So, I’m relying on a pro for this one.

The smaller the moon, the better opportunity to see the bioluminescence in action.  Although, there was a fair amount of light during the race.  So, I was surprised so much was visible.  This is the first time I saw bioluminescent jelly fish.  They looked like glowing green flashes about the size of a desert plate.  This stuff doesn’t last long.  So you have to keep your eyes focused and catch it quickly.

The night kayak tours off of Vieques (east of Puerto Rico) give incredible views of bioluminescence in action.  There are multiple tours available, but one of them uses clear boats so that you can see the light happening through the hull of the boat.  These clear boats can be rented during the tour from Vieques Adventures.  The tour guides were also fun and gave a lot of history and information during the tour.

Here are some more links if you want to learn more about bioluminescence. . . .

The post What’s That Glowing in the Water? appeared first on Race Girl Talk.

Bottom Preparation

• Make sure that your keel is fair and smooth — and that it matches the design of your boat.  The leading edge should be round trailing to a parabola and the trailing edge should cut off at an angle.
• Make sure that the bottom is sanded smooth and finished with an appropriate racing finish.

Below Deck

• Remove excess weight from the boat.  Make sure any other moveable weight is stowed low and amidships.

On Deck

• Color code lines so that it easy to know which line is which.
• Make a mark on the head foil about six feet above deck.  Raise each sail and put a mark on it to match the head foil mark when the sail has the appropriate halyard tension. *** This is my favorite tip from this chapter.  It has really helped me when I’m working pit so that I know the sail is all the way up.
• Double end the foreguy / downhaul so that it can always be adjusted to windward.
• Lead backstay adjustment forward to keep weight out of the stern.
• Make sure that the topping lift line is long enough that it can be left hooked up when you tack after a spinnaker takedown.

This is the fourteenth in a series of posts based on Bill Gladstone’s book Racing TRIM from the North U. Series.  Periodically, I post about a chapter or two.  This will be my short summary of what I’ve read.  You can read the posts to get my abbreviated summary; or you could read through the books with me.  Your comments can help point out what you find most interesting, or even poke fun at what I do and don’t know.  If you are interested in getting this book, you can find it in the online store section of NorthU.com for $25.

The post Sailboat Racing Trim — Part 14 appeared first on Race Girl Talk.

My Rendition of the L Flag

However, when it’s flown on the water  it is used to signal “come within hail” or follow me.”  Race committee will fly this flag when the race course needs to be moved (often because they are looking for the wind —  which usually dies out mid-summer in Annapolis).

During NOODS this spring in Annapolis, the race committee did use this flag to move race competitors out of the path of an impending thunder storm (thank you race committee).  Although, most of the time when I see this flag; it is race committee moving competitors to a different part of the water looking for more wind.

So, when you see this flag, keep your eyes on the race committee to see where they are going.  It may also be a good signal that it’s time to break out lunch!

The post Follow Me . . . The Flag, That Is appeared first on Race Girl Talk.

Coordinated effort between the helmsman and spinnaker trimmer is crucial along with input from the tactician.  Wind and water conditions must also be taken into consideration.  It is helpful to channel all suggestions through the trimmer.   The boat gets too noisy otherwise and then no one can concentrate on their own job.

Reaches

• Light to moderate air — Plan reaches to sail the straightest line possible.  Head up in the lulls, bear off in the puffs.  Keep the dialog going between driver and trimmers.
• Heavy air — Ease main, spinnaker sheet, and vang if the boat is overpowered. Carry as much helm as possible without rounding up.   If you do round up, luff the main and the spnnaker until you regain control.

This is the thirteenth in a series of posts based on Bill Gladstone’s book Racing TRIM from the North U. Series.  Periodically, I post about a chapter or two.  This will be my short summary of what I’ve read.  You can read the posts to get my abbreviated summary; or you could read through the books with me.  Your comments can help point out what you find most interesting, or even poke fun at what I do and don’t know.  If you are interested in getting this book, you can find it in the online store section of NorthU.com for $25.

The post Sailboat Racing Trim — Part 13 appeared first on Race Girl Talk.

This will be my first night race of the season.  So, it’s time to go through my sailing gear and make sure that my essentials are in order for night sailing.  I consider the things below to be necessary for night sailing — partially because stuff is more difficult and takes longer at night when visibility is limited by darkness.  In reality, these pieces of gear can be good things to use any time sailing.

PFD – Of course it’s important to have a good PFD for time spent on the water.  I prefer the Mustang version that is hydrostatically activated.  That way, I don’t have to rely on pulling the inflation cord myself; or take the risk of accidental inflation when the aspirin tablet gets wet and dissolves in the other type of inflatable PFD.  If you think these PFDs are expensive, just remember how much your life is worth.

Tether – Your tether is the thing that will keep you attached to the boat in rough waves and storms.  I like to use a tether that has two attachment points.  That way,  I can have the new point clipped in before I unclip the old point.  Also, make sure that your boat has jack lines rigged to provide additional spots to clip into.

Strobe – This is the thing that will help people find you if you go into the water.  Make sure that it’s attached to your vest in a way that will be secure and visible from above when your PFD is inflated (don’t just clip it to your belt).

Whistle – This might be the simplest cheapest piece of equipment that you have; but it will also help people find you if you go into the water.  Make sure it will be easily accessible when your PFD is inflated (and tether it to your harness so you don’t lose it).

Multi-Tool & Quick Knife – I get a lot of use from my Leatherman.  It’s amazing how much the screw drivers, different knives & fid come in handy.  However, it’s not always the quickest thing to get open in an emergency.  I recommend also having a quick knife if case you need to cut yourself out of rigging in an accident.  US Sailing offers a harness rescue tool at an inexpensive price.

Flashlight and / or Head Lamp — I use my head lamp with the red lens cover (protects night vision) a lot during night races.  However, we also use a more powerful flashlight to shine on the telltales periodically to check sail trim.

Snacks to make the sleep deprivation easier — Some of my favorites are Clif Bars, Sweet & Salty granola bars, Red Bull, and hot chocoloate (especially if it’s cold).

I also make sure that I have appropriate clothing layering combinations depending on the forecast.  This preparation will go a long way to making for a great racing experience.  Gear up and have fun!!!

The post Gearing Up for a Night Race appeared first on Race Girl Talk.

The main controls for an asymmetric spinnaker are:

• Sheet — The sheet is most used and gives the most immediate feedback about sail trim.  Use it to keep a curl in the sail.
• Halyard — The halyard can be eased on a broad reach to let the spinnaker rotate further to weather.
• Tack line — The tack line should be snug to the tip of the pole on a close reach.  It can be eased on a broad reach to make the sail act more like a gennaker.  It also lets the sail rotate out from behind the main.

Don’t go dead downwind with an asymmetric spinnaker.  Instead, reach up and sail fast.  The extra speed of reaching up more than compensates for the extra distance of sailing off the rhumb line.  The driver and trimmer must coordinate.  Drive up and load will build in the sheet.  Bear off and ease spinnaker sheet and turn down a bit.  Keep this pattern going to maximize speed and get the benefit of the extra power from the puffs.

Ease the sheet to let the kite curl.  It will fill a bit; and then ease again.  Keep this pattern going.  You may want to ease the halyard on a broad reach to let the sail rotate further out to weather (but if the sail hangs down instead of rotating, it is eased too far).  If the sail stalls, it may be because it’s over trimmed.

If there’s about 15 knots of wind, it may be possible to plane.  When done right, it will be worth it to reach up and plane down.  However, be careful — if you can’t plane, you will lose speed from the extra boat maneuvers.  Make sure the effort is resulting in extra speed overall.

Be really careful ducking boats while going downwind.  It could result in extra acceleration that leads to rounding up or broaching as you pass the stern of the boat you are ducking.  Also be careful of your pole as you progress around the race course.  It could be easy to clip another boat by misjudging where the pole extends to.  A lot of classes do not allow the sprit to be extended before rounding the mark.

This is the twelfth in a series of posts based on Bill Gladstone’s book Racing TRIM from the North U. Series.  Periodically, I post about a chapter or two.  This will be my short summary of what I’ve read.  You can read the posts to get my abbreviated summary; or you could read through the books with me.  Your comments can help point out what you find most interesting, or even poke fun at what I do and don’t know.  If you are interested in getting this book, you can find it in the online store section of NorthU.com for $25.

The post Sailboat Racing Trim — Part 12 appeared first on Race Girl Talk.