And no post yet? Mark are you ready for the drinking? Or are you converted to water since last year?

What can we expect weather wise? Any guesses? Normal conditions that time a year? Is there a plan B if there’s too much wind? I don’t think there is something like the red district in Mumbles?

For all of you who are coming: no high technological weapons (upwind spi, 1/2 spi..) to report? I think there is a rule that states all secret weapons should be revealed at least 10 days before the GC.



It looks like there will be more 1-up sailors than 2-up sailors. That could be interesting.
For those of you not coming: we’ll miss you and do you want a report on our trip? Phill are you coming to be an excellent fly on the wall again?

I am looking forward to it! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I can't believe it is coming up so fast! We are really looking forward to coming!!! Looking forward to sailing with Geert.. (My husband can't figure out what I see fiberglass and sails)
What is the water temp right now?
Looking forward to meeting everyone <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

All I can say that there isn't enough palm trees at this venue for me to think about attending.

But best of luck to all! Hope it is a successful event with close and fun racing.

Looking forward to this Big time.

Hopefully it will be warmer than last time I was at Mumbles!

It's early (07.38) my head hurts from last night and it's the 1st day of the A Class National Championships. Air temp 15.5 deg C Water temp 15.3 deg C wind 3mph.

BUT, look at those waves! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Call me a wimp--but with temps like that I am wearing my dry suit!! See you all soon-

Enjoy! Report often. And pictures please, if you can find the time.

<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

That's hot for 7 am!!!

26 today.

Superb days racing. Wind 13knts, normal flat sea state & Sunny. Chris Field was basically in a class of his own and cruised to the finishes gaining 3 bullets. I was on the pace upwind but could have done with a kite downwind to keep up. To me sailing an A fast downwind is a Black Art which I know very little about. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

But once you get the hang of that black art of sailing an A downwind wild, then it is heaps of fun. You can push the boat really hard.

Hi Kathleen,

thanks for starting this thread, I was about to do it myself. I know I am not going, but that is all the more reason to want to know all the gossip. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

So how many are entered? What designs will be present? Who are the HOT prospects to win etc. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Not many have pre-entntered to date! mainly Stealths and the HOT prospects to win? Hans but there again "Sailwave" could be defaulted <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Day 2 of the A,s Nationals light winds max 8mph. Chris had another three bullets but in race 5 he had to work a bit. I took a port flyer off the line passed the fleet and went to the corner. First to the windward mark <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />first to the leeward mark <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Then Chris hauled me in on the next beat <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> and I eventually finished in a happy 3rd <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

The A Class National Championships is all over, Chris Field won, Nigel Lovett 2nd, Steve Tellwright 3rd and I was 4th. No Port fliers today but did manage a 2nd place in the 8th race.

Hi Mark,

You still had a nice result, knowing you aren't used to the boat!

Do you have any data on currents in Mumbles? Or where could I find any?

Regards,
Gill

Hi Gill
Without buying the relevant Admiralty Charts I can't think of where you could attain this info for free, apart from asking some of the local sailors. However, as with the the recent A Classes I discussed tides during the skippers briefing. There's really not a big issue with tides in the Bay unlike some places I've sailed!
During the GC we will be racing during a Neap tide cycle so the tidal strength will be negligible as compared to areas of higher wind pressure or wind bend over the course. Therefore, tides shouldn't not dictate your tactics.

Some photo's from last weekends A Class Nationals are now on the MYC website. I.m still waiting for the one of me infront of Chris and the rest of the fleet to be published <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Here's a very rough sketch of the tide patterns. I hope this helps! You'll notice that in the middle of the race area there is NORMALLY a fairly large area of what can best be described as slack water <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Hi Mark,

great result, looks like you should be coming to OZ for the Worlds this summer <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

You would love Lake Macquarie, 15 knot sea breezes, sunshine and 25+ degrees C each day <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />. Of course that's what they will tell you it normaly is, when it's a drifter or blowing the dog of the chain during the event. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I'm sorry I couldn't upload the image, I'll try again later. If it still hasn't worked by tomorrow then send me an email and I'll forward to you <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />