I'm not really, but the extreme levels of porn I like to watch was raising hell with my Dell. It's more like picking the right tool for the job.

I just thought I'd try something different. Wasn't a huge fan of Windows 7, and my notebook is just for play, I still use a PC at work. I'm waiting for Google to spit out an Android based system.

So here's a question geared mostly towards F-18 sailors and race organizers. Since it's painfully obvious(and has been for some years) that the current crop of F-18s is faster boat for boat than the Nacra/Inter 20s (not the F-20c) , how would you feel if a race organizer rated the N-20 the same as the F-18 boat for boat, disregarding portsmouth, to increase participation in a distance race? You would still hold an advantage as the F-18s have current hull and sail designs and are blatantly faster. The PN does not go but one direction in the lifetime of a boat, and that is down, another flaw in the system.

What if we have the old school F-18?

According to the old Tybee records you'd be dead even or faster. Chris Green on his Tiger was extremely fast, but it may have been his painted sail. Unless you're doing a distance race it would be immaterial anyway. Do you plan on doing any big distance races?

I say run what ya brung.

+1

On an even playing field?

Yeah, no handicap. Straight up who crosses the line first.

Incredible footage. Newbies should study it hard if they are going to sail through the surf.

I agree, seeing how Portsmouth is not the way to score a distance race effectively on handicap.

+1

Great job, J and J on the broadcasts. Really are. Sure the technical stuff is a trial too.

You really think it's the boats and does not have anything to do with who is driving? Right now all the best sailors are on the F18. A true test is to have them rotate boats in a trial setup and see if they still should rate the same.

Sailing thru the surf you have to put some board down as soon as possible. Even if it is only 10-12 inches. Windward board works as well as the leeward. That way the crew can raise and lower from the high side.

Wow - very expensive 10 seconds (1:06 to 1:16). Can't believe how quick you go from mashing through the surf to a bunch of broken parts.

I don't know if there is that much to learn from that video other than how bad it can go!

Listen up boys and girls, I'm about to give you the best surf advise I ever got. It's simple and effective. I learned it from a talented old salt on the beach while he was picking carbon out of his beard and kicking himself for not doing it himself....

Don't look at the calm spots between wave sets as runway to get further offshore (which feels like a very natural thing to do). Some waves you simply cannot beat and they must be avoided!!! Waves do not go forever along the shoreline and are usually not that wide. Use the calm spots between wave sets as lateral running room to get positioned at, or beyond, the end of the next set. It's OK to run side to side in those flat spots reaching if you have to - don't be so focused on desperately trying to get beyond the break. Be focused on avoiding the sets. Be looking ahead one to two wave sets ahead not for "how badly you're going to get hammered" but for where they start and end. You can bob and weave and MAKE your own destiny! Reach for the end of the set and you will gain your offshore distance as you easily bounce through the mild stuff. This is how some of the greats make big surf launching look easy.

OK so when you are about to go out just count the waves in each set as waves come to the beach in sets. Usually with an established pattern like say 7 waves and a break then 8 waves and a break and say 5 waves and a break once you have a count you can bet they will repeat themselves. As the waves come in the breaks are the water from all those waves washing back out that's were the under-tow uaually is and that is what an established surfer will look for to paddel out in and that is were you want to sail. As the current flows down the beach and there is always a shore curent watch for the under-tow to reach your area and make your move then and yes you mite leave the beach facing a very large wave or two but it will die off before it gets to shore and us the river or under-tow to guide you out. That is for very large surf but remember foam will not float a boat you have to try to stay away from the foamy spots and of course be ready for anything and yes it is important to get a board in the water as soon as possible to establish a grip on the water or you will slide sideways and lose speed and speed is important in going through the waves. The other factor which there are many is to keep your bows down to punch through the waves and not go over them or you will go over backwards. In light air conditions again speed is one of the most important factors so if there is not much wind take advantage of every opportunity and gain speed as offten as posible like inbetween the waves fall off and gain speed and then come up and punch through instead of trying to go over with out speed, you will be pushed backwards and break ruder castings or even ruders..... Have fun and be safe....OH and one more thing it is best when ever possible to hit the waves head on and not at an angle....

Ready to go live in just a few minutes. Looks like a *gorgeous* day on the water.

Ya think!