TopTip2020 #63 - Stay Alert! - by Philippa Danks, AUS
Philippa Danks of Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, VIC, Australia, won the most medals at the last RS Aero World Championship at Black Rock, Melbourne, claiming 1st Youth Lady, 2nd Youth & 3rd Female in the RS Aero 5 fleet on her way to 6th place overall. Here she scribes a few key nuggets that helped her during that Championship;
' Stay Alert!
- Look behind you downwind to see where the gusts are coming from. The RS Aero is so light that any increase in wind strength can make a good and immediate increase in speed.
- Watch your tell-tails when reaching (should be flying parallel), it is easy to over sheet thinking you are building power but you are actually stalling. Ride the waves, gaining speed and distance to leeward.
- CLEAR AIR always. A wind indicator can help identify your and your competitors wind shadow on the run.
- Keep your boat flat to ensure maximum boat speed, using your controls to help (TopTip #61 momentarily excepted perhaps).
- Have fun - The results will follow! '
Black Rock YC, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Jan 2020
by Christopher Visick
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