The trainees had a good session on the water today with the advanced group practicing starting and the beginners tackling tacking and jibing.
There was a decent breeze making it a good learning curve for everyone.
Ross has provided the following observations complete with graphics.

Today the 'Better Sailing Sarahs in Sabres' group completed their final assessment in Starting, Peter VC method.

To pass the practical, participants must 

1. Remain inside the 'starting box' from 2 mins to the gun until the start gun. 

2. Cross the starting line no more than 5 seconds after the starting gun

The theory component requires an understanding  of what can go wrong if you enter late from one of three areas: 

1. Wally world: The area above the starboard tack layline. This requires a ride on the big dipper. Unfortunately this can frighten sailors,  therefore big dippers will be asked to sail around in circles in the wally world on their own.

2. Dear god: Here you must pray for and receive a miracle in the last five seconds that will cause all the starboard tackers to give up their right of way and move out of your path instantaneously. Does happen, but rarely that fast!

3. Coles, here you will never receive satisfaction until you assert yourself and reach the front row.

Congratulations to all the Graduating Sarah's on your success.- 

Ross Kelvin Daley PhD