Fort Walton Trimaran Nationals 2001

 Fort Walton Trimaran Nationals 2001

A few things I learned at my first trimaran nationals in 2001.
The tide happens once a day in Ft.Walton and goes out further than you think.
Six people can move an F-31R off of a damp sand bar.
It does get cold in Florida even in April.
An 8 pound Danforth anchor has no business on an F-31R.
One big anchor too many is just enough.
Airx  spinnaker cloth is strong enough to go shrimping without tearing.
You have to point into the wind to haul 996 square feet of spinnaker out of the water.
Tape the spinnaker snap shackle closed.
A good bosun’s chair is a smart thing to have on board.
David L has one, (and crew that will use it).
Even people that live in Florida can get sunburned.
This year the right side was wrong, but the middle was even worse.
More mainsheet tension will help you go upwind (no, even more).
Mainsheet controls the top mains’l tell tale, traveller controls the bottom.
That black strap in the tool box is for mid boom sheeting.
End boom sheeting causes too much mast rotation.
I am glad I don’t have any through hulls.
Wind speed is good to know.
There are a lot of really nice people that sail F-boats.
Some times those guys hanging around on the beach are really good crew.
Roller furling jibs can be very fast, (and a lot less trouble).
Top tell tales on the jib tell you when to adjust the jib lead.
Steer to the leeward lower telltale on the jib, screacher, spinnaker.
My boat is a lot faster than I am
Steer from the windward net.
There is no substitute for good crew.
I could spend a lot more money on my boat.
There is a whole lot more to learn.
There are 3 West Marine Stores and at least one Boat U.S. within six miles of FWYC
I can’t  wait until next year.

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