Fall 1999

The Albacore Advantage

P.O. Box 16660 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4G 4G1

A One-design Boat

• no unnecessary expense of constant upgrades in design

A Safe Boat

• large air-filled tanks give excellent buoyancy
• hull shape gives stability on the water
• self-rescue after an unexpected puff is easy

A light and manageable Boat

• tongue load of less than 100 lbs gives ready trailerability
• launching and retrieving are a breeze

A comfortable Boat

• large, open cockpit
• benches on port and starboard sides

A Performance Boat

• seriously campaigned by major sailmakers
• planes in moderate winds
• buoyant heavy-air hull shape

Ideal for Junior Clubs

• 4 to 5 juniors will fit easily
• will stand up to heavy use

A vibrant Class Association

• well organized and vital
• recognized by the International Sailing Federation
• strong fleets through Ontario, Canada, US, Great Britain, Ireland and Bermuda
• top notch competitive sailing
• junior programs in some areas

1999/2000 Canadian Albacore Association Executive

PO Box 16, 660 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M4G 4G1 www.albacore.ca

Cover Photo by George Allen

Shackles and Cringles is a quarterly publication of the Canadian Albacore Association. Deadlines for publication are February 15, April 15, July 15 and November 15.

Commodore's Corner

Year 2000 CAA Commodore Heather Macnaughton and crew Neil Wilson at the 1999 Internationals.

CAA Year 2000 Executive

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the 1999/2000 executive and especially the newest members of the executive, Kate Mullin, Henry Pedro, Ted Mallet and Diane Clarke. We have a great group lined up for the year and with the talents of the all of the people, both new and previous, I am sure we will meet the Association's needs very well.

Boat Show

Henry is coordinating the boat show (Jan 15 to 23) and will be looking for volunteers to do booth duty. Day and evening shifts are available. Please give him a call if you would like to help out at (416) 593-4438 or write to him at [email protected]. You get a free pass to the show and you also get a chance to meet and get to know other Albacore sailors working at the booth and coming by the booth. We will be displaying a brand new Albacore so if you are down for the show at other times so please stop by.

Regattas

There were great regattas in 1999! I am sure everyone will agree. The most recent regatta, the US Nationals and Internationals was a lot of fun and very well run by the USAA (Joanna Byron being the chair). Winds were very manageable and there were lots of good parties and one of the condos even rented a hot tub for the week.

Mid winters will be held in Sarasota, FL March 17-19 (Fri-Sat-Sun) to coincide with the One Design Mid-Winters. Other classes include Daysailor, San Juan 21, E Scow, MC Scow, SR Max, Inland 20, Flying Scot, Bucanner, and Vanguard 15. It should be a great regatta at a reasonable cost as camping is available at the club.

Canadians 2000

We are currently looking for a place for the Canadians in 2000 and will keep you posted. Diane Clarke as Rear Commodore will be coordinating this event. We are examining such spots as Georgian Bay, Muskoka and Hamilton. As well, in year 2000, the North Americans will be held. They are to be hosted by the USAA and we will be looking forward to seeing where they choose to hold them this year.

Albacore E-mail List

Some of you may not realize there is an Albacore mailing list that you may subscribe to. This is used to relate Albacore information to interested parties. You will be in the loop on what is happening with the fleet in the US as well as have information relating to a wide variety of topics such as gate starts, whether the Inter-nationals should be wide open and even Barney asking the list to help him name his boat.

To subscribe: Write to [email protected] from the address you want to subscribe. In the body of the message type " subscribe albacore-list". You will then receive all the Albacore emails flying around.

As many of you on the mailing list have seen, naming a boat is a very serious business. A lot of thought and energy goes into naming a boat. As one skipper told me, he keeps a running list of possible boat names so when he gets his next boat he will be prepared!

Next issue of Shackles I will be zeroing in on more 'Naming Your Boat' themes specifically to Albacores. Any boat naming stories you would like to send my way are welcome!

All the best to the CAA members for a good holiday season and a healthy and happy new year.

-Heather Macnaughton

The 1999/2000 Canadian Albacore Association Executive

To contact any of the CAA Executive refer to the inside cover of Shackles & Cringles or www.albacore.ca

Past Commodore's Corner

Gordon Chu and family at the Mooredale Regatta. Gord clearly has some new priorities and has stepped down as Commodore of the CAA to face new challenges as the Past Commodore.

I write to you now as Past Commodore. I enjoyed my two years at the helm and I would like to thank the membership for the confidence they have shown in me. Of course, I was ably supported by the rest of the executive and I certainly give my thanks to them for their hard work. Laurie Harrison (1st vice commodore), Raines Koby (secretary), Roseanne Mallett (membership) and Bob Stiff (past commodore) will be retiring from the executive. Henry Pedro (2nd vice), Dianne Clark (rear commodore), Kevin Smith (3rd vice), Kate Mullin (secretary) and Ted Mallett (membership) will be joining the executive. I congratulate Heather on becoming Commodore.

The Annual General Meeting of the Association was held, as usual, after the dinner during the Canadian Albacore Championships, this year at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour in Kingston, Ontario. Highlights from the meeting include:

Financial Statement

Financial statements for the fiscal year ending Oct 31, 1998 (audited by KPMG) were presented. The year ended with a surplus of $2,640 compared to a surplus of $1,006 the year before. For the current year ending Oct 31, 1999 a small surplus is anticipated and the association's financial picture is sound. An investment policy was adopted by the executive in 1999 which limits investments to income bearing securities or related funds which have a "AA-" rating or better. KPMG was appointed as auditor for the next financial statement.

Amendment to Class Rule 8 (Rudder Construction)

A motion was presented by David Weaver to amend Rule 8 (rudder construction). The rule said that the rudder "may be . . of any shape or material". However this appears to contradict Rule 14.8 which forbids the use of exotic materials (including Kevlar, carbon fibre and titanium) in any part of the boat (except for fittings). The motion clarified that Rule 8 is subject to the limitations in Rule 14.8 (i.e. a carbon fibre rudder is not allowed). The motion was passed, although not unanimously. The same motion has been passed by both the UK and the US Albacore associations.

Some members questioned whether we should continue to call carbon fibre an exotic material. They wondered, given the breakage experienced in the past few years with fiberglass/foam sandwich centreboards and rudders, if we should not consider allowing new materials which will make for stronger foils. The question of exotic materials is now being debated within each of the national associations and was on the agenda for the International Association meeting in Rehoboth.

Advertising Category for Albacores

At the mid-summer meeting of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), approval in principle was given to make changes to the racing rules about advertising. These changes are expected to be approved in the November meetings of the ISAF and to be implemented Jan 1, 2000. The proposed change to Appendix G (Advertising) will have a major impact to class associations. The current appendix G identifies 3 advertising categories: A (no advertising), B (limited advertising) and C (unlimited advertising). The advertising category is determined by the organizer of the event and the default category is A. The proposed changes will make major changes. First, category B is eliminated, leaving only categories A and C. Secondly, the decision on the category is now in the hands of the class association and not the event organizer. Thirdly, the default category is C, not A. What this means is that unless the class association makes a decision on the advertising category, then each boat owner can then make their individual decision with regards to advertising. This information was presented to the membership at the AGM in Kingston. A motion was made and unanimously approved by the membership to designate the Albacore class in Canada a Category A class. Similar motions have been approved in the UK and US associations.

Report from Development Committee

Interior Re-design Project

This item of business was presented by Rosemary Helmer. Details of the material presented can be found in a separate report on page 18. -Gordon Chu

In Memoriam...

Marian Brayshaw - A Cherished Albacore Friend Remembered

On behalf of all members past and present of the Canadian Albacore Association, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Peter, Ian, Elizabeth and Doug Brayshaw who have this August experienced the heart wrenching loss of Marian Brayshaw, key crew, wife, mother and longstanding supportive member of the CAA. We are with you in thought and prayer and we share your untimely loss of Marian from our midst.

I came to know Peter and Marian Brayshaw in the Fall of 1982 when I first joined the CAA Executive as Rear Commodore in charge of the Race Training Week and the Ontario Championships. Peter was Vice-Commodore in charge of the 1983 Boat Show and the Canadian Championships. Together he and George Roth created the large Albacore pictorial display unit which we still use today. I first met Marian at the 1983 Boat Show and so, I suppose it was fitting that the last time I should share her company was at the 1999 Boat Show. In her typical caring way she bounded off to get me a cup of hot coffee to dispel the cold of that January night and to keep me going during my shift. With this typical little kindness she immediately drew you to her as a friend and fellow sailor.

Had I used a nickname for Marian I might have called her "Bubbles". She was "effervescence" personified. Always smiling, cheerful, pleasant and welcoming to everyone. She was very keen on the Albacore and spent many hours as Peter's teammate and partner on the water when she was not sharing their Albacore with their children who avidly competed for time in the boat. Whether on the water or ashore she was always extolling the virtues of Albacore sailing to those who were uncertain if it was the boat for them. With Peter she raised 3 fine children all of whom do them and us proud in various ways. Ian Brayshaw, who was our Junior Albacore Champion in 1982 and 1983 sailing with Mike Milner and Colin Boulton respectively, has pursued a career with the Coast Guard and today avidly sails J-24s. We hope he will teach his children to sail Albacores when they get a little bigger. Elizabeth crewed for her dad and went onto be a top women's laser sailor and has also pursued a career in the Canadian Coast Guard. And Doug I understand is the "systems wizard" in the family. We've not met, but I feel I know him as "Doug Brayshaw" pops up in my email box regularly when Peter communicates with me electronically. (Hope to meet you someday soon Doug!) Marian was also beloved grand mom to Ian's children, but regrettably will be with Elizabeth and Doug only in spirit as they plan their respective weddings in 2000. We wish you both much happiness and hope we can recruit you and your spouses-to-be into the Albacore fleet!

And so, as Marian and Peter bounded off to have dinner following their stint at the January '99 Boat Show little did any of us know that the few aches and pains she put down to 'growing older gracefully' were the early warning signs of the cancer which would all too rapidly take her from us. I can still see her radiant smile as she turned to leave and affectionately scolded me to make sure I got some dinner after the show. Marian thank you for your kindness, good company and the warmth you always exhibited to all of us. You personified the "warmth of friendship" I have come to know in so many Albacore sailors over the past 20 years. I will think of you often particularly at Boat Show time. And, we will keep faith with your family and encourage them to continue to sail with us in your beloved Albacore ironically called "Grim Reaper". Neptune knew something we didn't!

With Affection, Rosemary Helmer & Cricket (CAN 7384)

PS If other CAA members have happy memories to share with us and her family about Marion email Nona Arneson or if you prefer send them c/o Peter & Family to 663 Ramsgate Road., Burlington, Ontario, L7N 2Y2. Your thoughts will help ease our loss.

Stories from the Canadian Albacore Championships

August 26-28, 1999 CORK, Kingston, Ontario

The Canadian Albacore Championships were held in Kingston this year as part of CORK. As expected, there was the usual ample supply of wind and excellent race committee work. The extremely high winds on the second day of racing took its toll as can be seen from the increasing number of DNFs in Saturday's results. The last race on Saturday in 25+ knot winds for most became a matter of keeping the boat upright around the course rather than racing. Even some of the top sailors claimed they were "hanging on for dear life." Incidents at the event ranged from broken masts to damaged hulls as the rescue boats rushed around plucking tired sailors from the water. Unfortunately, a few of the competitors arrived back in Portsmouth Harbour by taxi cab as their Albacores had been abandoned and washed up on various shores of the Kingston harbour. By the end of the weekend, however, all of the boats and competitors were present and accounted for and everyone had a memorable moment to recount.

Barney Harris and David Byron sailed away with the win 16.5 points ahead of second place Chris Gorton and Henry Pedro. Kingston area sailmaker John Clarke with Martin Shaw took third place. Other winners included Ken Clarke and Sharon Palmer (Master's Trophy), Tim Broughton and Karen Marshall (Family Trophy) and US sailor Joanna Byron received the Ladies Plate. The B Fleet trophy was proudly won by Teresa Miolla and Mel Desouza. The top five finishers in both fleets were given CORK plaques and mugs.

Tim Broughton and Karen Marshall in 8037. Finished in 4th place and won the family trophy.

The winners at CORK

The Results

How to Reach in Heavy Winds and Big Waves

By Chris Gorton and Henry Pedro

Chris and Henry accepting their 7th place mugs at the US Nationals this fall. They were 2nd at the Canadian Championships and placed 3rd in the Internationals.

After our performance at the Canadian Championships at CORK this year, several people asked us to write an article for Shackles about how to reach in waves. Ok, in response to popular demand, here are a few notes on heavy weather reaching.

The conditions in Kingston could be considered heavy. The winds were about 25 knots and the waves 3-4 feet. We had the boat set and moving at ludicrous speed within two lengths of leaving the windward mark. We knew that we were the fastest boat on the course on the reaching legs, and were confident and focused the entire time. It was not too difficult, but some things had to be kept in mind. We sailed for about 30 minutes switching from beat to reach before the first race that day and did this again between races. This gave us a feel for how the wind and the waves were behaving and helped to judge the relative distance between waves. Also, we were able to determine which line to pick at each wave and which waves were better than others. It was the basic "feel the course" stuff.

Henry eased the vang one boat length before rounding the weather mark and raised the centreboard to about half to two-thirds down as the boat flattened on a plane. (In Kingston we had a little more than half the board down.) It is important to ease the vang in heavy winds before rounding the mark to make bearing off easier. In addition, the crew must remain hiked until the boat is completely on the new point of sail. If there is too much leeward heel, bearing off is difficult. We let the outhaul off a bit and pulled the barber haulers down all the way. We didn't worry about the barber haulers until all other settings were done. We didn't ease the jib at all to pull in the barber haulers. A 2:1 purchase system on the barber haulers really helps here. There was little to no magic box/jib halyard tension adjustment; still running with about 270 lbs on the rig. That was it for settings; there is nothing really "go fast" or unconventional about the setup.

The speed difference was in wave riding, pumping the main and fore-and-aft boat balance. Henry and I were sitting side by side at the back end of the centerboard cap, no further back. Why? Because in waves the bow must always be going downhill. It was a happy medium between keeping the flat aft end of the boat skimming along and the bow able to drop into the next trough. The boat had to remain perfectly flat side-to-side at all times.

Steering was all over the map. The boat was never going in a straight line for more than one or two seconds. I would drive up and down couple of boat lengths to find the right wave. Picking the right wave is a lot more important than maintaining your course on the rhumbline. The helmsperson MUST be able to see the waves at all times, you can always see the ones on your windward side. When the right wave hits (and you know when you're on it) it doubles your boatspeed. What do you do when you have found the right wave? PUMP the main! I mean full bore, full body heave! Crank 3 feet of mainsheet and start looking for the next wave. Steer into the trough and avoid plowing into the wave ahead. Plowing means you can't see the waves, not to mention driving into a wall of water kills your boat speed. Head up and avoid the wave before it becomes a problem. Trim the jib at all times. Overtriming the jib slightly to keep the leech tight is better than letting it luff.

The final word – It's all about anticipation. You will get that "video game feeling" - where the attacking space ships are coming faster and faster so you have to move faster and focus more and more.

Henry says it's the fastest he has ever gone on a boat with sails.

Questions, comments? To contact Chris or Henry write to them at:

Chris Gorton ([email protected])
Henry Pedro ([email protected])

1999 RCYC Open Regatta

June 20-21, Royal Canadian Yacht Club, Toronto, Ontario

By Rosemary Helmer

Another Spring rolled around and all the plans for the RCYC Open worked beautifully to the benefit of the 21 boats which attended. We were fortunate to have one, and two half US crews joins us. Barney Harris drove up from Arlington, Virginia and his crew David Byron flew in from Sausalito, California. Peter Duncan drove from Annapolis, Maryland and seconded long time friend and fellow Muskokite David Niblett to attend. Becky Mattes who ably runs the Potomac River SA Fleet drove up and sailed with George Roth from OHCC.

I could tell from the intensity of the morning preparations that it was a Worlds (Internationals) year as teams were starting to form-up to test out their sailing compatibility in preparation for the "big event" this October in Rehoboth, Delaware.

Unfortunately, the weather while warm and sunny both days did not muster much more than 5-8km winds tops. However, he race committee was fantastic. Decisive timing and no dawdling between finishes and next starts. I passed these compliments on to Mike Milner, our Director of Sailing who had made a special effort to head-up the '99 Race Committee to re-dress previous years mishaps. Racers were rewarded with excellent RC work both days. The evening buffet on the lawn at the RCYC clubhouse amid twinkling candles and a sumptuous selection of salads and dinner entrees made up for the lack of wind. It was used by many to enjoy the friendly spirit of the day.

In closing, congratulations to the winners who won prizes. The Top Team were given Windshirts, and T-Shirts went to the 2nd and 3rd place team. In addition, place "flags" were given to each of the top three teams. RCYC mugs for skipper and crew were given to the winners of each of the 5 races. No one reported anything funny this year so some were spared their antics! Thanks to the MacInnes who arranged billets; Heather Macnaughton who ran Friday night registration and was my on-the-water back-up; Ian Rogers for transporting beer to keep you thirsty folks "watered"; and Peter Vasoff on standby as Jury! Thanks to all who attended. See you next year!!

The Results

Friday Night Race Results 1999 – Best 5 Races

Toronto, Ontario

Helms

Crews

Harbour Master Race Results 1999

Toronto, Ontario

Helms

Crews

More Results from the Toronto Friday Night Series...

Another successful Friday Night Race series came down to the wire on the last race. It was anyone's guess who would turn out victorious. Going into the last race there were several contenders. Tim Broughton emerged as the victor once again, with Bruce Withrow and John Gilchrist only 1 and 2 points behind respectively. Mooredale once again took the coveted Spanish Donkey award almost 700 points ahead of St. Jamestown. Congratulations to all the winners.

Club Standings

Private Boat Standings in the FNR Series

2000 Sarasota One Design Midwinters

March 17–19, 2000 — Tentative Schedule

Classes: Albacore, Buccaneer, Daysailor, E Scow, Flying Scot, Inland 20, MC Scow, Santana 23, SR Max, Vanguard 15.

• Friday, March 17: Registration 11:00–12:30; Skippers' Meeting 12:30; 2 Tune-up races 1:30; Registration 4:00–6:00 and FREE BEER!
• Saturday, March 18: Registration 8:00–10:00, Coffee & Donuts; Skippers' Meeting 10:00; Races (2) 11:30; FREE BEER! Peel & Eat Shrimp 3:00–4:00; Barbecue Dinner 4:30
• Sunday, March 19: Coffee & Donuts; Races (2) 10:00; Awards 2:30 (approx.)

Preregistration prior to March 1, 2000: US $65.00. After March 1, 2000: US $85.00 (Includes T-shirt, coffee, donuts, 2 dinners Saturday, shrimp, trophies).

Questions/Inquiries – Jim Barr (941) 366-1972 or email: [email protected]

Mail registration form and fee to: Sarasota Sailing Squadron / Attn: Jim Barr, P.O. Box 1927, Sarasota FL 34230.

1999 US Nationals and International Albacore Championships

October 9-15, 1999, Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association

Dewey Beach, Delaware

Planing Albacores in Rehoboth

The 1999 Albacore US Nationals and International Championships were hosted by the Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association over the week of October 8-15, 1999. 25 boats from Canada made the trek down to bring the total to 66 boats. "It was good to race Albacores...in a big fleet again" said UK sailor Michael MacNamara.

Thanks to an excellent race committee, seven races were completed for the both the US Nationals and Internationals in winds ranging from 5 to 26 knots.

With the shifty ever-changing wind conditions many Canadians had their moments at the front of the fleet however, as many predicted the US Nationals came down to a "winner take all tacking duel," as described by one UK sailor, in the final race between current US, Canadian and North American Champion Barney Harris and three time World and current UK National Champion Michael MacNamara. Said Harris, "At the leeward mark, Mike tacked 15 to 20 times...we covered every tack...[seeking] to control and slow the cadence of the tacking duel...Mike stopped tacking 3/4 up the windward leg and we crossed the finish line for the win". Tim Broughton and Karen Marshall finishing an impressive fifth place were the Canadian high scorers. "We firmly believe our teamwork is the reason we finished many places ahead of boats helmed by better sailors, but lacking the practice as a team," said Broughton of their efforts. Canadians Chris Gorton with Henry Pedro, Raines Koby sailing with Abby MacInnes and Ken Clarke with Carmen Aradi were also top 10 finishers with a 7th, 8th and 9th sweep.

Tim Broughton and Karen Marshall – say teamwork is the key to their success.

Other prize winners in the US Nationals included Raines Koby and Abby MacInnes who won the Masters Trophy, and Jean Simmons from the UK won the Women's Trophy. The Challenger Fleet was won by American's Nathan Marsh and Matt Hastings, closely followed by Ottawa area sailors Ed Nicholas with Sue Forgues in second place and Van and Christina Sheppard in third.

Christina & Van Sheppard – 3rd place in the Challenger Fleet

The International Championships followed immediately after the US Nationals. Enormous wind shifts and sudden increases and decreases in wind velocity made racing difficult and unpredictable. The results throughout the fleet were erratic and the race committee had to employ the black flag on several of the starts in order to control the ever increasing aggression on the start lines. Harris/Byron lead for the first two days of racing with MacNamara/Shroff and past Canadian Champion Chris Gorton sailing with Henry Pedro a couple points behind. (Not to be overlooked, Chris and Henry had two bullets in those four races.) The third day threw a wind at the fleet gusting to 45 knots and all races were postponed. Raines Koby was the big winner on day three because he had the foresight to throw his sail board on the roof rack just before leaving Toronto.

Much like the US Nationals, the Internationals hung in the balance at the start of the last days scheduled three races. However, unlike the US Nationals, according to the UK website press release, "MacNamara produced a devastating display of boat speed and tactics to annihilate all opposition" with 3-1-1 finishes. Harris and Byron finished second. Gorton/Pedro held on to third place over Ken Clarke, now sailing with Sharon Palmer, by half a point. "Rookie" Albacore helm Kevin Smith sailing with Christine Short finished in 6th place followed by an 8-9-10 sweep for the Canadian teams of Broughton/Marshall, Gary Bain/Kate Mullin and Dave/Carolyn Smith.

MacNamara received a standing ovation at the awards dinner in Ocean City, Maryland for his fourth victory in the Albacore Internationals which was no doubt the highlight of the event for him and his crew, Malav. However, for the remainder of the fleet the highlight was probably when as top competitor MacNamara drew his own number to win the final prize in the weeks raffle prizes – a brand new North Sails jib.

When asked for general observations about the fleet and the event, MacNamara stated, "There were more good boats this year than ever before...sailors had clearly spent time in preparing both themselves and their boats. The North American fleets have raised their standards enormously in the last two years." Said Tim Broughton, "the class, for whatever reason is attracting some tremendous sailors which is raising the bar for the rest of us. Perhaps appearances are deceptive, but it seems to be...getting tougher to win."

1999 US Nationals – Results

1999 International Albacore Championships – Results

Issues at the IAA Executive Meeting October 1999

The International Albacore Association held its bi-annual Executive Meeting in Rehoboth Delaware during the recent Internationals. The IAA represents the interests of Albacore owners world-wide and is composed of members from the Canadian, US and National (UK) Albacore Associations. Every two years the IAA holds two formal meetings – one is an open meeting with members of all the national classes and the second a closed meeting of the Executive. A summary of issues discussed and motions passed is included here.

The most significant event was Mike MacNamara's presentation of copies of the formal transfer of the Albacore copyright from the Uffa Fox Foundation to the Royal Yachting Association. This establishes the RYA's legal right to charge for use of the design. Mike indicated that the RYA is requesting a 2% builder's fee per new boat of which they forward 1£ to the Uffa Fox Foundation, keep half the remainder, and return the rest to the national association which built the boat Currently, the RYA receives 75£ in the UK. In return, the RYA helps in the enforcement of rules issues, and they would also like to administer allocation of numbers, which is currently done by a CAA volunteer. Presently, per the '96 IAA meeting, IAA has paid via Peter Fontes, 38£ per year to maintain formal affiliation with the RYA. As part of this affiliation, Jean will ask the RYA to add the Albacore rules to their website.

The IAA Executive passed a motion that the IAA notify the national Associations that the RYA is the owner of the Albacore copyright and therefore should handle number allocations and can assess an appropriate builder's fee, which needs to be negotiated.

On the subject of websites, the Executive recognized their value, but the formal transfer of the Albacore copyright from the Uffa Fox Foundation to the Royal Yachting Association. This establishes the RYA's legal right to charge for use of the design. Mike indicated that the RYA is requesting a 2% builder's fee per new boat of which they forward 1£ to the Uffa Fox Foundation, keep half the remainder, and return the rest to the national association which built the boat determined that each class should add an IAA page, with identical information, to its existing web-site. This would save funds and achieve the same purpose.

The IAA Executive also resolved that no future telecommunication charges by IAA Council members are to be charged to the IAA; such charges should be placed to the member's national Association. Further, a one-time assessment to national Associations of $2 (Canadian) per Association voting member will be placed for the year 2000 to pay for RYA affiliation (38P per year) and any remaining past bills; all future vouchers to IAA must be presented within 1 year of payment; 1999 assessments to national Associations are waived; the $2CA per year assessment for year beyond 2000 is ended.

The next International Albacore Championships will be hosted by the Brits in 2001. This event will probably be held at the Royal Yacht Club of Torbay, in Torquay, Devon in the first week of August.

Daphne Byron
Past President IAA

Adjusting to Sail Those Major Events

Notes by Tim Broughton, Ken Clarke and Raines Koby

The majority of North America's Albacore fleet races regularly in Toronto's Outer Harbour. For many of us this has become our universe for Albacore sailing. Although this is a great learning ground, particularly for sailing in large fleets, we discovered that the world can be much different outside the harbour. Many of us find we have to make a few adjustments in our approach to compete successfully in the major events, such as 1999's Canadians at Kingston and the US Championships and Internationals at Rehoboth. What follows are some thoughts on adjustments that we have found worthwhile.

We are really fortunate that most of the Albacore sailing in Canada is right on our doorstep. Often the first adjustment for a major event is simply getting there. If, as Groucho Marks (or was it Karl Marx?) said, 80% of life is simply showing up, we have to make sure we have the equipment and transport necessary to campaign away from home. The basics, such as greasing the trailer's wheel bearings or borrowing some spare equipment, like a rudder, can make all the difference. Those dreadful words, "the hitch is in the ditch" may mean the most ambitious aspirations are defeated before getting to the starting line. After trailering and before the first race, check all nuts, bolts, screws, fittings, etc., to ensure everything is tight. McLube everything that moves so the controls work. Get to the club early, so you are not trying to step your mast 20 minutes before the first start.

In the Outer Harbour we sail with a wealth of local knowledge which we use almost unconsciously. Away from home there are many new facts to gather – particularly: wind patterns, tide and current effects, and the closing time of the local bars. Local sailors of the opposite sex can be a great source of such information, we are told. If you have not sailed in an area before, get out on the racecourse at least once before the races. Check that your rig is properly set up after trailering, check current, get used to what visual landmarks may be available, and get a sense for the size of the race area. This is not a substitute for local knowledge, but at least not everything will be new on the first start line.

There are many close visual reference points in the Outer Harbour and a compass can be more misleading than helpful. The opposite is true on the larger courses used for major events. On the larger courses it may be very difficult or impossible to read wind shifts by looking at landmarks. We find it really helps for the crew to read the compass and clearly communicate the important information it offers. We also have to use our peripheral vision more because the competition is laterally spread out further than on a smaller course.

At home we know where the marks of the course are almost by rote. On the larger courses we really do have to do what the book says and sight the second mark of the next leg before starting it. When possible, it also pays to know the mark's compass bearing in case we cannot see it due to poor weather conditions, or, heaven forbid, a wall of dacron ahead. At Rehoboth we saw several boats throw away leading positions by going in the wrong direction immediately after rounding a windward or gybe mark.

As we all know, sailing in clear air is essential at all times. The opportunity to identify and use lanes of clear air is usually greater on the larger courses, as is the penalty for failing to do so. On the long runs with the whisker pole up, this often means finding a lane through the fleet rather than always running to the high side for clear air.

In the Outer Harbour, space restrictions, shifty winds off the nearby land, and, sometimes, poor race management result in too short and skewed starting lines and short beating legs. With our big fleet, this places an enormous premium on aggressive — and often overly aggressive — starts. At a major event, the starting line is likely to be both long and pretty square to the wind. An overly aggressive start on a 400 metre line with an "I" or "black" flag flying can really hurt a series, as several sailors found in each of the three major events in 1999. A conservative start in clear air away from the busy (risky) ends usually pays better over the series. At Rehoboth, even the World champions got caught out more than once fighting for the perfect start.

On Friday nights we simply want to be as close to the front of the fleet as possible. A more sophisticated game plan helps in a longer series — even if it is only: being as close to the front of the fleet as possible in each race. The longer and squarer lines also place a bigger premium on reading the wind patterns and developing a strategy for each race. For example, winning the start at a slightly favoured pin end doesn't help when you really should be on the right side of the course but now find 55 boats on your starboard hip, spread laterally over a quarter of a mile. It is interesting to note that the World champions, Mike MacNamara and Malav Shroff, were often crossing transoms on port tack, well buried at the start, yet rounded the weather mark (1.25 nautical miles later) leading the fleet. Choosing the right strategy (and going fast) was far more important than winning the start.

The Albacore design tends to promote tactical racing but boat speed counts more on the bigger courses. We have to make our boats go as fast as we can. Consequently, tuning with other boats both ahead of the event and before each race is even more important for the events sailed on larger courses. Many top sailors believe this is the single most important preparation for coming off the starting line with good speed and confidence. In Rehoboth and Kingston, the ability to maintain maximum boat speed through changing conditions was critical to success. This applies to changing gears throughout a race as well as from one race to the next and from one day to the next. One-on-one boat tuning in a variety of conditions is probably the best way to work on "changing gears" as the wind and water conditions change. The Rehoboth and Kingston experiences also underlined the need to sail in the lake more often to improve our sailing in steep waves.

Generally, our events are completed in one day. Regattas spread over several days raise new challenges. Not least is to sail with someone you can get along with in a boat over an extended period (those old jokes can wear awfully thin after a week). Unlike the average one day event, we can expect to sail under a variety of conditions and must be prepared to make both the mental as well as the tuning adjustments. Physical conditioning and stamina also play a bigger role during an event covering several days, as does maintaining mental focus. That celebration the night before instead of the night of the last race really can make a difference (although one or two sailors really do seem to sail better with a hangover).

A few sailors regularly indulge in one-on-one duels regardless of the impact on their overall placing. The high quality of sailing throughout the fleet in the major events makes sailing against the fleet as a whole even more of an imperative. During the major events, certain boats consistently run high off windward and gybe marks in an attempt to win a tactical battle with one or a few boats. While this battle was going on, half a dozen or more boats would pass them working down the rhumb line. They seemed mystified as to why they won the luffing contest, yet finished below mid-fleet. Tim and Ken discovered after the Internationals that, prior to the event, we had each identified certain sailors who have a penchant for engaging in extended one-on-one challenges. We each felt they presented a significant threat to our placing well and we avoided them like the plague. If they cannot avoid luffing matches altogether, the top sailors generally conclude them quickly and then get on with business.

At a major event we invest a lot more effort in our sailing. This investment can go down the drain if we break, or are deemed to have broken, the rules. At the Internationals Ken sat on a protest committee that heard six protests and saw, first-hand, how close a couple of otherwise excellent sailors came to being tossed because they did not present their best case. Don't let the rule junkies spoil your regatta. Know the rules, take them seriously and have a protest kit ready. Don't let right-of-way boats catch you napping, avoid confrontations if you can, practise 720s and do them if you are in the wrong.

Donations to the 1999 Canadian Albacore Championships

The Canadian Albacore Association would like to thank the following businesses for their generous donation of merchandise used as raffle prizes at this years Canadians.

Albacore Interior Redesign Project

Report by Rosemary Helmer

At the August 1999 Annual General Meeting of the CAA, Rosemary Helmer, Chair, CAA Class Development Committee and Commodore Gord Chu reviewed with the members present the progress on the Canadian project to examine the redesign of the Albacore interior. The Interior Re-Design Project is one of a number of marketing projects the Class Development Committee has been undertaking to find ways to stimulate new interest in the Albacore class by current and prospective new boat owners.

The Committee's membership has evolved over the past few years and currently consists of; Doug Paterson, First Vice-Commodore, Peter Brayshaw, Dave Weaver, IAA & CAA Chief of Specifications, Rick Clayton, CAA Chief Measurer and newly retired CAA Secretary Raines Koby. Past members still available to us as advisors are Chris Gorton, Bob Stiff and Ian Rogers.

The purpose of the Interior Redesign Project has its origins in a 1994-95 IAA initiative to redesign the interior of the boat only (i.e. no hull shape changes) so as to create an Albacore which is easier and less expensive to build. When the UK withdrew its funding from the IAA project, Canada chose to continue the project under its own initiative. The current 7 piece internal design of the OY Albacore contributes heavily to the current expense of construction and the buoyancy issues which sometimes arise in construction. The objective of pursuing a reduced cost construction is to seek to reduce the price of the Albacore to make it more affordable when compared with other dinghies which younger people, camps, clubs and new family owners are known to choose among. The overall intent is to stimulate new boat purchases, increase CAA membership and strengthen our builder's Albacore business.

This project is being undertaken in close consultation with Ontario Yachts (Don Oakie & Dirk Kneulman) the current Canadian authorized builders of Albacores. The services of marine architect and renowned Canadian yacht designer Steve Killing, who sailed Albacores for many years, have been secured to create the new design and to guide the commercial implementation of the new interior design. All this, of course, assuming membership approval to proceed with the launch of the project and IAA/RYA approval of any attendant class rule changes which may or may not be necessary.

Steve Killings' three initial concept designs were shown to the members at the CAA AGM with the purposes of seeking CAA member input. Over the Fall 1999/Winter 2000 period, the Class Development Committee's next steps are to grapple with the mechanics of achieving the required cost reductions and the associated design refinements to meet the key objective of lowering the price of the Albacore versus the current Albacore design/construction. Our desire is to come forward with a recommendation to the membership in 2000 about how to best achieve the required cost/price reductions of a new interior design. Note: the intent is not to change the underwater hull shape and hence not to change the current performance inducing characteristics of the Albacore. This approach will ensure that any new design will not invalidate existing owners boats.

We welcome input from any CAA members and encourage them to communicate their input in writing to the Class Development Committee c/o Chair, Rosemary Helmer at H: 416-964-8427, Email:[email protected], Fax: 416-961-4644 or by mail to 264 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 1R7.

PABAR

Pointe au Baril, ON

By Ian Rogers AL 6626 Checkmate

The 26th edition of PABAR was held on August 14, 1999 in bright sunshine and a stirring northeasterly, gusting at times to the 25 knot range. Competition was tight throughout and exciting planing reaches were very much the order of the day with boats changing places while surfing down sizable swells. By the time it came for the usual picnic on the Bradshaw rocks, the wind had veered enough to provide a quiet interlude and a needed rest for the tired sailors.

Congratulations should first and foremost be given to Mike Mosley and the Race Committee for setting three excellent courses and running all races on schedule under particularly trying conditions. PABAR continues its record of never having had to cancel a race in 26 years.

The winners, George Roth and Rosemary Helmer, repeated their 1998 results, but this time in reverse positions. In 1999, George was helm and Rosemary crewed. It speaks of flexibility.

In second place and just returning from the Pan Am Games was Kevin Smith with crew Christine Short. Kevin and Christine sailed consistently well and despite being a lightweight duo, managed to hang on to the fleet on the beats and passed many boats on the wild reaches. Third were local sailors Bill and Leanna Foster who came from behind for an excellent second place finish in the final race.

Awards were presented at the regatta dinner held at the historic old Ojibway Club. The presentations were ably made by John Lawler who stood in for the Regatta Chairman, Jeff Wilkins, who was unavoidably absent.

1999 OHCC Albacore Regatta

September 11, 1999 Toronto, ON

By Kevin Smith

Sailing out on the Big Pond, that's where the fun is, that's where the action is, that's where we find waves. OHCC does it every year thanks to the able organization of Dave Harris and Ross King. This year's regatta was well attended by 36 keen racers. Some were veteran teams training for the worlds, some were new teams giving the big lake their first try, and then there was John Gilchrist who just turned 50 years old, trying 3 in a boat.

I remember sun, wind and waves, lots of shifts and planing on the reaches. Amazingly the regatta was successfully run with only 4 people. Fraser and Courtney Rennie ran the R/C boat from the middle of the course, while Ken and Doris Brown set the course and did crash boat duty.

Christine and I tried the Barney technique of easing the jib halyard to depower upwind. Christine also eased the jib sheet a little, in sync with the mainsheet whenever we were hit by a gust. Our speed upwind was not bad, but our pointing suffered slightly. Raines Koby said after the regatta, that he was struggling with his upwind speed for the first two races until he discovered his jib leads needed to go further outboard. (After the Worlds, Raines also said his */?!# jib bar is coming off, after numerous breakdowns and other frustrations.) Technicalities aside, the boat felt good when it was sailed flat and when both sails were in balance.

The team to beat upwind, as always, was Tim and Karen. These two somehow have a special touch upwind in any condition. They are very fast and point very high. Many a coach has explained upwind technique with two words: sheeting and steering. Somehow Tim and Karen have found that magic combo that works. Ask him how it's done. He probably can't explain it but ask him anyway.

The OHCC course wasn't really designed for upwind specialists. The start was in the middle of the course and the reaches were very long. We actually could plane on the reaches and also play some waves. The first reach was usually fairly deep, sailing across the waves, making it difficult to ride any waves. The second reach was the real screamer. Although some sailors were screaming at the gybe mark when a little too much water entered their fine vessels. It wasn't always the rookie teams who were inspecting their centerboards. Some of the hotter teams were also cooling off. Maybe it was a rogue gust, maybe too much partying the night before at John's 50th birthday. Maybe the Albacore is just a tough boat to gybe in strong breeze. In fact, the Albacore is a tough boat to gybe. It has a relatively large main, narrow beam and rounded hull shape. I think it is definitely tougher to gybe than a 470.

Once we did get round the gybe mark, it was dances with waves. I remember the fine words of our guest coach at the Race Training Clinic held by the CAA, Olympian Larry Lemieux, who emphasized the importance of catching the first wave after you round a mark. Catch the first wave and jump on a plane. I was lucky enough to learn to sail in Albacores at the National Yacht Club. Maybe not that lucky, since our head instructor was called the dragon lady. She was 65 years old, couldn't swim, chain-smoked and screamed her head off . We learned all the sails on a Clipper ship (ask Barrie Farrell), but most importantly we learned to sail in waves on the big pond. Ease, hike, and pump to catch a wave. Move your weight aft (really far aft, both skipper and crew) to keep your bow up once you are planing. As a skipper I couldn't move fore and aft quickly enough to respond to gusts and lulls, therefore Christine was the real mover and shaker.

Many thanks to Dave Harris and Ross King for organizing the regatta. Two kegs of draft and Mexican food courtesy of Mariachi's Restaurant on Yonge Street were consumed in no time. Special thanks to the main sponsor Tobasco who donated Cajun cookbooks, small bottles of Tabasco Sauce and decorated silk underwear to a few special performers.

Let's race out on the lake some more! The 2001 Worlds are in Torquay, U.K. promising big waves, strong winds and strong tides.

Kevin was taught to sail by Louise Gardner at National Yacht Club Sailing School, in Albacores, early 1970's. Tried Fireball, 470, Hobie, Tornado, now back to Albacores. Active member of OHCC. Rookie Friday night skipper in 1999, sailing for Westwood.

Toronto Island Sailing Club Open Regatta

August 21, 1999, Toronto, ON