Although I’m only just starting in the Laser Class, my family and I decided that, since we were already in Florida for the C420 Midwinters East, we’d drive across the state to Tampa and the Laser Midwinters East. This Laser event was quite the struggle, and that is an understatement. I had a day of practice before the regatta, and my coach Ian Lineberger set up an epic practice with Paige Railey, Olympic Laser sailor. She was so far ahead of the rest of us all day! It was really cool to meet her. When I got home, I couldn’t feel my legs, but it was just the beginning of the pain. Even though my dad’s friend, Chris Raab, told me to embrace the pain, it was harder done than said. To make matters worse, it blew solid 15 almost every race of the regatta. New to the Laser, I soon found out that it was the most physical boat I’ve sailed. I had good starts this regatta, but that didn’t do too much, because I just got passed on the upwinds. Everyone knew how to hike harder than me, and I was on the small side.
I also learned about Rule 42 and kinetics the hard way. The first day I was yellow flagged twice. Under Rule 42, if you’re flagged once, you may spin circles, but the second time you’re flagged, you must sail off the course. So I took a 17 in one of the races and a DNE in the other, as I spun circles, but didn’t realize I needed to sail off the course. For the remainder of the regatta I could not risk another yellow flag.
Before I went home that first day, I was able to talk with Chris Barnard and Paul Didham. These two sailors are at the top of their game, and it was so cool they even talked to me. They told me some important information and passed along encouragement. I went back to the hotel and was ready to get past the terrible day that had just unfolded. The next morning I was ready to do well. Again it blew 15, and I started the day off with a black flag. By the third day, I finally realized, on the water, the importance of telltales on Laser sails. I was sailing without them, and it was very difficult to determine how high and long I could take my high modes.
Then, on the last day in Silver Fleet, I was improving, finding myself at the top of the fleet in a couple of races that were, unfortunately, abandoned. Overall, I learned many important lessons during Laser Midwinter’s East. Hopefully, I will not ever make the same mistakes. I had a ton of fun, and I am looking forward to competing again next year.
Sailing is a huge part of my family’s life. I would not be able to compete or travel without the assistance of the BYCMSSF. I am extremely grateful to the Foundation for considering my grant applications. Every race is taken extremely seriously, with lots of preparation and focus, so that I don’t let down my supporters.
Thank you,
Morgan Pinckney