Hobie Cat Forums

In yesterday evening's race, we finally beat a Tornado!

My 18 year old son and I race in a mixed fleet (2 minute starts separate the 505/Fireball, Albacore and Catamaran Fleets) on the Ottawa River out of Nepean Sailing Club. Typical diamond-sausage course, usually three races of about 25 - 35 minutes each, depending on wind.

On the way out to the start, we saw a 'not seen before' Tornado screaming along at nearly 20 knots. My first thought was that once again, our SX18 was destined for a dismal last place finish.

However, last night, we really had everything dialled in, and in the 2nd of 2 races, we beat the 'not seen before' 1974 Tornado. What a thrill, every tack was good, our downwind was working great, my son had fun on the wire when we were beating, and the teamwork was perfect.

Later, over refreshments, John the Tornado sailor, sadly admitted that his re-built Tornado has a bad leak, and he took on a huge amount of water. While he has my sympathies, I bought him a cold beverage and thanked him for allowing us to say 'we beat a Tornado'.

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1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Congrats, man! Hey, boat prep is just one of many aspects of the racing game. If you beat him, you beat him! And win, lose, or draw, the cold beverage afterwards is always good!

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

A win is a win.

sm

My college water polo team's motto was, "Win or lose we booze!"

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Corkguy H18

Ain't it fun when it all comes together!

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Mark Van Doren
Division 9 Chairman
H20 #647
H14 #47787
H16 #112205

great work John, good on you.

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

After another last place finish, Joaquin, (who sails a very fast Inter 20) suggested we configure a barber-hauler arrangement for the jib to allow us to point better.....that is, the set would allow us to trim the jib closer to center.

Anyone have any ideas?

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1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Don't do it. You will close off the slot between the jib and main.

Barberhaulers were actually original equipment on the 18, but very quickly discarded because they don't work.

The boat is what it is. You're not going to be able to point with Inter 20's, Miracle 20's, Nacra 6.0s, or Tornados. The only time you may be able to hang with them upwind is when it's blowing 25+, even then they'll probably still beat you.

sm

Thanks SRM, your knowledge is vast and useful.
Perhaps one day we'll get some sailing lessons from you....

Time to suggest to last night's crew (my lovely wife), that we look at a used Tiger....

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1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Hi John, one of the guys here on my beach recently bought a used Tiger. It's an awesome boat but most definitely a "two-up" craft i.e., wouldn't be the boat for me as I'm still mostly solo but it would work great for you and L/M. Next time you're down this way I'll get you a ride. Take care!

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Irie, mon....
'82 Hobie 18 SE with '85 Nationals Prism (White) sails
'73 Laser HID# 3463

Thanks Brian, I've sailed (and raced) a Tiger, and I should add that it takes two active crew, unless you like swimming. We can do it, and my son would love it.

Did you get your jib repaired?

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1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

John for the right price I'll sell you mine.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
R.Vilvens@yahoo.com
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

Rich
Will you deliver via Panama, North West Passage or Cape Horn?
Yours would be ideal...
Unless you have plans to attend a regatta in the North East...

cheers

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1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

I'm going over half way there in early spring. Ohio but I could go a little further. Or throw it on someone's trailer coming back from the worlds.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
R.Vilvens@yahoo.com
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/