Comments from the Afterguard

07-08-11 Distributed to the Crew

Comments From the After Guard

Welcome to the Mac. The distance of the shore course is 289.4 N.M.
You are part of a team that will work to win Mackinaw Cup along with Division 8. Think about your ETA to the finish for the $5 pool and we are off to the Pony.

All watches are to be relieved 15 minutes prior to the hour. Time should be allowed to provide for familiarization with current situation, position, tactical situation as well as to acclimate to conditions and night vision.

Standard watch rotations provide a minimum of 4 crewmembers on watch at all times. In the event of heavy weather, sail changes or other situations requiring additional personnel, the other crew or individuals will be called to assist. Drivers should rotate frequently, particularly in heavy weather, enough time to get the feel, not enough time to lose your concentration.

Log entries should be made at least each hour. Position will be updated on the chart each hourly. Helmsman must ensure that the log is being entered.

While overall strategy and tactics are always subject to change due to weather and wind conditions, No alteration to strategy should be taken without notifying the Tactician to ascertain the situation, anticipate conditions, and how any current change may effect or impact overall strategy---
DO NOT HESITATE TO THINK, CONSULT, RATHER THAN REACT, WAKE THE TACTITIAN BEFORE YOU VARY THE BOAT STRATEGY.

Long Distances races are won through diligence, persistence, and adherence to a coherent strategy that is only amended to meet overall persistent changes in the wind, weather, and conditions. It can be disastrous to find yourself becalmed in the middle of Lake Huron after chasing wind zephyrs through the night, when shore effect breezes are moving the fleet up the course. Challenge the strategy, challenge the tactics.think.consult, then react.

Keep the boat moving--Moving toward the finish--up the rhumb line.

In order to maximize your alertness and benefit to the team, it is important that when you are not on watch you are sleeping, eating, or resting. Even in the first few hours of the race if you are not on watch—rest. If you are below, sleep on the high side—if you are on deck sleep on the high side rail. Races are often won at night when your crew works to be more diligent and alert than the competition. You can only challenge the boat to greater speed if you are alert. Use your off watch time effectively, sleep and rest will soon be a precious commodity. Full crew at the start, Full crew at the finish.

Have a great Mac.


NYANZA
Captain Jim McBrier