sail – CommuniKate

A couple days ago, I went to a regatta at the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey. It was an hour drive from our house. When we arrived, I said hi to all my old friends who are now on a different racing team than me. I checked in, and my coach, Captain Rod, gave us a tour of the giant yacht club building. Then, we had our Skipper’s Meeting. After that, I went in and rigged my RS Tera. I had to wait a while to get a dolly. Finally, I received one. I brought my boat down to the dock and then launched.

I was out in the marina sailing, and then a ~~PIRATE ATTACKED ME!~~ Just kidding. I got to the committee boat and sailed around while we waited for other boats. Finally, everyone was there and we started the race. We did 6 races, but your worst race would not be counted. Anyway, in my fourth race, I was fouled. I had the overlap, but the boat didn’t give it to me. That caused 12 boats to get ahead of me. 😦 The other races, I did pretty well.

Me sailing again with a couple other Teras.

Me sailing.

After all 6 races, we sailed in. My former teammates helped my de-rig. We checked the board with the results and I got 17th place. I would’ve earned around 15th without that foul. There were 30 boats racing so I ended up in the middle, and I beat a bunch of high-schoolers! 🙂 Then, I went to the yacht club restaurant and ate with my mom. The reason why my siblings didn’t come is that they were at Scout-O-Rama. I ordered a burger and fries, and there was free POPCORN! Yummmmmmyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me with my friend.

I’m eating. lol

After that, we headed home. It was an hour drive on the way back. Luckily, I had popcorn to eat in the car.

katesavemaardelrey — Waving to my Mom as I head to the dock.

group-shot-getting-ready

Each week, we sail with our homeschool group. In the sailboats we use, there are 2 to 3 kids. Each kid has a job on the sailboat. If there are 3 kids, then the child in the back will steer the boat. One of the kids in the front will pull the lines for the mainsail. The other child in the front will pull the lines for the jib. The jib is a small sail in the front.

sarah-and-kate-sailing — The little girl in the front, my sister, is switching the jib.

It is most important for the skipper, which is the name for driver, to stay focused at all times. The crew is the name for the kids that are not steering the boat. They will take care of the sails and watch for boats coming their way. When the winds are not right to sail, we take kayaks to the beach.

just-off-kayak-kate — With my friends and the kayaks.

We swim and play at the beach.

Before we go sailing, we set up our boats. The first piece you put on is the jib. After that, you put in the rudder which is attached to the tiller. The tiller is what you use to drive the boat. After you have put on the jib and rudder, you haul on the mainsail. Once the mainsail is up and connected, you push your boat into the water, stick the dagger board in the hole, have your crew jump in and sail off. I drive the boat almost always. Sailing is very fun and a good skill.