Tiller Time
Most 210’ers never have their hand on the tiller unless there racing. The 210 is a blast to race but I get as much enjoyment just going out for a day sail on Narragansett Bay or a training sail with my crew as racing. Along with having Steve Dutcher in my boat, early season sails were a big part of my improvement last season. I went from last in every regatta I sailed in 2010 to 2nd in every regatta I entered and 4th in the nationals landing us the Presidents Cup for the season. We had Quatro rigged at Sail Newport on March 1st getting in at least 2 sails per week before the first race!
THe First Chance in Newport that Dave Johnson and myself set up was a great success on many levels. We had 7 boats rigged on May 5th out sailing! With Dave’s great work we got off 10 races in 2 days. 30% of the crews never sailed in a 210 before! Pat Clancy ( AKA Youngblood) skippered Sue Epstines boat for the first time and placed 2nd! We turned a few heads in Newport Harbor in these sleek-looking boats that haven’t been seen in this area in a long time.
Our goal is to set up some more new events this year. June 9 and 10 we will be running a similar event at Falmouth Yacht Club. We are also trying to set up an event in NJ before the Last Chance at Gibson Island. You could leave your boat in NJ then trailer it to Gibson!
Let’s get more boats out racing. We have a great class and the more we show it off the more new crews will start appearing.
I hope everyone has a great season, we send some boats west to Gull Lake for the Nationals and get lots of tiller time!
