I learned something on reading the puffs of wind while lake racing Saturday

[Doug SC]

So, Ryan possibly our top Flying Scot skipper told us how to a read puff while tacking to the windward mark. If on the lifted tack to the windward mark and it appears to be coming toward us between the shroud and the mast, then tack because it will be a header. If it is coming towards us behind the shroud, then don't tack. That helped me read the puffs much better.

[Riley Smith]

There were three pine trees on a dollop of real soil there in the marsh that I used to sail by on a regular basis. I was amazed that I could feel the effect of them even though I'd be almost 200 yds downwind. There was a definite lag until I cleared the wind shadow of the trees. Had it happen too many times for it to be an accident.

[Noemi - Ensenada 20]

Doug, sailing the lifted tack is what helped Bab Bob and me beat the two ex-Navy seals in a tacking duel some years ago.  It was really fun!  And I couldn't sit down without using my arms for two days.  LOTS of crouching!