Wow! Spring is finally here and the SYC boatyard is OPEN!
We are looking forward to a full sailing season at the lake this year including:
- Monthly first (or last) Friday dinners out.
- Monthly moonlight sails June thru September.
- Resumption of the free community sailing lessons.
- Resumption of SYC club racing.
You can participate in all of the above for only:
- $50 social membership or
- $100 boating membership or
- $150 racing membership
Send your check to SYC, Box 221, Topeka, KS 66601 or use Paypal via the Shawneeyachtclub.org web page.
We are looking forward to another great year at SYC,
Mark Marling
Secretary/Treasurer
An Appeal to SYC Alumni
Do you remember:
Brent Nothern
SYC's Brent Nothern died unexpectedly December 14, 2020. Brent was a fixture at SYC since he was young and, in more recent years, sailing and working with his dad, Austin, on their boats. Brent was also a photographer and generously provided SYC with photos of many of our events. Our hearts go out to his family. We'll miss seeing Brent out on the water.
SYC Facility Upgrade Plans
With 2021 being SYC's 80th year, plans are in-the-works for a major upgrade to club facilities to support future generations of local sailing enthusiasts and make room for new developments at Lake Shawnee.
Forbes Weather
33.0°F - Fair
Coming Events
(Subject to Covid Restrictions)
- 5/15, Work Party, 9:00 am, SYC
- 5/28, Wine & Cheese Party, 5:30pm-10:00pm, SYC
- 6/2, First Intro to Sailing & Racing, 6:00 pm, SYC
- 6/6, First Sunday Race, 2:00 pm, SYC
- 6/26, Full Moon Social, 5:30pm-10:00pm, SYC
SYC on Facebook
Mark's Sailing Blog
Common Situations That Will Happen Many Times Each Race
You are beating up the right side of the lake on port tack. Tony is beating up the left side of the lake, also on port tack, but he is pointing higher than you.
You:
a) curse your bad luck
b) hope the wind will soon change in your favor
c) hope Tony tips over
d) tack
Similar situation but you are pointing higher than Tony.
You:
a) congratulate yourself on being so smart
b) hope this lasts
c) hope Tony doesn't notice
d) tack
The answer in the first case is d) tack. Tony is making out on you to the tune of maybe one boat length in five sailed. You best cut your loss and go get in Tony's wind.
The answer in the second case is c) hope Tony doesn't notice. If he does notice, he will tack and then he will be gaining the one length in five mentioned above.
You have got to watch the angles you and your competitors are sailing.
Somebody is ALWAYS gaining and someone is ALWAYS losing.
It is a game of distance, not speed.
Two boats are crossing on opposite tacks. One of you is going the correct way and the other IS NOT. This is always true.
Who is going the correct way?
a) Tony
b) whoever is pointing closest to the mark.
In the third case, the boat pointing closest to the mark is 1) closing the distance to the mark for an equivalent time sailed, and 2) is less effected by any change in wind direction.
Sailing is a geometry game.