Team work begins

Today our coach Leandro helped us get our charter boat set with base measurements for heavy air from which we can do minor adjustments. He said there is a high pressure system that will bring even stronger winds during the next few days. It's so nice to have a coach! Leandro seems to really know Snipes and he's very friendly, so we're in good hands.

After moving our boat from one boat yard to a different one to be with the other U.S. boats (and take advantage of conversations with teammates and coach plus use the container for storage), we went for a very windy sail. We had an hour of sailing in 20-27 knots with some good upwind tuning and observation among the 4 U.S. boats with our coach following us, but the commodore of the yacht club suddenly appeared in a giant power boat and told us to return to the club due to the danger of building winds (over 30 forecasted). We didn't mind since it was getting harder to keep the boat flat and our equipment was getting pushed to the limit with all controls as tight as possible. We even had to rerig the boom vang while on the water because the bottom purchase system was two-blocked, and Leandro was still shouting for us to get more vang (to pull down the boom and flatten/tighten the main sail).

The water is fairly warm, and I'm fine in just my full wetsuit. I drank a good dose of salt water from the spray, though, and sunscreen was stinging my eyes. The waves are small but the winds shift very suddenly and hit in strong gusts from over the tops of the buildings (still NE breeze), so we have to be looking for and anticipating the puffs and shifts on the water even if only seconds away.

We agreed to all be sailing by 10 a.m. tomorrow (mornings are calmer) with tape over batten pockets and safety line added onto outhaul in case it comes undone. Peter Commette and Leandro also encouraged us to rig "barber haulers" to pull the jib out further and make it flatter going upwind (S. Americans frequently do this I was told) which we'll try out tomorrow.

I rented a hot pink bike this afternoon so I can get back and forth between the condo and club a little faster (and so I can keep up with Christin and her husband who already have bikes). Bikes and motor scooters are ideal ways to get around here, and it's very flat. We'll have a rental car once my mom arrives tomorrow (Friday), but she and Rusty will need it to use with the boys and to go sightseeing out of Punta del Este.

Rusty and the boys arrive Sunday afternoon and I can't wait. They're anxious for photos, but I'm having trouble getting them uploaded to the blog from my computer because my connection is weak. I'll keep trying.

Just as the weather is getting warmer and sunnier, everyone is getting ready for summer here. Beach equipment is being put out for sale and stores and restaurants are getting spiffed up in time for the tourist season and return of the summer residents. Sidewalks are even getting new tiles or a fresh coat of red paint!