Posted by Allan_Lang on February 19, 2004 at 03:51:08 from 202.61.171.25 user Allan_Lang.
In Reply to: Re: Young Sailors posted by Laurence Monkhouse on February 12, 2004 at 17:56:59:
Nancy should have 'covered' him, staying at all times between Swallow and the finish. All sailors know this rule, yet even America's Cup races have been lost by not following it.
She was doing that
"When Swallow went about, Amazon did the same as if to be sure of keeping the distance she has already gained."
until the leg when Nancy had to turn to make the usual course east of Long Island.
Being further South, John was able to continue NW until he could see the wind conditions W of Long Island, while still leaving his options open. If Nancy had tried to cover his course, she would have been committed to the western side before she knew what the wind was like there.