So what are structured practices?

TIME MACHINE will be conducting structured practices which are based on the following schemes:

1) BOATSPEED and SAILTRIM
These sessions will be conducted with another J/35 or T/35 who will sail along side, with handheld VHFs in each cockpit. We will select an apparaent wind angle and then sail parallel courses staying as close together as possible without fouling each other's air. The faster boat will not make any changes while the slower boat changes trim and settings until they are faster. Then the roles are reversed. Each time a 'fast' setting is found, all the data is recorded (halyard length, backstay length, forestay length, jib sheet position, jib-car position, crew positions, shroud lengths, etc.) After a couple of cycles of trimming, change to another course and start the excercise all over again.

2) SAUSAGES
These sessions can be conducted alone, with a coach in a crash-boat (with video and still camera or with a partner boat). Set a windward-leeward course of between 0.75 and 1.25 miles (longer in heavier air). Start at the leeward mark, trying to shave the mark at 0 seconds at full speed. Tack at least 4 times, while staying in phase with any shifts. At the weather mark turn down wind and then gybe at least 4 times down to the leeward mark. Each mark rounding should alternate between a gybe-douse and weather-douse (leeward) and a bear-away and gybe-set (windward). The objective is to build confidence and timing during the roundings and to promote awareness of wind-shifts and conditions between the ends. At the conclusion of the practice, review the logged instrument data to see how much of the time we were on the correct board and how close to target speed we were sailing. Any settings which worked well should be logged on the water.

3) STARTS
These sessions can be conducted alone or with a partner boat (more fun). Set a 15-20 boatlength startline. Start a 10 minute sequence, 5 minutes to 'sniff the breeze' and then a 5 minute starting sequence. The objective is to pick the favored end of the line, hit the line at 0 seconds and have at least target speed when crossing the line. Beat upwind until the first tack, as dictated by the wind shifts. Bear off and restart the sequence again.
The objective of this excerise is to hone the timing of getting the boat up to speed and to improve the awarenss of the wind shifts and picking the favored end of the line. Logging of the time required to accelerate to full speed, and settings is required. Log the time of each start to help with interpertation of instrument log. Full instrumenation logging and review during debrief is key.

4) MINI RACES
Setup a windward-leeward course using the principles of the SAUSAGES and STARTS. These sessions are best done with a training partner. Initiate a 5 minute sequence, beat to the windward mark, round to the favored board, run to the leeward mark, round and get on the favored board, tack on the next shift and then return to the starting line. Repeat as often as possible. Use any crossings to work on tactical desicions.