Sailing on Blue Zulu

This page is under construction. While this page is of interest to those sailing on Blue Zulu, I am also writing it because I have been asked by a number of people for guidance on crew management, and in particular, how to convey to potential new crew what is expected from them. Skippers, feel free to copy and modify the information below for your own situations.

Blue Zulu is a 1981 C&C 27 Mk-3 that has been sailing out of NSC since 2004. We race Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and the occasional weekend race. We race with a crew of 6, and while most of the crew have been with us for 10-15+ years, we do occasionally have openings in the crew roster, and we enjoy the opportunity to introduce newcomers to the NSC, the C&C 27 fleet, and to racing & sailing in general. Most of the positions require experienced crew, but there are one or two positions in which we can put people that have little, or even no, sailing experience, provided they have the right attitude.

Expectations

If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’ve received an invitation to join us for a race; this page is intended to give you an idea of what to expect. The crew generally show up ~1715, and we plan to leave the dock by 1730. Newcomers will generally be invited for ~1700, to give a little time to review things. Sailing is very much a team sport, and everyone on the boat has a job to do; we never take people out just for “rail meat”. So you’re expected to be there, on time. Crises happen, and if your child ends up in hospital, or you wake up feeling deathly ill, we’ll do our best without you, but last minute cancellations are the bane of every skipper. Crew who cancel at the last minute, without a good reason, or don’t show, are not likely to be invited again.

What to wear, what to bring, what not to bring

Wear clothing appropriate to the weather, and bring:

• a change of clothes,
• a water bottle,
• shoes that won’t mark the deck (generally anything but black-soled shoes), and
• a rain jacket and pants (aka foul weather gear), if you have them.

Leave the laptop in the trunk or at home. If you have your own PFD and want to bring it, feel free to do so, though we have extras on board. We also have limited extra foul weather gear on board.

What about inclement weather

Regardless of the weather forecast, we always meet at the club, and almost always head out to the race course. Occasionally there will be little or no wind when we leave the harbour, and the Race Committee may postpone the start of the race, but more often than not, we’ll get a race in. Rain, or even snow, doesn’t stop us. Only if there are thunderstorms in the immediate area will the RC postpone ashore. And even if we’re getting pounded with thunder and lightning at 1700, often the storm will move through, allowing us to get a race in. So while the forecast is important for knowing how to dress, come to the club, regardless.

The race

Our races generally consist of 6 legs: up-down, 3 times around. All of our racing involves spinnakers, hence the larger crew. Sailboat racing is more exciting than most non-sailors imagine, and Blue Zulu is among the more competitive boats. Some might describe the vibe on the boat as intense or focused, but we’re all out there for fun! Often, crew will experience a few “boat bites”, and might have a few bruises from climbing from one side of the boat to the other. Adrenalin junkies will love the heavy air races, though most evenings in Ottawa the wind is relatively light.

What will my role be

We usually put newcomers in what we refer to as the #6/rover position; this crew member is usually the third person from the bow when sailing upwind, and just ahead of the cockpit. During the pre-start maneuvers, we’ll get you to count down the time, and during the race we’ll ask you adjust certain lines at the mast, perhaps adjust the mainsheet when going downwind, and most vitally, pull the spinnaker down at each leeward rounding. But don’t worry, we’ll talk you through all of this.

Post-race

One of the crew usually brings refreshments and snacks which we enjoy on the boat after racing, and most evenings, most of the crew head up to the club for a drink and a bite to eat. It’s best not to commit to anything after racing, as races sometimes get postponed, or take much longer. But typically we’ll be off the water by ~2000-2030; sticking around for bite afterwards is always completely optional.

Parking at NSC

NSC’s parking is part of Dick Bell Park, so never park on the grass along the road, or anywhere other than in a designated parking spot, as City by-law officers frequently ticket cars there. If you can’t find a parking spot, call me, and I can help you.

Upon arrival at the club

When you arrive at the club, go through the front doors of the clubhouse, straight through the building, and out the back door of the club. Then turn left, and beyond the blue tent, you’ll see a gate to the docks. If someone is passing through the gate, you can follow them through, walk down the dock/ramp, first right, then left, then Blue Zulu is the third boat on the left – slip A-05. If you can’t get through the gate, or if nobody is at the boat, just call me (613-302-0318).

Getting invited back

Sailboat racing isn’t for everyone, but we sincerely hope that you will enjoy your outing with us. If you do, and if it’s a good match, we’ll be happy to add you to our subs list. Unfortunately, when it comes to looking for substitute crew, the reality is that it is often on relatively short notice, so two key factors in deciding whom to ask is how quickly are they likely to respond, and how likely are they to be available. A quick response is always appreciated. That said, we have limited crewing positions available, so we will be pleased to introduce you to other skippers who may be looking for crew.

Photos

Below are a few photos of Blue Zulu racing, from the C&C 27 Association website.

For more info, check out the Ottawa C&C 27 page, or this YouTube video.

If after joining us, you think of other information that I should add to this page, please let me know.

Hugh Morrin
Blue Zulu, NSC Slip A-05
C&C 27 MK III, #894
613-302-0318
morrinh at magma.ca