Offshore Series Series presented Offshore presented by by Z spar masts, Booms, Beams, rigging Ward says, “I am honored to be a volunteer coach for Jahn Tihansky’s Navy VOST (Varsity Offshore Sailing Team) team and be a contributor to a process that takes Midshipmen who have never sailed on a boat to winning, experienced, offshore teams in an incredibly compressed timeframe. Starting in the winter of each season with classroom academics, during the spring, these outstanding future leaders are trained daily beginning with basic seamanship and safety maneuvers and building quickly into cohesive team units in weeks, ready to tackle initial events offshore and taking on tactical and strategic planning and execution. By early summer these teams, led by experienced teammates, are ready and competitive in the offshore arena. This last season is a great example, as the team enjoyed notable results in their events.
U.S. SparS, Inc.
“On Crocodile and the Navy boats, we hold a pre-brief before each race/practice, much like I did when flying. As a tactical pilot, it is standard practice to spend up to seven hours preparing for the complexities of deep air strike, close air support missions, and then briefing the entire flight in a set format and time, to enable all participants a full understanding of the plan and contingencies for the mission/flight. This battle rhythm, whether combat or training, offshore/buoy race or practice, serves as a critical component to ensure the entire crew knows the conditions, plan, and ‘what ifs’ prior to leaving the dock. Post briefs are also standard in military flights and very effective with race teams. They enable crew mechanics to be fixed, equipment setup, and repair needs. USNA VOST adheres to these methods as a baseline method to maximizing each individual and crew learning curve.”
usspars.com
“I blend my Crocodile race schedule with VOST, which enables a unique opportunity to coach on the VOST boats and offer my military and sailing experiences. If the schedules line up, the Croc team also races against the same VOST teams (lots of good natured challenges when this happens!), and on occasion VOST sailors race onboard Croc if their leave schedules allow.” While Ward says he thoroughly enjoys passing on his military and sailing knowledge to the Midshipman, it can be a two way street. “I also learn from them, as they are always coming up with ingenious solutions to strategy, problems, or making the boat go faster.” It’s wonderful to hear about the innovation and energy of the next generation of sailors, and we thank Ward and all our active duty and veteran military sailors who share their skills on the Bay and beyond. P
Find the third part of this series in the June SpinSheet and more offshore articles at spinsheet.com.
Batteries For EvEry NEEd! Deka AGM Marine Batteries
8A24M 800 MCA 79 AH $ 95 w/ Exchange
189
or Equivalent
8A31DTM 1000 MCA 105 AH 200 RC $ 95 w/ Exchange
219
or Equivalent
Your Source for
Rod Rigging!
8A27M 900 MCA 92 AH 175 RC $ 95 w/ Exchange
209
or Equivalent
Deka AGM Commercial Batteries
8A8D 1800 MCA 245 AH 480 RC $ 75 w/ Exchange
479
8A4D 1420 MCA 198 AH 380 RC $ 75 w/ Exchange
429
or Equivalent
or Equivalent
3 Store Locations To Serve You! 3003 Mountain Road Pasadena, MD 21122 410-360-0676
theriggingco.com 8220 Ritchie Highway Pasadena, MD 21122 410-544-2441
1900 Forest Drive Annapolis, MD 21401 410-267-0799
Monday - Friday 8am - 7pm • Saturday 9am - 4pm • Sunday 10am - 1pm
Annapolis, MD
Rod Rigging Authorized Dealer
70 May 2020 SpinSheet.com
443-847-1004 theriggingco.com