DOES SIZE MATTER? By Michael Quirk

That eternal discussion ‘How important is size to our enjoyment?’ needs to be confronted by the 505 fleet in Oz. In the near future we may be asked to vote on whether 505 sailors should be allowed to have big ones.

The recent regatta in Jervis Bay provided some insight into this matter and there was much discussion on and off the water. Normally dignified 505 sailors were asking each other whether they had a big one or not. Those of us with female partners were soliciting their opinions and receiving many and varied responses.

Amongst the sailors there were also varied opinions. (The female’s opinion seemed to be affected by whether or not their partner was present when the question was asked). From what I could gather, the only people who were suggesting that technique was more important than size or that we should all have small ones - were those of us that only had small ones.

I for one am now convinced that in the conditions that we had at Jervis Bay (5-10 knots) a big one was a lot more fun. Of course, with a small partner the extra size could present some difficulties. It also requires careful handling and experience is required to avoid damage.

Once you have a big one to contend with, both parties need to know what they are doing and work together well. Once you get it up it’s not to much of a problem so long as you both work in unison. The problem we found was getting it up. There is of course a lot more of it, so if your timing is out you can run into problems. Ideally both partners need to finish at the same time. The front person needs to get their pole out all the way at about the same time as the rear person gets it all the way up. (I am avoiding using genders here as these days partnerships can include all sexes and to specify a gender is politically incorrect).

If either partner finishes to early the other may need help. I found that if I was a little late I needed two hands to pull it all the way and in one instance Geoff (my partner) had to help as well.

We also found that due to the extra size, it was sometimes difficult to get out, as it became jammed. Geoff had to push while I pulled. In the meantime people with smaller ones were already well on their way and looked back at us with satisfied smirks on their faces.

In coming months as we experiment at different venues and in different conditions the advantage (or disadvantage) of size will become more apparent. Geoff and I used Dave Porter’s big one for a while on the weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thanks Dave (and Janice for sharing).