Spider web in my Windex

[LConrad]

While "racing" last night it seemed that Delightful was always pointing into wind no matter what direction she went. A little closer look showed the Windex caught in a spider web. I would like to blame my mediocre race results on the nasty spider, but the skipper and boat might also be factors. Anyway I have two questions.

1. Anybody know how to prevent spider webs on the Windex?

2. Any ideas other than going up top to fix it?

I suppose this could stimulate some creative thoughts.

[Tim Gardner]

I can only advise you to sail more to avoid the cobwebs!
tg

[Bob23]

You could consider canning the windex. I use small lengths of yard tied to each upper shroud about 6 to 8 feet off the deck. It's a well known fact in the knitting community that spiders don't like yarn!
Bob23

[Craig Weis]

I heard that spiders eat there own web. So wait it out. Or sailing and racing; but don't look up.
Shoot some garden hose water up there with a really good nozzle.

skip.

[Salty19]

That's happens to me about this time of the year at the mooring.

A few drastic tacks in decent breeze will tear the web apart.

And the yarn on the shrouds trick works well (I actually use cassette tape).

[Billy]

try spraying the windex with some WD 40...

one of 2 only tools you will ever need.

WD 40 for parts that don't move that should
and Duct tape for parts that move that shouldn't.

Seriously, the spiders don't like the smell and slick surface. try it out

[LConrad]

Thanks for all the good thoughts. I'll take some yarn out tomorrow in case the spider webs are still there. It has been calm and dry around here so that is part of the problem.

Now about the "racing" tomorrow - we would like to leave a small fleet of J-24s in our wake. I am looking for a magician to help crew Delightful in the Indianapolis area.  :-)

[Bob23]

Magician Bob23 at your service, sir!
The only way to beat a J-24 with a Compac is to cross the starting line a bit early- like the day before the race! Keep us posted as to the results!
Bob23

[brackish]

Now about the "racing" tomorrow - we would like to leave a small fleet of J-24s in our wake. I am looking for a magician to help crew Delightful in the Indianapolis area.  :-)

I suggest you bribe the handicap committee for a more favorable rating   However if you are racing boat for boat, then a high pressure water cannon may do the trick.

[bmiller]

Now about the "racing" tomorrow - we would like to leave a small fleet of J-24s in our wake.

I think your best bet is to slip a drogue around the J boats keel.

[LConrad]

Thanks for all the great ideas. The wind finally picked up and restored the windex to full operation. I also added yarn to the stays and like it.

Delightful actually did pretty good downwind with the 155 wing on wing. Several J's were not that much faster. Windward is another story. We don't start a day earlier, but about 10 minutes earlier than the J's. My goal is to beat all the J's to the first mark with the 10 minute advantage.  We made it to the first windward mark ahead of all the J's and had a beer to celebrate.

I am working on some keel drogues sort of like the prop fouling I have seen on Whale Wars. Get to the first mark and throw them in to foul all of the J keels :-)