Photo: Walter Cooper
Photo: J.H. Peterson
What was the first boat you owned?
Andrew Campbell:
I bought my own Laser in 2001—sail number 17817. Since then, I've been the proud owner of a very limited fleet.
How did you learn the racing game?
AC: I learned how to race sailboats from my friends and parents. Sailing with my friends after school every day was probably the best gift, besides my education, that my parents ever gave me. I learned the art of preparation from my father and team racing from my college coaches at Georgetown. Laser sailing has mostly been a self-taught process with help from countless training partners and some coaches along the way.
What is you secret to mastering the Laser? Do you have tips on improving stability and performance?
AC: The secret is...practice. Without a doubt, and to some people's dismay I'm sure, the secret to winning in any boat is 'Time in the Boat.' In all of sailing, the Laser is perhaps the best example of this. Because of the strict one-design nature of the class, time spent perfecting rigging systems, technique and fitness are the only ways to master the boat. Ask anybody at any level of the game, and they will tell you how far away from mastering the boat they really are. The more I sail, the more I realize there is room for improvement.
Could you please give us a few rigging tricks you've learned?
AC: The use of Harken blocks has made sailing the Laser easier, but keeping the amount of line and friction to a minimum and the systems simple is a never-ending task. I try to keep the number of purchases to a minimum when rigging the downhaul, outhaul and boom vang. This reduces the amount of trim needed per control to get the desired sail shape and increase the entire system's effectiveness.
Any specific uses of Harken that have helped you out?
AC: The Harken Vang Key is a great improvement not only for my sailing, but for 75% of all Laser sailors. On top of that, I prefer Harken mainsheet blocks because of the durability, and ease with which I can switch the ratchet on and off.
How do you physically and mentally prepare for a race?
 Laser Vang |
AC: Physically I try to get to the gym, row, run and cycle for the months and weeks leading into a regatta. Mentally, I concentrate on the conditions of the particular area, and the competitors I'll be up against. I also try to remind myself that the upcoming race is similar to the thousands of others that I've sailed in the past. That usually lends some reassurance.
How do you prepare your boat for racing?
AC: I make sure my rigging and sails are optimized for racing through lots of practice. I apply McLube™ to friction points on the mast and boom and soap down the bottom of the boat so there's no debris to hold me up. I'll also sand and polish my foils with 80 grit, then finish them off with 400, 600 and 1000 grit until fair.
What would you miss on your boat if you forgot it?
AC: Too often people forget the elusive stern plug. I managed to forget mine during a practice race in June 2001 (Annapolis, Maryland). I remember exactly the day it happened 6-plus years ago.
What is your most memorable race?
AC: My most memorable was the last race of the 2006 College Team Race Nationals in Charleston, South Carolina when the Georgetown team broke up a Tufts 1,2, 6 on the final beat to finish 1,2 and win the National Championship. What an unbelievable day for my team, crew and coaches. I'll never forget the feeling.
What advice would you give to a sailor new to the sport?
AC: Enjoy every minute, no matter how hard the work. Realize you're outside and living life to the fullest. More importantly, ask the sailors who have been in the sport before you a ton of questions. They've all gone through the same process you're going through and are usually glad to help out. It's the best way to accelerate your learning curve.
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