Your upwind Sweet Spot is the point of sail in which you sail against the wind most efficiently and at a consistent angle of heel. Also known as the "groove", it covers a range of a few degrees angle to the wind in which you are able to steer consistently at a steady speed.
The sweet spot for your boat...
I have set out below a number of heavy air techniques that will help you sail more competitively. Success and speed in heavy air grows from a combination of the following ingredients.
Firstly you have to learn to love it.
Secondly, you must prepare your boat so that nothing will break.
And lastly, be prepared to practice and train in heavy air....
Racing in light air needs the same attitude as racing in heavy air, you have to like it to do well.
In the Southern Hemisphere winter, we get plenty of light air days and in the US about 75% of races are sailed in less than 10 knots. Bearing that in mind, there is plenty of reason to develop a...
