Trimming Sails Together. Generally, on boats that are going slow, one sail will be much looser or tighter than the other. Conversely, it might be flatter or fuller than the other. Fast boats have similar depth in the main and jib as well as similar twist profiles. It is worth noting though that even if conditions don’t dictate flat sails,...
Using a Race Compass - You win sailboat races by sailing faster and less distance than your opponents and to sail less distance, you must have a good feel for the angles. Many sailors develop this feel visually over time but not everyone retains this visual information. Compass as a Precise Tool A compass gives you a precise tool for the angles...
Essential Before Rounding a Mark - Before you round any mark, it’s essential to visually locate the next mark. This is critical for your next-leg strategy. It will have a massive impact on how you approach each mark rounding. The Weather Mark - Essential Before Rounding a Mark As an example, at the weather mark, you must ask yourself whether you...
UPWIND When you see a puff approaching: First off, even if it's not your job to call puffs, it's always good practice to run through the motions in your head; it'll help you stay sharp the next time puff calling is your job. When you see a line of breeze rolling down the course, there are four important pieces of information. Mention...
Preparing For A Big Event - It's the time of the year when many classes and clubs have their State, National and World Championships. Quite often travel to events both locally and Internationally adds a layer of difficulty. Preparing a packing list is an important part of being ready to race. In every case, preparation is one of the key...