Effective steering off the wind - On reaches and runs it is essential that the helmsman and trimmer communicate and co-ordinate their actions.
As the helmsman, you must also respond to input from the tactician and changing sailing conditions plus the trimmer’s input based on sheet load and boat speed. The problem here is that there may be conflicting voices...
The 'Doppler' Windshift Effect - We all know what happens when a train comes toward us at full speed with its horn blowing, at first the sound is very high pitched, but it drops quickly as the train passes by and becomes quite low-pitched while the train speeds away.
The Doppler Effect
The reason for this is what's called the Doppler...
Sail away from shifts and toward better pressure.
Downwind Secrets - When you are racing upwind, the principal rule of thumb is to sail toward the next shift, on a run, however, you should sail away from the next shift because you are trying to make progress downwind, not upwind.
By getting farther away from the direction of the next shift...
As a rule of thumb Downwind, Always be searching for the best pressure.
When sailing on a run, the key to success is locating better wind velocity, getting your boat into that pressure, and then staying in it as long as possible.
Better pressure allows you to sail lower and faster than your fellow competitors meaning you will gain on those...
Left or Right? This is probably the most asked question in yacht racing. Going fast is important but it is no good being the fastest boat if you are going fast the wrong way.
That’s why, no matter how fast you are, you must consider whether you want to go left or right.
Strategy
When racing, we must employ strategy. Strategy is...
In these days of windward-leeward courses reaching legs provide a bit of variety but how you sail them is no less important and plenty of gains can be made remembering that many competitors treat these legs as a procession and perhaps relax a bit. That's why we should develop a reaching trim and strategy to gain places on these...
Excerpts from an excellent article on "Wind Shift Rules of Thumb" written by by good friend David Dellenbaugh of Speed and Smarts - https://www.speedandsmarts.com
Playing the shifts is all about minimizing the distance sailed around the course. Whether it’s light or breezy, keep your eyes on the compass and identify the type of shift before reacting.
FREE BOOK - 49 SAILING...
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These days, for those of us that race, we seem to be doing more and more short, windward-leeward races. The Secrets For Going Fast Upwind will help you to get to the first mark in great shape.
The importance of good Speed On The Upwind Leg
Arguably the upwind leg, especially the first upwind is the most telling in where we...
Tips And Rules For The Upwind Leg, To get to the first mark at the head of the fleet consider the following.
Sail on the Lifted Tack as Long as Possible
The basic idea when sailing upwind is to sail on the lifted tack as long as possible but there are a few other general rules that ensure you make the...
Looking for visual clues for reading the wind is a talent that all the most skilled sailors have in abundance.
One of the first things a new sailor is taught is that sailing revolves around the wind. The thing that they must study and become skilled at is knowing the direction of the wind and its strength.
This information is the...
