Being new to spins, here's my question. I heat the boat up. hull starts to lift, I bear off gradual and smooth, but the aparent wind still comes forward and collapses the spin. Am I supposed to sheet in as the aparent comes forward? To bear off more seems to just stall the boat. Basically, should I be trimming the chute or leave it set and drive to it? Thanks. Ed

Excellent info Matt.
Thanks

I have found that it is very easy to oversheet the spin especially in light air. I am still learning the best combo of triming/helming to make the go the way it is supposed to. I understand the concept of driving to the spin but when I am crewing I always try to make sure the spin is "breathing" regardless of the helming (takes a lot of effort but I think you clearly get more speed out of it than only driving to the spin)

On the Tornado in light air and small chop, I've found taking the spin sheet from the crew allowed me to coordinate helming & sheeting much much better. This might not be better once you & crew have lots & lots of experience...but it sure helped us gain lots of places and eventually to finish 1st in a distance race last year.

Other tips I've learned...never oversheet the spin...if in doubt, ease it out and keep it on the verge of collapse/luff curling periodically for max power.

To carry the spinny higher in a breeze, try easing off halyard and/or tack line. This has the effect of flattening the luff, thus de-powering and giving more "point" to the sail.

In light stuff, crew goes to leeward and at or forward of the main beam...leans outboard holding trap handle. Helm sits as forward as possible (dependant on tiller length) and moves in board, typically near the mast. This lets us lift the hull in some really light stuff. But, don't make the mistake of trying to lift it at all other costs. There comes a wind speed when it just doesn't pay to keep heading up...sail flat and go for VMG...just be ready for the puffs to get the hull out.

Thanks much guys. This will my first Tuesday night race with the Blade tonight. Conditions are supposed to be typical Ches Bay 5 to 10. It will be a good chance to work with the other F-16s to get some groove on.

This is one of Roy's images from the 2007 Alter cup. Compare the sail twist and mast bend between boats 2 and 6.
Try to be like 2.

increase rotation and blow downhaul right?

I guess you were allowed to add streamers to the boats huh?

Also note the mainsheet on boat six. IMO way to slack.