On the subject of trapezing, I'm having some problems with my technique (or lack there of) when tacking from out on the wire in more heavy conditions. (e.g. Sat we had 18-25 gusts to 30 with 1.5mt chop). I always seem to end up in a mess, invariably blow the tack, and I managed to bugger yet another tiller extension. My guess is that I'm doing something wrong!

Any pointers woud be appreciated.

Cheers

Simon,

You are not the only one to have trouble in high winds and choppy seas. (30 knots and 1.5 m chop would be difficult for many experienced sailors). You have allot more to contend with and timing is much more important. Don't tack in the trough of a wave because the oncoming wave will just throw the bows back and you will either end up in irons or not even get that far.

Try to time it so that you tack so that you can get through the eye of the wind and get the next wave to assist you by pushing the bows around where you want them.

Also watch for wave sets that are smaller or even a momentary area of flat water and tack there.

The higher the wind and waves the quicker we have to be up to a point. Don't be so quick that you pull too hard on the tiller and make the yacht stall. Still be relatively gentle with the tiller extension.

Regards,

Peter

Thanks Peter,

By the end of the Cat Classic, the message of "gentle and deliberate" was finally sinking in

I think in the rough conditions I still hurry everything (as I stumble in off the wire) and probably stall the boat with the rudders. It was frustrating to be tearing up the PT's with boat speed and then give it all back on the tack. I guess it's just about time on the water.

If I get a chance to slip away on Sat for a while I'm intending to come over to say hello. Can't get off on Sun as I'm Shore Officer for the day.

Hopefully I'll catch you then,

Cheers

Hi Michael,

I am wondering which trapezing technique you have started to use - was it one given to you here, or a new one?

Cheers All

Trevor

And on the subject of jellyfish - Maybe your lock downs are good enough, but the leading edge needs to be sharpened a bit!!!

Hi Trevor, my technique at the moment is far from elegant, but after practicing on land and practicing more now out on the water im getting a far better hang of it, i wouldnt say i have a precise "technique" that i use, but i basically shuffle my way out enough untill i can push out with my feet, front foot first, still having a fair bit of trouble keeping the tiller still while hicking out, the other day i went out while reaching but accidently pulled the tiller too much steering me down wind decellerating the boat and throwing me foward, but i managed to hang in there. Not having too much trouble getting out on the wire, its just getting out while still keeping good control of the tiller and main sheet, gonna be interesting when i try and do it with a spinnaker to worry about as well! Oh well, thats what the rescue boat is for

Now that's the attitude that wins races . Drive it like you stole it. My first time on a boat in 20 years it was blowing 15-20 knots, I went out on trap on the reach, and then stuffed the bows it so hard my eye balls nearly came out of my head. The F14 sailor behind (who wasn't on trap) described the whole thing as "hard core". I was so proud.....