G,day all
In my last few races a have gotten real comfortable getting out on the trap.
But have found the more I use the trap the worse my race results are.
The problem is I have to steer down to keep enough speed up to stay out on trap.
My question is in a race should you try and point as high as you can to the windward buoy and not worry about trapping or get out on the wire and go for speed.
Should you use the trap more for reaching [i.e. to the wing mark] and not worry about it on works.

Karl,

It sounds like conditions are marginal for you to be trapezing.

You really need to try to point and have speed. There is that fine point where you need to get out on trapeze. If you are losing pointing height to maintain your speed out on trapeze then you should consider coming in until the wind strength increases again.

If you are flying a hull and only hiking out using foot straps then that is good. It's when you start to luff too much or the windward hull is too high off the water and you loose speed that your really need to be out on trapeze.

When you get to the top mark, and you are out on trapeze then stay out for as long as you can going into the reach. This will give you additional speed and better apparent wind. Come in from trapeze when you no longer need to be out ie. you stopped flying a hull.

Regards,

Peter

Karl,
I am happy to talk to you about your problem but I would require more information, You can give me a call on 03 54411519

Regards
Peter

Simple answers:



Point high. If in doubt stay off the trapeze.



Definitely not. You would be using it less frequently on the reaches than on the works. Again, if you don't need to be on trap to keep the sail set then don't use the trap.

If in doubt stay off it and hike.

G,day every one.
Thanks for all your help.
Hope you all have a good time at the nationals.

Karl,

I agree with Tim on when and where to trap but the position of your body when trapping is as much if not more important.

I hope you recall about what I told you ages ago about the placement of weight on the boat...mossies do not really like sailing with their transoms buried and need the weight f'wd...rule of thumb used to be so that the transoms were JUST clear of the water, reduce the drag without burying the bow.

As for off the wind, I still find it easier to hike but Peter (son) and his crew both trap off the wind, risky but speccy...easier for us oldies to hike...

Anyway, my bit for what it is worth...going to windward, point up,

Have a great new Year and see the rest of you at the Nationals.

David
"Salpicon de Resplandor" 1744