From the October Issue, 1995

(This is the fifth and last of a series of exclusive tuning article on the Hobie 20 by Florida's own Bob Curry, 17 times United States National Champion � mostly on Hobies; 1983-85 World Champions on the Hobie 14, 1993 and still the current World Champion on the Mystere 6.0; the original crew for Randy Smyth in the 1992 Olympic campaign; and the 1994 Alter Cup Champion � held on Mystere 6.0s. Curry as been a weather forecaster for the USAF for the past 15 years. He currently lives in the Pensacola Area.)

Sailing the Hobie 20 Downwind in Light Air
by
Bob Curry

1. Main Traveler
Techniques really vary at this point. I still prefer to have my setting around the hiking strap and the sail twisted off. However, I've seen boats with the traveler at the inboard hull shear and sheeted tight. Both seem to be successful. I still feel the twist look is a bit faster when a puff hits.

2. Downhaul
Slight wrinkles is the fast ticket. In very light conditions, add some downhaul to twist the leach.

3. Outhaul
Max ease is fast except in very light air when you do not want to release the outhaul.

4. Barberhaul
This depends on the system you use � stock rings, all the way out. One-to-one system, once you achieve the correct set on the jib, leave it alone.

5. Crew position
The skipper must be at the front beam and the crew should be just in front of the beam.

6. Mast rotation
Try for 110 degrees or as much as you can.

7. Jib luff
Go for a few wrinkles

8. Final thoughts
Remember to stay in the puffs as you work your way downwind. Keep the flow on the back of the main and jib flowing at all times. Without the flow, you won't go!

Good luck!!!!