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Also VMG on the downwind legs? Any tips there for me? How do you know where to point a cat down hill? Boat speed again?

If you don't have one, get a bridal fly. After rounding the weather mark fall off and set your course by getting the bridal fly to point 90 degrees from the direction of travel. As you pick up speed it will move astern. Fall off some more until it's back to 90 degrees.

As you round the mark your crew will move the jib traveler cars all the way out to the corner casting. The crew will keep trimming the jib so the telltales keep streaming straight back.

You, the skipper, will travel the main out to the corner casting. Play with the trim for max boat speed.

Here's a speed secret. Unless the wind is howling your crew will be on the leeward side continually trimming the jib. You'll know if they're doing a good job if they complain of a sore neck. Here's the secret. You move forward, lay on the tramp, put your forward foot on the boom just behind the gooseneck, and hold it into the fully rotated position. This will clean up the airflow over the leading edge of the sail and give you more power. Don't take a nap!

Report back after your first race and tell us how you did.


US Sail Level 2 Instructor
US Sail Level 3 Coach