Michael,

We've all gone through the learning curve before and yes it is a bit weird for the first few attempts. It may help trying in flat water with a freshening breeze. Get out sailing early before you need to use trapeze, get comfortable with hooking/unhooking then as the breeze starts to come in have a few attempts. This will be a big confidence booster.

Remember to have a light grasp of the tiller extension; just enough to keep control and in a straight line but still enough to let your hand slide along the tube. Whatever happens don't luff into the wind. All your efforts will be wasted and you may end up with the Mozzie on top of you.

A firmer grip is needed on the mainsheet so that you can haul in the mainsheet as you get out on the wire. You can re-adjust the mainsheet when you are out there and settled.

If the water is flat you just need to apply slightly more pressure on the front leg to stop yourself losing your footing and swinging around the front. In waves and higher winds you will need to compensate a bit more with the front leg.

Remember that it's not about effort; it's about finesse. Your trapeze wire and harness will easily take double your weight so don't even think about it.

Just make sure you are hooked up before you launch out over the side.

Regards,

Peter

Oh and by the way make sure you trapeze harness is a snug fit and comfortable. Nothing worse that doing everything perfectly then feeling uncomfortable once you are out.