So far the couple times I've had my boat out I've just left the traveller in the centerline. Being the noob that I am, can anyone explain what moving the traveller does for the boat going upwind/downwind? Does it help power up or depower the boat in the various positions?

Thanks!

G'day Storz, I would highly recommend you having a look at Rick's book or DVD they will fill in all the details for you, basically the traveller is out most of the way downwind, in all the way up wind, the amount it is out on a reach depends on your angle, the proper place is determined by the direction your heading in and the air flow over your sail. You should trim the top tell tails of your sail by your main sheet and the bottom ones with your traveller.
regards

For sure, actually have a copy of the book at home. I read it back before I had a boat, but need to go through it again for sure. Thanks for hte info

YES the traveler can be and is your best method of dowering your cat (besides reefing a sail). If you are overpowered you can travel out a few inches to a foot or so. you wont point as high but you wont heel as much (esp in a puff). there are other items that should also be done to depower like tighten down and outhauls and reduce mast rotation... but the traveler is the most noticeable

There are few hard and fast rules, but guidelines.

In all the way upwind, or out all the way downwind is sometimes correct, sometimes completely wrong.

Upwind, whether or not to center the traveler depends on the wind strength, wave conditions, and crew weight. If you read Speed and Smarts (newsletter subscription), there have been some excellent articles recently on changing gears and trim for various crew weights. This includes traveler and sheet trim, and their advantages in a variety of conditions.

Downwind, normally the traveler is all the way out. However, if you have a spinnaker, the traveler needs to be centered (and main sheeted in) to keep the mast intact. Also, on non-spinnaker boats, centering the traveler going downwind can help depower the boat in certain conditions.

So, it's not all that simple. Definitely read all that you can and practice different techniques on your boat in a variety of conditions.

Hope this helps.

Mike