Just bought my first cat, a 16. After a long terrific weekend with good wind and enjoying (and pitchpoling) the only thing we haven't tested is double trap. It seems pretty easy for the crew but I'm not sure how the skipper has to deal with the helm, the mainsheet and out. Any suggestions?

A couple of things you'll need to get started: A tiller extension that's long enough to work the rudders when you're out on the wire. You'll have to make sure the rudders are adjusted so the Helm is not too heavy and is manageable with a tiller extension. If not, you'll have to rake the rudders under the boat to alleviate the excessive helm. A telescoping tiller extension allows you to change hands for some reason. The long one piece length extension might not. The main sheet should be easy enough to manage from the wire. If you cleat it off(some don't) then make sure the take-off is adjusted to release properly from the new position on the wire.

Have fun practicing and sail fast.

Hey well i sail a hobie 16 from jumping from a Lazer. The thing is your hand will slide up the tiller when you trap and the same with the main!! The first time i ever sailed a hobie i had this same problem. I noticed when i started to race it came clear to me that if you have the main off a touch and while going on trap you can pull the main on that bit more. Its funny because im teaching the kids in canberra (Austraila) to trap and well its only the crew who has trouble) get the skipper out first then the crew will folllow. All it is, is practice and you'll get used to it after a while.

Have fun sailing fast.

From Julian

Here is how I do it:

1. I kneel with the tiller and main sheet in the aft hand, main sheet trimmed for good power, but with a stable attitude.

2. Hook up with the windward hand then hold on to the T handle.

3. I swing out rolling off my knees to my feet letting the tiller and main sheet slide through the aft hand.

4. Once out I transfer the main sheet to the windward hand. Then trim.

Be sure your main cleat is adjusted to where it can be cleated and uncleated from the wire.

Who is first on the wire, crew, skipper?
I assume the mainsheet is cleated during the getting out, right?
What i'm afraid is having to balance while playing in and out the mainsheet once in the wire. I've noticed without trapezing that it is hard and tiring when it blows, and cleating is asking for a swim.

Well theres no set thing to do with crew or skipper out first, it comes down to the skipper and whats easyest for them. Im a skipper for a hobie 16 and i always go out first not only because i normally have a crew who takes ages but i like going out first so im in control. I know the other sailor in canberra do the opposite but then again we have alot of hobie 17's and its really a 50-50% deal there. Try both ways and what ever is easyest go for that.

I dont cleat the main because you dont need to its faster if you dont unless you can play the travelor but if you dont have a new boat dont worry.

I feel its easyer when you get used to every thing while on wire every thing gets lighter if you sail the right way..
All it comes down to is practice and thats all.
Sail her fast and dont go soft!!

From Julian