sailboat seamanship 189
Light wind setting. Move the traveler slightly to windward. Adjust the
mainsheet to keep the main twisted and the uppermost batten open just a
bit (see above).
Moderate wind setting. In moderate winds of 6 to 12 knots, keep the
traveler car centered.
Heavier wind setting. Ease the traveler car to leeward as wind speed
increases. Th is maintains good drive yet keeps the boat on her feet.- Mainsail foot control system—the outhaul.
Th e lower part of your mainsail contains the deepest draft. Increase or
decrease the draft in the foot with the outhaul.
Moderate and light wind trim. In light winds or when reaching or
running, ease the outhaul to increase the draft and thus the power in the
lower half of the sail
Heavier wind trim. In heavier winds or when close-hauled, tighten the
outhaul to decrease the draft and fl atten the lower half of the sail.
The Luff-and-Sleep Trim Method
You need to tack through a narrow channel or reach across a waterway with
the best speed and power. Is there a way to do this without setting numerous
controls? You bet! Th ree quick steps will have your mainsail trimmed to a “good
enough” status.
- Keep your eyes on the luff of the mainsail.
- When you are close-hauled, pinch (sail toward the wind) upwind a bit
until the mainsail luff just begins to fl utter. Fall off a hair to put the luff
to sleep. - When you are reaching, steady up on course. Ease the headsail sheet
until the luff just starts to fl utter. Th en, trim the sheet just enough
to put the headsail luff to sleep. Next, trim the mainsail luff with the
mainsheet in the same manner.
EVERY BOAT’S BEST BALANCE INDICATOR
X In all weather conditions, you should be able to hold your course
with less than 4 degrees of rudder. If you can steer the boat by
wheel or tiller with two or three fi ngertips, you’ve balanced her
to perfection.