To have a proper discussion we'd have to split this into at least
three parts. One man dinks, light weight medium sized boats
an larger heavy displacment boats.

Rudder movement is a very effective tool for slowing down. I
use dramatic motions with the rudder to kill speed when docking
under sail. The is no question that it slows you down.

I tend to agree with you on heavier boats. Have you ever had
your boat surfing in big waves?

I've surfed a 38 ton schooner and the drag caused by the
dramatic helm movement was more than made up for in the
added accelleration coming down a monster wave in the
Pacific.

On lighter boats in waves, working the helm to a certain degree
--not constantly, is not only a help but a necessity.

Depending on conditions, it is important to position yourself
correctly on the wave, to surf and get that extra accelleration.
It is worth the effort. Once in position on the wave, of
course you want to minimize drag, and keep the helm centered,
to sustain the surf and keep it there as long as possible.

On dinghies, with onlly one person aboard. Body weight can
be effectively substituted for tiller movement--I think that was
the point Doug made. The fastest sailor use the minimum helm
movement and steer with body weight.

I think it would take an awesome crew on medium sized boats
to use body weight effectively.

Bart


On Wed, 29 Oct 2003 21:44:58 -0400, "Capt. Mooron"
wrote:

Can't say as I agree with you there Bart. Overworking the rudder....
especially on a barn door size like mine is a sure way to slow down in a
hurry. The rudder will want to turn the boat to least resistance.... not to
the direction you want to go. I stand firm on not allowing to much
correction to take place by my helmsman.

CM

"Bart Senior" bartsenior wrote in message
.. .
| Sometimes in waves, it is the rudder that wants to move back
| and forth, in which case, holding it straight will slow you down.
|
| Bart
|
| On Tue, 28 Oct 2003 15:33:58 -0500, DSK wrote:
|
|
| Undersized rudder helmsmanship: yanking the boat through a tack or
digging
| the bow in trying to surf. I've observed both in folks who have done lots
of
| racing on Lasers and in two cases, on an Olson 30. They seemed totally
| unconscious of the fact that they could cut firewood with their helm.
|
| Actually, I had a hard time correcting some of my own bad habits, and
when
| shown a video of myself sailing the Lightning, commented "Who's that jerk
| sawing the tiller back and forth like a maniac?" No doubt I could still
use
| some work....
|
| Fresh Breezes- Doug King
|