DSK wrote:

Nav wrote:

Very close. The trim should be carried out automatically by the
trimmer(s).


You have automatic trimmers? I hope they are Linux machines for
reliability.

... When/how do you head up?


Don't you know?


Yes. You keep the head slightly too high (due to the wind moving
forward) until boat speed drops to that expected for the wind
conditions and only then bear off slowly.


This is what's called a velocity header but it's a lot more noticable at
lower wind speeds.

... The key is to hit the polar spot on with minimal drag inducing
helm changes (i.e. it's OK to take helm off but not to add it). Your
immediate reduction in helm applied that results from the reduction in
pressure helps the coast carry too. Less able skippers cause the boat
to bear off immediately to follow the apparent wind shift by not
immediately easing the helm or even worse by adding it. Sail trim
happens as the boat comes back onto her polar.


A nice longwinded way of saying that if the wind drops suddenly, you'll
get a header into which you bear away slowly and gradually.

If the velocity header is a bad one, you should ease the jib to keep it
from slowing the boat down as it backwinds.


.... At that point I would want fuller sails for
more power and make adjustments accordingly--easing
the backstay for example.


Much better answers than Doug by the way. You can helm.


I knew you liked him better than me. And I said to ease the backstay,
you just weren't paying attention.

BTW do you not know what "feather" means when referring to steering?



No, but I know what it means when trimming or helming.

Cheers