Peter S/Y Anicula wrote:
Whether it is a good idea or not to "jumpstart" the surf by pulling in
the sails a bit just at the right time, just before the surf starts.
The added bonus is that the sails will be in the right position for
the added speed. But remember to let out the sails again when the surf
stops.

Also you have to be aware of class rules for pumping the sails. The
Lightning class used to allow pumping the spinnaker guy, which really
helped the boat leap forward, but took a bit of muscle & timing.


Witch boatclases uses this technique ?

Ones that are going slower than the waves under normal offwind sailing.

Sailing a fast A-sail boat or multihull is a whole different can o' worms!


Another conflicting thing is to keep still, to give the helmsman
better odds for keeping the surf longer. In some boats the crew should
probably move aft though.

For catching waves, keep weight forward, then to stay on the waves shift
it aft gently. It's also important that the helms person keep the nose
from burying in the wave in front, yet not make any radical movements
that slow the boat and pull it off the wave.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King