"Doug Miller" wrote in message
. ..
sailed with another fellow today, who suggested that during the tack, that
i
not pull the head sail sheet in too soon, but leave the sail full as the
boat swings around, and then only after establishing new heading, trim the
sail.

only got to try it once before a little pop up thunderstorm arrived,
putting
us back into the dock. seemed to make an improvement on my tack. will
have
to wait for another chance to try.

comments?


There are two things going on here. One is that if you leave the jenny
alone, it will "back" as the boat tacks. The wind will then push the poat
through the tack. As the boat goes through the wind, you let the sheet fo
free.

The second is a little more difficult to explain. It is easier to gain
speed at 90 degrees to the wind than at 35 degrees(apparent). So when you
tack, the helmsman will tack a bit further than necessary, so that he can
gain speed. Therefore, you don't immediately sheet the jenny flat. The
helmsman will bear away from the wind to build up speed. You gradually
sheet the jenny in, as the boat heads up onto the new course.


If my explanation isn't clear, then ask again.


Regards


Donal
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