How can I improve my upwind sailing?
Speed Tips for Upwind in Big Breeze
- SPEED FIRST. There is a saying that defines what makes for good upwind sailing: speed first, then pointing.
- BALANCE THE LUFF. Both sails need to be de-powered evenly.
- HEEL IS ALL THAT MATTERS. For the driver and trimmers, a constant angle of heel is the goal.
- CRUSH THE WAVES.
How do you point higher sailing?
More Steering Tips
- Build speed first.
- Test to windward constantly.
- Feather slightly while you ease in puffs.
- Use luff telltales to steer.
- Don’t take unnecessary “downs.” The primary problem for most sailors is bearing off in a lull.
- The next level.
What does pointing mean in sailing?
A fetch is sailing close hauled upwind to a mark without needing to tack. The smaller the angle between the direction of the true wind and the course of the sailing craft, the higher the craft is said to point. A craft that can point higher (when it is as close-hauled as possible) is said to be more weatherly.
What is point mode in sailing?
Most sailors recognize that sailing in point mode, or point “gear,” puts the boat in a fragile, somewhat demanding trim and tune. The boat must be moving well so there’s flow over the blades, preventing the boat from stalling.
What do you say when tacking?
Now is when the magic happens. The Helm declares that they are beginning to tack by saying, “Hard-A-Lee”. There are a couple variations on this command and if you want to say something else, it’s your boat, just make sure everyone on your boat understands what you are commanding.
Which is the most important adjustment in the Soling?
Controls the fullness in the mainsail and also the forestay sag. This is probably the most important adjustment in the Soling. The more backstay tension, the flatter the main, and the less forestay sag results in a flatter jib.
What should the tension be on a Soling sail?
Uppers should be at 700 lbs. at all conditions. Lowers should be set so the mast (when sailing), have 1 1/2″ inches (one and half inches) of sag at the spreaders, for light air; increasing tension to 500 lbs. at 18 knots of wind. Please remember that the more upper shroud tension you have, the more pre-bend you will have.
What’s the best way to adjust a Soling pole?
For fore & aft adjustments try to have the luff of the spinnaker perpendicular right out of the pole. For up & down control, the pole should be adjusted so the clews are even height from the water. For more information on Soling sails, contact the North Soling experts.
Where do you set the rake on a Soling?
Hold your forestay along the front of the mast and simply mark the forestay at the point where the bottom of the mast would be. We check our rake by measuring the distance from this mark to where the forestay intersects with the deck. We suggest you set the rake at 29″ inches.