Hobie University, NAHCA
Page
20
31 Mar 02
Tiller
Steer so that leeward tell tale below H is flowing but on verge of stalling
Balance
Boat level, crew and skipper trapezed, side by side, as required to keep hull
skimming
Tip - Try tightening rig tension for more power
Heavy Air
Main Downhaul
Very tight
Outhaul
Very tight
Traveler
8" to 12” out. Increase if the hull continues to fly too high. If you must travel out
past halfway, try to loosen the jib halyard, then reset traveler at 8".
Mainsheet
all the way in and play the gusts by feathering the tiller or sheeting out the main.
Keep the windward hull skimming.
Jib
Luff Tension Tight
Traveler
Move outboard to compliment mainsail shape. Usually halfway to 2/3 out, no
more.
Jibsheet
Very tight
Jib clew
1 to 2 holes down
Tiller
Steer high in the gusts. Keep the windward hull skimming.
Balance
Boat level, double trapped, side by side. Move rearward for heavy chop or waves.
Sailing Downwind
Light to Moderate Air
Main Downhaul
Moderate
Outhaul
Tight (you may loosen and reset for up-wind, but why?)
Traveler
Out
Mainsheet
18" to 28" between blocks. Tighter if your rig is loose. Sheet tighter in gusts.
Jib
Jibsheet
Loose, crew may have to hold jib out. Keep telltales flowing if you can.
Traveler
All the way out
Tiller
Sail at 90 degrees or aft on bridle fly. Sail lower in gusts.
Balance
Weight forward, crew leeward
Rudder
Try kicking up windward rudder
Moderate to Heavy Air
Main Downhaul
Tight
Outhaul
Tight
Traveler
All the way out
Mainsheet
Tight to 18" between blocks, play in gusts.
Jib
Jibsheet
Trim to match main and keep telltales flowing
Traveler
All the way out
Tiller
Steer to keep bridle fly at 90 degrees sail lower than 90 degrees in higher gusts
Balance
Crew and skipper to windward, keeping boat level
Hobie 16 Tips
The most critical telltales are those on the leeward side of the sail, usually the opposite side from the skipper.
Keep them flowing!
The best telltale locations are 9" to 12" aft of the luff of the jib and 12" aft of the boltrope on the main. Three
sets of telltales per sail are enough, one set in the lower half, one mid-sail, and one set in the upper half.
A windvane is excellent for determining the optimum sailing angles.
To depower in high wind: (1) downhaul and outhaul to the max, (2) travel out the main, and (3) don't sheet way
out to reduce power, this causes a lot of twist-off which makes the boat hard to control. In very high winds,
consider centering the traveler before jibing.
Work with your halyard. It is the most important adjustment. Keep leeward telltales flowing. Don't pinch on a
16.
Don't fiddle with your boat. A well sailed boat with a good start will usually beat a well fiddled-with boat that
isn't sailed well. Go Sailing!