Hobie University, NAHCA
Page 46
31 Mar 02
Performance Sailing Quiz
by Rick White and Mary Wells
(Answers by Bob Mimlitch )
Rick White and Mary Wells have contributed a collection of performance sailing questions, which are used in their
famous ‘Rick White’s Sailing Seminars’. These true or false questions are included in with Hobie U. to generate
thought and discussion. If you disagree or don't understand a question, ask the opinion of others or read Rick &
Mary's excellent book ‘Catamaran Racing for the 90's'. Rick’s answers are at the end of each quiz, followed by my
answers to each question.
SAIL TRIM
1.
When on a beam reach the skipper should steer toward the mark, and both the skipper and crew must keep the
telltales flowing on both the main and jib by sheeting in and out.
2.
The higher the wind velocity, the more you should downhaul.
3.
On a close or beam reach, the sails should be set and cleated, and the skipper should steer by the telltales,
regardless of the location of the next mark.
4.
On a sloop rig the outhaul should be tight all the time when beating.
5.
While sailing downwind on a broad reach, the skipper should sail by the bridle fly, and both skipper and crew
should keep the telltales flowing on both the main and jib by sheeting in and out.
6.
As the wind picks up and you can no longer hold the boat down even though trapezed, you should ease the
main sheet and leave the traveler centered to point higher.
7.
Downwind on a broad reach, the sails should be set and the skipper should steer by the telltales.
8.
In light air, the downhaul should be very tight, the outhaul eased a bit, and the traveler out a few inches.
9.
Battens should be stuffed so hard into the sail, that it takes on that "hungry dog" look.
10. Going to weather, as the wind picks up and you begin to fly a hull and not make much forward progress, you
should first trapeze, then add more downhaul, and then begin to ease out the traveler -- in that order -- but
always sail with a tight mainsheet.
Rick’s answers - 1.T, 2.T, 3.F, 4.T, 5.F, 6.F, 7.T, 8.F, 9.F, 10.T
Here is a brief discussion of my answers for the Performance Sailing Quiz on Sail Trim.
1.
When on a beam reach the skipper should steer toward the mark, and both the skipper and crew must keep the
telltales flowing on both the main and jib by sheeting in and out.
True. Sail straight (the shortest distance) to
the next mark, use the sheets to keep the sails trimmed as the wind shifts. Only deviate from this course for
tactical reasons or to get into better wind.
2.
The higher the wind velocity, the more you should downhaul.
True. In higher wind the boat will fly a hull
too high, the windward hull should be just kissing the water. As the wind increases, first single then double
trap. If you still can't hold the boat down, increase the downhaul, which will cause the top of the main sail to
twist off and reduce the force lifting the hull. This will allow you to remain sheeted and retain power and
shape in the bottom of the sail. Spilling the top slightly reduces power, but significantly reduces the heeling
effect of the top of the sail.
