You can see many interviews on sailgroove of the best sailors and regatta winners. If asked how they do it, they will just say a couple basic concepts. The truth is you probably already know how to sail fast. In sailing, there is no secret pandora’s box of knowledge. You may learn a few tips [...]
All posts tagged Downwind
Back to the Basics
Posted by buoylogic on 08/30/09
http://buoylogic.wordpress.com/2009/08/30/back-to-the-basics/
Avoid the Chomp
When sailing in wavy conditions, it’s important to steer cleer of big waves. Slightly steer to windward or leeward of the wave to avoid hitting it straight on. This will lighten the amount of speed lost due to the wave. If you do this wrong, your boat will make a chomping sound. Your boat will [...]
Posted by buoylogic on 08/29/09
http://buoylogic.wordpress.com/2009/08/29/avoid-the-chomp/
The Gateway to a Better Finish
At times, choosing which mark of a gate to round can seem to be like a game show guessing game. You know you want to pick the door with the prize, but what buoy do you want to pick? What buoy is best? The mark will be farther upwind. The mark is closer to where [...]
Posted by buoylogic on 08/25/09
http://buoylogic.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/the-gateway-to-a-better-finish/
High Heel
Many beginning sailors feel the boat goes fast when heeled. The boat may initially move faster because of less water resistance, but we know upwind this is not true because the boat tends to “side slip” off course. But what about downwind? Downwind you are using very little centerboard to steer your course because you [...]
Posted by buoylogic on 08/25/09
http://buoylogic.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/high-heel/
Boat Angle Steering
“Look Mom! No hands!” is the phrase you must remember when steering. To sail at top speed, you must use your body weight to steer the boat without without your hands doing all the work. How do you do it? To head up – heel up To head down – flat boat (in some cases [...]
Posted by buoylogic on 08/15/09
http://buoylogic.wordpress.com/2009/08/15/boat-angle-steering/
Lead by a Mile
You’ve seen it before. The leader is ahead of the fleet by a mile. But how’d he do that? He took advantage of the most overlooked part of the course. This area happens to be right after the windward mark or offset. Most sailors reach for the cooler. Others relax after a good leg of [...]
Posted by buoylogic on 08/14/09
http://buoylogic.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/lead-by-a-mile/
Playing the Wind (downwind)
You just rounded the mark. No more upwind hiking struggles. Time to break out the cooler and restart at the bottom? No. Many of the best make their moves on downwind. Tactics is not on most minds. While you may be going generally in a straight line, it’s important to implement a strategy. Because running [...]
Posted by buoylogic on 04/05/08
http://buoylogic.wordpress.com/2008/04/05/playing-the-wind-downwind/
Snow Plow Effect
Downwind can easily become a time to kick back. And break out the cooler. But this is the time to gain. Because gaining is not on the mind of others. Generally, on down wind straight lining it is the best answer. So actual wind and puffs play a smaller factor than upwind. But, what can [...]
Posted by buoylogic on 04/02/08
http://buoylogic.wordpress.com/2008/04/02/snow-plow-effect/
