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Footwork on tacks and gybes

Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 6:01 pm
by JIH-US568
As a soon to be Musto owner (boat arrives in May), I have been reviewing videos at great length paying particular attention to footwork and body motion moving across the boat on tacks and gybes. Needless to say there are considerable variations in techniques. My singular observation is that all the successful maneuvers keep the boat VERY FLAT throughout the maneuver. Clearly this is a priority or a mandate for survival.

Following my video reviews I have several questions:

Tacking: Most common footwork appears to be lead with aft foot into the boat. Assume on starboard tacking to port. Aft foot is left foot. First step is left foot from rack to windward side of boat. Second step is right foot to centerline. Third step is left foot to port rack or port spin block and fourth step is right foot moving backwards to rail or rack. Many people write that first step should be forward foot since aft foot provides the most stability. Any thoughts on which lead (forward or aft foot) is better?

Gybes appear to be a quick three step. Any thoughts on best footwork.

Thanks

Re: Footwork on tacks and gybes

Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 7:50 pm
by Gavryn
Trying to think it will be aft foot I would say first as your forward foot is normally the wrong side of the elastic on the rack.
And yes I think that you have it sorted when my last foot is on the block the other side that's when I sit on the rack ready to hook on as not many people wire to wire.

Kind regards
Gavin

Re: Footwork on tacks and gybes

Posted: Thu May 04, 2017 3:30 pm
by Bruce
For tacking: I always go front foot first. Here is a photo sequence from a few years ago. http://www.photoskiff.com/sailing/stokesbaytr11/#dsc_3387-3411-bruce-sm.jpg
The key is to make sure your front foot ends up on the centre-line near the ratchet block during the tack, as you have some grip their and can pivot straight out to the wing.

For gybing in breeze: I go in back foot first (as I am still hooked on), and then once again I plan on having my front foot on the centre-line near the ratchet block during the gybe.
Ian's video is very similar to what I do, the main difference being that in breeze I have both feet on the gunwhale before standing up (he keeps one on the rack), otherwise I find your weight on the wing rolls the boat to fast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfrbyNJ8hbQ