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How to use all of the power?

Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2018 11:25 am
by Musto Musto Man
Hi Guys,

I am getting better at sailing my Musto Skiff, and upwind seem to be able to get it driving well, and while my tacks need some work, I know what to work on.

Now that I am sailing further up the wind range, I am trying to figure out how to use all the power downwind, while keeping the boat flat. Last time out the kite working well was low on the wire, but the main was still luffing a bit. If I pulled it in then he boat just healed. It was about 14 knots of breeze.

Tomorrow is forecast at 20 knots, so I would be keen on a few pointers of things to try and use all the power to get a bit more speed downwind.

Any tips much appreciated.

Re: How to use all of the power?

Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2018 10:49 pm
by DanV193
So the simplistic answer is you bear away further to keep the boat flat.

In terms of downwind set up in fresh conditions, I think my approach is fairly standard...as follows:

I trapeze low and as far back as possible, back foot in or on the foot strap, front leg bracing.

The main is set with downhaul and kicker off... Sheeted so the end of the boom sits above the rear corner of the hull (you can set this up on land and mark the main sheet so you can go to this setting straight off).

Downwind I focus on two things....1. Steering to keep the boat as flat as I can...if it is heeled to leeward -bear away, if you are lacking pressure and heeling to windward, bend your knees and head up smoothly. Steer the boat under the rig. 2. Playing the kite.

Re: How to use all of the power?

Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2018 6:11 pm
by DanV193
MMM,

This article and the attached videos by Russ Clarke are excellent on highlighting the difference between great technique (Frithjof Schwerdt) and not so great skills (Andy Peake) when it comes to using all the power downwind.

https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/196536/Musto-Skiff-training-in-Palma