Well we survived the Triangle Race (2010), and lived to tell the tale:
Day 1: Plymouth to Falmouth – lousy weather and the wind on the nose (South Westerly), so we had to beat towards Falmouth – we only managed to make Dodman Point by 1630 and our calculations told us we would not make the finish by the cut off time of 2000, so begrudgingly we motored the last leg and found that most of our class had similar problems and had retired also, which cheered us up!
Day 2: Falmouth to Fowey – lovely breezy sunny day and a quickish race to Fowey, finishing 3rd in our Class – we put sail trimming to good use.
Day 3: Fowey to Plymouth – again a great day but with winds gusting over 20 knots at times we decided to start with a single reef in the Mainsail.
Top Sailing Tip: to get the best out of a sailing boat, the sails need to be adjusted for the prevailing conditions; if the winds are gusting or strong then the boat will be unbalanced under full sail and will exhibit weather helm, particularly when beating/close hauled or on a beam reach. Weather helm is when the boat feels heavy to steer and heads up into the wind when it gusts. To reduce this effect and bring the boat back into balance it is best to put a single reef in the Mainsail. If the wind is really strong then 2 reefs in the Mainsail and a reef in the headsail may be needed. Once balanced, the boat will handle better, be easier to steer/helm and will go faster. Often less sail area can mean more speed and a more comfortable voyage!
Top Sailing Tip: it is very useful if competent crews and skippers understand and know how to implement sail trimming. This allows you to achieve the right amount of sail with the right shape for the prevailing conditions. When racing, we constantly monitor the sail shapes, the feel of the helm and the balance of the boat and adjust as things change. This keeps the boat going as fast as possible. Look for the telltales to be flying properly and for creases in sails and billowing / luffing.
We employed the above techniques to great effect in the Triangle Race and although the yacht is a relatively slow cruiser, we managed to get the best out of her through sail trimming and even crossed the finish line first on the 3rd day. It’s a great feeling overtaking yachts with lower handicaps than yours!
When I get the time, I’ll put an article on Sail Trimming in the Sailing Tips area.
The organisation and running of the event by the RWYC was brilliant and we all had an excellent long weekend of sailing – many thanks.
Hope that helps in some way
Martin
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