88 COACHING FUNDAMENTALS
When we steer upwind the rig needs to
be leaned back and away from the
wind. As the sail is already positioned
away from the wind however (over the
downwind side in its natural sailing
position) we only need to focus on
leaning it back.
THE STEERING
PLANE
So with steering in non-planing conditions across the wind there is a diagonal plane in which the rig
moves as can be seen in the illustrated photo below.
Understanding this will help to steer smoothly and proficiently, especially when counterbalancing the pull of the sail with
the body. Another critical reason that non-planing steering must be performed along the diagonal plane is that airflow
over the sail is kept smooth (laminar) which transfers power into the turn. Over-sheeting the sail in order to lean the rig
directly towards the nose or tail would mean trying to steer using turbulent airflow which would fail to turn the board
effectively. So to get your beam reach non-planing steering just right, remember to only position the rig forwards and
backwards along the diagonal plane and from here other more specific steering techniques will follow.
Changing direction at planing speed – the more dynamic version of steering – will be covered in the next article.
The diagonal plane
for non-planing
steering when sailing
across the wind
uk
WIND
SURFING
Simon Winkley is a RYA
Advanced Windsurfing
Instructor and a RYA
Windsurfing Trainer
running instructor
courses across the UK
and overseas. He is
supported by
Starboard, Severne
and Bray Lake
Watersports and
provides enjoyable,
non-elite windsurfing
coaching holidays
through Ocean
Elements in Vassiliki.
Facebook: @swwinds
Instagram:
@simonwinkley