9
Q. Is your sail too big?
Many people like to sail ‘well powered up’ but actually
end up with half or even a full metre over and above
others of similar stature on similar kit. Sailing ‘slightly
overpowered’ is great for ‘easy early planing’ or
thundering along. However, for improving your wind
range, sailing smaller kit, saving energy and most
importantly increasing your chances of controllable
tacks, gybes and certainly moves, it’s always better to
be ‘correctly powered’.
You’re over powered if…
1. You can stand up, sheet in and get going without
even the slightest pump of the rig.
2. Your backhand is always placed well past the rear
harness line (see harness line guide shortly).
3. When sheeting in, the rig pulls from high above the
clew and the sail seems to twist and buck you
about.
4. There’s constant back leg-foot pressure, excessive
front knee flex and twisting hips forwards to
compensate.
5. You’re constantly heading upwind.
6. You’re having massive control problems bearing
away into turns.
7. The windward rail and nose lift constantly.
8. Others of similar weight and board volumes/widths
are on smaller sails.
If one or many of the above apply, you’re probably
sailing too over powered.
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WIND
SURFING