WindsurfingUK Issue 9 December 2018 | страница 9

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. uk WIND SURFING