> Does anyone out here race sailboats on Lake Ontario and
> in New York. If so, what little secrets do you have to race down wind.  I
> usually can get to the weather mark 1st(amongst my age group). I am 16, I
> race against 20 yr olds and still can do very well.  If I do bad, it is
> usually because I blow it on the way down.  HELP!!!!!
 
> Chris Palmieri
 
> PS Laser and JY15 and J24 sailboats are what I skipper.
> I do foredeck for a J35.  I would prefer imformation on go fast skill
> on down wind.
 
I race Lightning and Laser. With the Laser, if the wind is not strong it 
should be sailed downwind with board 3/4 up, weight well forward holding the 
boom forward if necessary and heeled to windward so center of effort of the 
sail is over centerline of the boat. Strive for a neutral helm. If you feel 
any helm, change the amount of heel.
 
If it's blowing hard, sail it flat, again with board 3/4 up and ease the 
vang. Vanging a laser hard in a breeze invites dipping the boom in the water 
resulting in an unscheduled swim.
 
Tactically, sail close to the rhumb line, don't follow the fleet up high.
 
On a spinnaker boat, if the wind is light, sail high enough to keep the chute 
drawing well. Don't hesitate to jibe to stay near the rhumb line. The 
spinnaker should never collapse during a downwind jibe. If the wind is puffy, 
bear off in the gusts then head up during the lulls.
 
Keep the chute drawing all the way to the leaward mark. You may take down the 
pole early as the chute will fly without it OK if you are sailing downwind. 
This allows an easy quick douse. If you have a choice, a windward takedown is 
best.
 
With either boat do not pass up any oportunity to plane, even if it isn't 
quite in the right direction. The gain is big.
 
Good sailing!
 
Regards,
 
Ken 
--- DB 1.58/009999
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