Driving

John Jourdane

SHIFTING GEARS – keeping the boat under control by the adjusting or changing sails

Monitor wind strength and sea state closely, and adjust sails according to changes in conditions as they occur. This keeps the boat sailing most efficiently, avoids heavy rolling, excess weather helm and heel and promotes crew confidence and comfort.

As the breeze freshens to the 11-to 16-knot range, you have various adjustments at hand to prevent overpowering before reefing or rolling in headsails:

Kame loves the downwind stuff.  He shares what he knows.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SPINNAKER HANDLING
by Kame Richards

[The following is an article which I wrote for the RACE GUIDE for the 1998 WEST MARINE PACIFIC CUP.]

OVERVIEW

The following is a list of suggestions on how to handle a spinnaker in the West Marine Pacific Cup race to Kaneohe. Keep in mind that spinnakers are fairly large sails, and are quite capable of dragging a sailboat a long distance, whether the boat is right side up or sideways!

Squall Strategy

Re-printed with permission from Latitude 38, July 1994.
Copyright Max Ebb Publications and Latitude 38, 1994

"What's the event tonight?" I asked the bartender. "I had to drive all the way back to the second overflow parking lot to find a space!"

But the bar was almost empty. Just a few people I didn't recognize buying drinks, and a member serving.

"It's the weather briefing for the race to Hawaii. Standing room only in the dining room."