Sail trim is one of the finer points of cruising that new sailors have the hardest time with. But sail trim is what really separates the "sailors" from the "lubbers" since the sailors will always sail closer to the wind and faster than skippers who are not as adept at getting the sails to draw in the most efficient way.
The best sail trim will be particular to every boat and its suit of sails. The trick is to match the power of the sails to the boat's displacement and hull shape. Lighter boats, such as most modern cruisers racers, can be sailed closer to the wind and with flatter sails than heavier, full keels cruising boats which need more raw power to drive the hulls through the water.
Over-trimming is the single most common vice of new sailors who tend to crank in on the main and jib sheets while sailing their boats over on their ears. But sailing with the rail in the water is slow and uncomfortable while sailing with the boat more upright is faster and sweeter.
So, the best rule of sail trim for most novices is "When in doubt, let it out." That simply means that when the boat seems to be stalled, is over on its ear or not sailing well, ease the sheets little – inches only—and see what happens. Most likely, with the sails slightly fuller and with a tad more twist at the top, you will sail better. Give it a try. You might be amazed.
Beware of the potato patch when there is a winter swell!
Potato Patch Shoal Northernmost area of San Francisco Bar alluvial silt deposits, which bar entry to the Golden Gate and require dredging. Waves breaking over the shoal are visible at low tides from the coastal hills between Fort Cronkhite and Tennessee Valley. Named for the 1800s potato farms near Bolinas Lagoon which shipped to markets in San Francisco: "Occasionally a potato boat would capsize on the sand bar, spilling its load..." (Doris Sloan, Geology of the SF Bay Region, UCPress 2006, p.121.) Marked by buoys also visible from shore. Prime "deepsea" fishing ground for SF sport boats.
The Largest on the West Coast, now in two locations.
The 2009 Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat, launches Friday, January 23 - Sunday, February 1. The 10-day event, presented by U.S. Bank and GMC, features more than 1,000 recreational watercraft, seminars and the latest accessories indoors at Qwest Field Event Center, plus afloat on South Lake Union. The West Coast's Largest Boat Show offers a convenient free shuttle service running continuously between the two venues. ACE Recreational Marine Insurance is an official sponsor of the show.
This Saturday night, Jan. 10th, another perigee Moon is coming. It's the biggest full Moon of 2009, almost identical to the one that impressed onlookers in Dec. 2008.
Above: The perigee full Moon of Dec. 2008. "The moon was very bright and BIG! Just watching it with my telescope was exciting enough, but I had to take this picture for the records," says photographer Ron Hodges of Midland, Texas.
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 17 is offering a series of boating courses, including navigation, which may be of interest to our members.
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The Largest on the West Coast, now in two locations.
