Sailing Education Adventures

When In Doubt, Let It Out

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.