This is a common misconception and is NOT correct. Doing this will result in more capsizes to windward - with the sail in front of the mast the airflow over the sail will pull the mast into the wind, getting you wet in puffs and strong wind.So this is what I understand sailing BTL to be. The green being a broad reach the red BTL. Can the sail being out like this also be achieved by totally offing the vang?
Sorry if I'm wrong again but my understanding now would be its more like broad reaching with your sail on the other side (for now the wrong side) and having the wind flow over it the opposite way. This would explain all of the worry about accidental gybes. If this is right how would I prevent it from gybing?This is a common misconception and is NOT correct. Doing this will result in more capsizes to windward - with the sail in front of the mast the airflow over the sail will pull the mast into the wind, getting you wet in puffs and strong wind.
Having said that, having the boom past 90deg does seem to work for me in very light winds and helps keep the boom out and sail filled if you sail with a little windward heel.
By the lee sailing involves having the wind flow in the opposite direction across the sail - from the outside edge towards the mast. Instead of the wind coming from behind your head it comes from the leeward corner (i.e. the same side as the boom). This allows you to see waves approaching.
You have to remember that the mainsheet controls are reversed - to set the sail pull the mainsheet in until the leach starts to flicker or loose power (i.e. about to gybe) then let out an inch (i.e. the opposite of setting on a reach where you let the sail out until the luff flickers). If you gybe you usually have too much kicker. If you are going to death roll or need to depower - pull the mainsheet IN and BEAR-AWAY.
Have ago - I was in a race about a month ago and was the only laser out of about 5 who didn't capsize when a strong gust hit us on a run
Sorry think not thinks.So when I thinks
Let's not go there; most bigger boats are different, with a jib and shrouds and all that. Accordingly, sailing techniques will be different as well.Ok thank you for the information. I'm going to try this as soon as I can get back out on the water. Just wondering would this work in bigger boats?