Downwinds?

[blacklionboy]

i seem to be losing some ground downwind. i heard about this theory that if you losen your vang it will allow the air to flow alot more smoothly off the top off the sail. what do you guys recommend i do with the vang down wind?

 

[Rob B]

Varies with condtons, but you do loosen it some.

 

[Chainsaw]

Generally I loosen it right off. How far is right off? Well there's what looks like a nice deep curve in the leech when I'm by the lee in a good gust. It's all relative. You'd have to experiment to find what's good for you. I avoid dead flat off the wind like the plague anyway.

 

[windrider]

Yeah loosen the vang, and also (i've always been taught) the cunningham too.

 

[Garry]

Basicaly uphill flat sail downhill full sail, you have 3 controls to adjust fullness of sail, Cunningham, vang and outhaul. each affects a different area of the sail. Part of the art of sailing is to master the ajustment of the sail to the weight of the sailor and the conditions. If you get this right you will sail fast, however spend too much time messing with the adjustments and not racing and it is no advantage.