As I often sail in Light-and-Variable-Winds"...I made one of those homemade wind indicators offered by Tag on this forum and raced once, in light air, and came in second! Definite help as I continually monitored it and made adjustments..."
On Sundays, the Grateful Dead won't do you any good. Need to switch the tape to Mahalia Jackson or another gospel singer to find the groove.Sparing no expense, my wind indicator is a wire coat hanger wand duct taped to the gaff about 3' up from the deck with about 8" of 1980 vintage cassette tape recording tape taped to the outer ends of the wands (an not just any tape but a vintage Grateful Dead tape. Good karma.) I raced in very light air this past weekend, and wind direction detection and resulting sail trim was critical to success.
Finding the groove upwind is often elusive, but I know that pinching in light air and chop is the kiss of death. In these conditions. fall off, ease the mainsheet and foot to keep moving. Trim and point in the gusts and ease and fall off in the lulls. Also keep in mind that the Sunfish sail lays against the mast on starboard tack so you will not point the same on both tacks.
Alan Glos
"...When sailing upwind, I find it hard to find the angle to the wind that give the best forward progress..."
From the sail shape, it looks like the boat is on port tack...
Or am I missing something?
Good point—thanks.More in general, the top racers recommend to not pull the sail in beyond the corner of the stern.