Headley Grange
Member
I have a pre-1964 Sunfish with the old rudder-tiller-tiller extension. What's the correct procedure for keeping hold of the tiller and the mainsheet during a tack? Not looking to race. Just want to have better control.
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The videos I saw on Youtube only showed Sunfish sailors using the new-style tiller extension. Maybe I should expand my search.If you can find some video on YouTube, see how a good skipper does it. A (moving) picture is worth more than a thousand words.
Alan Glos
Alan's idea is a good one, but top skippers who will be worth watching will have a universal. Youtube and GoPros were not available 30 years ago when good sailors were tacking with old-style extensions.The videos I saw on Youtube only showed Sunfish sailors using the new-style tiller extension. Maybe I should expand my search.
What type of extension does your boat have? You could theoretically adapt a wood extension to use a universal, but that it probably more trouble than it is worth. Could a Northern friend send an old ski pole? They work well. BB
Learned my current technique by watching some videos of Laser and Sunfish sailors racing. I've tried every imaginable combination of techniques but when I discovered this one, it made the most sense and I've done it this way ever since. Just a warning; it's an "acquired taste". Also, you're going to need a longer tiller extension than the one in your photo. But that's ok, cause you're going to want a longer one than that one anyway.I have a pre-1964 Sunfish with the old rudder-tiller-tiller extension. What's the correct procedure for keeping hold of the tiller and the mainsheet during a tack? Not looking to race. Just want to have better control.
That will work but here's the thing. Because it is 48 inches long, it will probably feel a bit too long. Like it gets in the way a lot.I checked the Intensity Sails website and they have a aluminum tiller extension and universal joint for $30. That might be the way to go. Would I have to fill the hole in the end of the Tiller?
The first video with Shirly Robertson was very informative. It had some clear stop-action shots.Ok, so here's a video showing it.
And a kid doing it...
Again, practice it in your living room first.
- Andy