Big breeze can be one of the most fun conditions to sail in and with Quantum’s Dave Flynn four simple tips you can also be fast and efficient. Strong wind can be a tricky condition to sail in. However, with some small tweaks and considerations, you can make big gains on the racecourse or more comfortably get to your destination. Here is what you need to know to get up to speed, balance the luff, manage heel, and crush the waves...
Tactician Bucky Smith was a key member of the Australian team that achieved a resounding victory in the Audi Etchells World Championship 2009 held in Melbourne. He tells Tracey Johnstone how the Worlds was won...
Chris Snow of North Sails One Design in the USA describes his experience and success in late 2015 of competing in the J/70 class, and shares some of his go-faster tips here.... eg. Very important to keep the boat at a constant angle of heel upwind. Use the head stay against the horizon as a guide. If you cannot hold the boat on a constant angle of heel the boat is either underpowered or overpowered. Decide which and adjust....
Skip Dieball narrowly won the Etchells World Championships in Hong Kong last November in a close battle with fellow American Steve Benjamin, the 470 Olympic silver medallist. Here, Skip looks back at that victory and talks about his plans for defending his world title in Cowes in 2016...