Sport mode sailing

[Dreadnought]

The vice commodore has put six sport mode races before the Sport Nationals on the 17th May.

Those of you that fear the extra two square meters of sail should read below.

1. You do not have to trapeze in sport mode. It can make you go faster and is very exhilarating in a decent breeze but you do not have to get out on the wire unless you want to.

2. You do not have to use the jib. As long as you have the jib, sheets and blocks set up on your boat you can keep the jib furled throughout the race.

3. The jib actually makes the boat easier to sail. Having a headsail makes it much easier to tack as the jib will get backed and push you through the wind. You do not have to change the jib sheets until you have got the mainsail sorted and are in position to sail away. You should be able to uncleat and cleat the jib sheets from the normal windward sailing position. Also the tell-tales on the jib act as a perfect wind-indicator when beating.