power off slightly .. let the jib back wind to carry you over ... power down and come up as boat speed increases. Too quick on the rudder and you will stall the blade.

dougc
Tacking. If you feel like you are loosing to much speed in your tack them you are probable over steering. What I see a lot of sailors do is turn way to far through their tack, or turn to fast. Meaning, they turn more than their necessary tacking angle. The Scot typically tacks through 90 degrees. SO if you find yourself turning 120 or more in your tack you are over steering. Keep in mind that sometimes under some conditions tacking angels can and will be increased. Light air for instance typically increases the tacking angle and add current to that and you get more. Strong winds typical lower the tacking angle becasue we tend to pinch.

To tack. Anticipate the direction you will be sailing after your tack is completed and gradually reduce your turn as your bow approaches your new heading. Just before your tack make sure you are at max speed for the conditions. Ease the mainsheet 2 or 3 inches. Try not to back wind the jib, but ask your crew to relase it after the bow has passed head to wind(your turning speed, apparent wind, will keep the jib full a bit longer then head to wind), and not to over trim once your on the new tack (top batten of jib out just a bit). Pick a flat spot in the waves and start your turn slowly and gradually increase it a bit as the bow passes head to wind and then slowly reduce the rudder angle to stop your turn as your new heading is achived. If necessary foot a bit to pick up speed and slowly trim the main and jib in as your speed increases. Not easing the sails as you start the tack or over trimming after the tack will make your speed suffer. Your speed is going to slow through any tack. So, you must trim your sails so that they do not stall, and so that you can gain speed. You must trim them in as your speed increases or you will not be able to point.

Smooth Sailing

Dan Neff
www.flyingscotracing.com