Optimist Mast Rake and Downwind Heel
This great article from Optimist Team Gnarly uses clear illustrations to explain balancing the helm of your Optimist for speed, by adjusting the mast rake and angle of heel downwind. Team Gnarly is now dormant, but they have a few good posts on Opti sailing techniques. Â This article also covers sail trim concepts. Â Don’t be scared by the term “physics” in the title – it’s really very understandable.
