How many times have you been burned at the windward mark, losing multiple places in less than a minute? It’s easy to do, since there are so many traps to avoid. For this post, we collected the available wisdom on…

In a previous post, we described four downwind strategy mistakes that cause sailors to lose places quickly. We had seen or personally experienced these and were determined not to repeat them. Of course, there are more than four ways to…

Welcome to our series on upwind mainsail trim. This article covers Controlling Twist, which is Part 4 of a four-part unit on shaping your sails. In this series, we’re presenting a comprehensive review of basic and advanced mainsail trim concepts.…

Welcome to our series on upwind mainsail trim. This article covers Draft Shape and Position, which is Part 3 of a four-part unit on shaping your sails. In this series, we’re presenting a comprehensive review of basic and advanced mainsail…

It’s ten minutes before the start and you’re formulating strategy. Should you pick a favored side, or just sail the shifts and puffs and see what develops? Most race courses, especially on lakes, will favor one side during at least…

In winds up to 10 knots, the impact of shifts downwind is enormous… A boat working the shifts will gain 10% versus a boat that ignores the shifts.  Bill Gladstone, Performance Racing Tactics Playing the shifts downwind is one part…