Here are some key takeaways from our training day with Rich Ashwell
BOAT SET UP
- Mark kite halyard to allow crew to know when it is fully up.
- Adjust outhaul length so it can be flicked off and automatically goes to downwind setting
- Move toe straps inboard to allow calves to be clear of the side deck.
MAST SET UP
- Spreader depth 140mm
- Spreader length 405mm (415mm for heavier crew), measured to mast wall.
- Shrouds, drop 1/2 a hole for windy weather and a further half for really windy.
- Mast ram not essential just enough o take the kicker pressure.
- Mast rake to top of GRP housing for rudder, is 6.98m.
- Check mast is upright.
TACKING
- Crew and hel move in to boat to generate leeward heel and initiate the turn. Very small amounts of helm.
- As boat goes through the wind, weight out on new leeward side to create heel.
- Stand up under the main , to force more heel.
- Move to new windward side and flatten the boat to accelerate.
- Crew and helm must move together
GYBING
- Crew presheets the gib on new side
- Ease main 6" and cleat to create windward heel and boat will bear away.
- Helm release wing wang, and gybe the main.
- Helm pull on new wing wang and focus on angel out of gybe, better to be slightly too high to maintain speed.
- Do not need to pull boat upright immediately, until kite filled.
TRIM
- Weight forward in light condition - helm over the thwart.
- Crew can sit on lee deck in light winds.
- Downwind, crew to leeward in light winds.
DOWNWIND ANGLES
- Less than 10kts, then soak as low as possible. Crew calls the pressure all the time.