>Mainsail Trim for Reaching>

Sailing off the wind is often more difficult as far as sail trim is involved. It takes more of a feel from the mainsail trimmer than does sailing close hauled. Here is a brief guide to help you with your mainsail adjustments while reaching across the bay.

1. The mainsheet is loose when you are reaching. If the boom rises up causing the battens to fall off to leeward…you should

A) Drop traveler to leeward
B) Tighten boom vang and mainsheet
C) Ease outhaul, backstay and cunningham
D) Keep top batten parallel to boom

** On light air days:
a) Move the traveler to windward and loosen mainsheet
b) Tighten boom-topping lift to create a belly

Mainsail Trim for Running

1. Traveler is completely leeward
2. Ease the mainsheet, backstay and outhaul completely
3. Set the boom vang so the top batten is parallel to the boom