got my butt kicked on last two regaata from a B25 and a couple of ranger 26s ...sure they are sailed extremely well. BUT I need to make it tougher on them....

both races were in variable winds from 2 - 5 max.....

I am doing much better at around 10 to 15 ... above 15 I am in constant stress, as I "race" my boat with my wife and no other crew ( usually )

Lets hear the tricks for goin fast when the wind is LIGHT

Thanks Thor

Sit to leeward and as far forward as possible. Backstay and vang off, traveler up, mainsheet eased so tell-tails fly. Cunningham off, outhaul taught, not tight. Both halyards eased for 'speed wrinkles' along the luff. Genoa sheet eased to 6-10” off spreader. Don’t try to point until you are moving. Use as little rudder as possible; I clamp the hiking stick to my thigh and only move it an inch or so then hold. Ease the genoa in the puffs before slowly trimming as you head up.

Tune the rig, take at least 4 full turns off the uppers and 3 turns off the lowers. Might even take some turns off of the forestay as long as the lenght is class legal. I think this can be accomplished until the "P" flag is displayed. After the prep flag, no tuning is allowed per class rules.

DO NOT CROSS SHEET :> )

Thor,

The number of times I've beaten the R-26s and the B25 in wind under 5 can be counted on one hand. I beat Extacy in the Moolight last weekend in these conditions. With wind over about 7 I need my hands and feet to count the number of times I've beat them.

I'm gettting better at it. The advice above seems good. I generally move the crew foreward of the mast and to leward in such conditions. Counterintuitively, crew weight seems to help because of the effect on trim. Seems to work well.

Patience seems to help too. Remeber, there's about 80 years of combined racing experience on that lake at the helms of those three boats. Also some world champions in various classes on board. I always feel I've done VERY well if I'm even close to those guys in the light stuff.

Foghorn

Offwind, you might try a little heel to WEATHER to roll the 'chute out from behind the main. Again, weight forward, though that's tough doublehanded. Might use a bungee as a preventer for the boom in very light air. A windward takedown might help you out at the leeward mark. Sail deep the last few lengths, jib up, pole down, roll to weather to keep the 'chute full as long as possible then blow the SHEET & bring it in on the weather side just before you head upwind. Your foredeck will be clear and you'll have tactical flexibility. Have fun! I like light air, myself! Doug.