Chris:
FYI. Here on Narragansett Bay, RI, it's not at all unusual to have those 15-20 kt. days of sailing. When you are on port tack, it's important to anticipate boats coming across on starboard. I have my genoa trimmer and mainsheet trimmer with sheets in hand, not cleated if we see a potential starboard crosser. We constantly communicate about the closing starboard boat. It's important to ease both sheets early so you can dip the stern of the starboard crosser. If you want to go to the right side of the course, don't be afraid to take the dip. Better to be early and safe than late and not make it, have to do a crash tack, risk the genoa tearing because of a backwind, or the worse possible scenario, smashing into the starboard tack boat. Teamwork in heavy air is critical. We do a lot of talking on our boat. Everyone knows the drill.
Bob Rude
#352
Mmmmmm
