J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum Racing Tools and Techniques Weather Helm

The Model B has the bent metal at 90 degrees the top. You pull a loop tied on and read an arrow on the metal scale while pulling to take the reading. The PT-2 had a spring loaded plastic insert with a pointer where you read the setting. Once it is clipped on the stay, you don't have to continuously pull the tab like the Model B to get a reading.

David Bows wrote about finding the groove. That's basically what you describe, but when you get the hang of it, the heading up and falling off to stay in the slot is very minimal. You should have someone play your traveler in the puffs to help keep you flat and prevent from being knocked down. Ease on the puff, then raise the traveler again. On Rhapsody, this eats sailing gloves!