Wow, I sit through a couple lousy meetings and this is what I come back to <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
3. boards up part way
4. decrease rotation
We don't put the boards up... just leave them full down. I'll try that next time we're out. I usually set the mast rotator before we leave and we don't usually adjust it unless it seems to be way off.
It may not be your sail trim as much as your driving. As the wind and waves come up, you do NOT want to be pinching the boat. Pinching (pointing up too high going up wind) is a very common trait with new sailors as they use that to depower in a gust, vs. easing the traveler down, keeping the bows down and going FAST.
If you are pinching you will know because even in big wind your speed will not be all that great and the boat will feel sluggish. So try easing the jib out a bit so it doesn't backwind the main, and travel the main out about a foot, and keep the bows down a bit, do not pinch when a gust hits, ease the main sheet instead, and you will go much faster. BTW, if you are racing, it is usually "faster" to go low and fast than high and slow to the A mark.
When the Alter Cup guys are talking about "Sawing the Main" that's what they are doing, easing the main in the gusts and then quickly trimming it back in as they accelerate. It's best if the crew does it so you can steer in a straight line, not zig-zaging all over the place.
You might have hit it on the head. With some reading last summer, I starting working the main in the puffs, but only about an arms length or so. If I have to go further than that, I compensate by pinching a little. Then if I still have to bail out, I'll let the main slide through my hand with usually results in anywhere between 2-5 feet being loosened. This circus act is usually followed by reeling the main back in to try to catch the end of the puff. So on days like this past weekend, I end up zig-zagging my way across the lake.
My crew has been pretty adamant that he doesn't want the main in his hand. he's happy with the jib and downhaul. I think we probably need to go out on a calm day and have him work the main so we're more consistent through the puffs.
I'll have to try letting out the traveler and holding closer to the same heading. Thanks.
