Hobie Cat Forums

I find the windward mark rounding a bit tricky when you are on trapeze. You of course need to let out the traveller and mainsheet as you are rounding but from the trapeze I find this a bit tricky; let out the traveller and mainsheet too soon and you teabag yourself; come in from trapeze too soon and you risk a capsize.

How do the experience guy do this?

I usually come in off the wire a few yards before the mark after sending the crew in to get things ready. The main is uncleated, so by coming in, the main is let out some to "throttle down."

Then, as we round the mark, I pop the traveller loose, adjust the main, pop the windward rudder up while the crew eases the jib, puts their traveller out and pops the downhaul loose.

The skill comes in being able to do all of this quickly, and waiting as long as possible to come in off the wire. You do not want to turn before everyone is off the wire. You'll get launched and pitchpole. Don't ask me how I know.

Agree with Matt, crew in first, get sheets and travelers ready but I differ in that, depending on sea state, I like to stay ont the wire until just beyond the mark. If in a crowd I concentrate on sail trim and steering, I won't mess with the rudder until I'm sure it won't cost me any time or distance.



I usually won't come in early unless I am really out of control.

What boat?

I won't come in off the wire until the first gybe. That's assuming there's enough wind to trap going downwind.

He's talking a 16, Karl - and not the kind you have.

Yup, I am taking H16.

Thanks for the tips Matt and Tom. You have also answered my other question of whether the downhaul should be adjusted. (BTW Tom our tacks were better on Sunday.)

I know top teams pop a rudder both downwind and upwind but do you really think it makes that much difference?

Hi Matt,

Since I know you have sailed/raced ... the H14, the H16, the H17, the H18, the Tiger, the H20(?), H21(?) .... and I almost forgot about the Wave ...

Does your rounding technic vary according to the boat? ... and how?

_________________
HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

Not that much different.

I don't like being on the wire around the mark due to the risk of pitchpoling.