pav wrote:
1) Do you turn into the wind or away from the wind when you turn. Gybe / Tac I think they are called? In simple terms what should you be doing and whats the pro / cons? I'm generally turning away from the wind at the momment.
Depends where you are trying to go. If it's a point upwind you'll normally do better turning that way. But, in real strong winds you may not be able to. Also, obstacles like other boats may determine what you choose. You should be good at doing both, so it's a choice on objectives and conditions.
pav wrote:
2) The drive system makes you lazy. I can turn away from the wind, then a quick pump on the pedals and I'm around quickly without needing to touch the ropes. What should you be doing with these ropes if your sailing with some skills (and depending less on the drive system)?
If you let the sheetline (rope) out as you turn downwind, you'll keep sailing. If you don't let the sheetline out as you turn in stronger winds, you won't turn at all!
Same as you should pull in the sheetline as you come across the wind.
pav wrote:
3) How do you use the little string wind indicators on the sail. Cant get my head around how you use them as an indicator.
First, replace them with Hobie's Black Beauty Tell Tails (#335 $7.95us) Much better, don't hang up like the cheap yarn.
Easiest way I teach friends to sail here, is
let out the sheetline until the outer one starts 'dancing' then slowly pull in till the inner one starts (while the outer one still behaves). You need to do this without turning the boat while you watch them, or it will get confusing. When both are good, they should be dancing within the clear window (back or slightly up).
You can also adjust them by steering the boat. In this case
to make the outside one behave, normally turn slowly more towards the wind. For the inside one slowly away from the wind. These 'directions' work well in all but downwind, which you really don't need the tell tails, just scoop the wind. Also, the Islands sail better 45 degrees from strait downwind than strait downwind.
Come on over when you're ready and we can fine-tune your skills sailing here.
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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006