Downwind Sailing 101

[MJohns77@xxxxxxx]

Laser Sailors,

In a quest to rid myself of the anchor that I seem to be dragging when 
sailing downwind I took some advice that Jay gave me a few years back.  The advice 
was to put a mark on the main sheet so as to quickly determine how far out the 
boom is relative to perpendicular.  

After getting mowed down twice by Scott Weiss and a few others a couple weeks 
ago I decided to try sheeting in tighter on the mainsheet and easing the vang 
a bit to create more leech twist.  Voila, I found that when heading up to 
catch a wave I quickly found power and I could also go by the lee to quickly find 
power.  Over the summer as I watched Dan and Andy I could not understand how 
they were able to gain so much power when only heading up or down so little.  
This twisted leech is the key (I think).

To test out this theory I ask anyone interested to place a mark on your 
mainsheet with electrical tape.  Please place your mark at exactly 24 feet from the 
end of the main sheet. When sailing downwind note where the mark is relative 
to the components on the boom.  If my math is correct the mark should be just 
aft of the old outhaul cleat when the boom is 90 degrees to the centerline.  
It is very important to be precise in the location of the mark.  Double check 
the dimension after installing the tape.

Some people trim the main sheet in and out but usually one location is the 
average.  Where is that position for you?  I suspect the optimum trim may change 
with wind speed and wave height.  With everyone using the same main sheet 
mark it will be interesting to hear thoughts on this.

I've not found an easy way to measure vang tension so it can be compared 
across the fleet.  Anyone have a suggestion for this?

Tip: Put a mark on both ends of your main sheet so you can end for end it. 

Note to Jim Barrett: Please double check the dimensions of your marks.

Mike Johnson
Seattle Laser Fleet
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