DEPOWERING SAILS To keep stronger winds from overpowering your
sailboat, you can ease out the sails slightly to spill the excess wind. Adjusting sail trim, either permanently as winds increase or just momentarily during gusts will keep the sailboat balanced, easy to steer, and sailing at its best.
TIP TO RELEASE THE MAINSHEET
As the wind builds, your mainsheet may become difficult to uncleat. It will be easier to get the mainsheet released if you sheet in slightly while pulling the line from the jaws of the cleat.
Depowering with the Traveler
Easing the traveler allows the boom and the sail to move to leeward without changing the shape of the sail. This decreases pressure on the sail, reduces heel, and makes steering easier.
Entire sail rotates away from the wind, losing power.
Depowering with the Mainsheet
Easing the mainsheet a bit causes the boom to rise and move to leeward. The top of the mainsail then twists away from the wind, reducing power.
Top of sail twists away from wind, losing power.
Ease the traveler
Table of Contents
Ease the mainsheet
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Chapter 6 | Mastering the Wind: Advanced Sailing Skills
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