CHAPTER 5
Photo: Justin Chando
While a straight upper body in addition to straight legs is fastest, most sailors adopt a more comfortable position that allows them to see better and hike longer. They keep their upper body more upright, just about perpendicular to the surface of the water. Both the skipper and crew will want to look forward while hiking or sitting on the side of the boat to see the sails, upcoming changes in the wind, and other boats or hazards.
HOLDING THE TILLER EXTENSION AND MAINSHEET A skipper should assume a hand and body position to steer and trim sails most effectively. By placing your hands in front of you, with thumb side up, grasp the tiller extension as if you are holding a microphone and keep your elbows at your sides as you grip the mainsheet. In this position, you will be using the strongest muscles in your arms—your forearms and biceps—to control the tiller and sheets. Plus, your compact body stance will be in the most comfortable and relaxed position to enable you to focus on sailing the boat.
HANDLING LINES Be sure that you never wrap a line around your hands or hold it with your teeth. When holding a line under pressure you should be able to release the line just by relaxing your grip and letting the line fall. It is important to be able to release a line quickly so you can easily swim free of the boat in the event of a capsize.
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