Tips for racing quicker
Proper sail trim is crucial. It is far too easy to over trim. The main is the "engine" and the jib adds speed and more importantly, balance. You have to get right out over the side or up close to the mast to adequately see the jib to trim it. Proper hull trim is important. Never let your crew load heel the boat to winward. In light air, heel angle should be less than 15 degrees. Adjust load fore and aft to keep the stern from squatting and adding drag. Make sure your outboard does not drag in the stern wake. Think seriously about an asymetric spinaker (cruising spinaker) for down wind work. Otherwise, considering sailing higher than dead down wind and jybing your way down the lake. Use the centerboard for best effect in trimming out weather helm. Proper standing rigging tune is important also. A good rigger knowledgeable in the boat can really help set up the boat's helm trim and speed. If you're pulling on the tiller enough to raise yourself off the seat, raise the board and reef the main. Clean the hull and wax it below the water line. You'd be surprised. New stiff sails are better than old baggy ones. Your 240 is quick in light drifting air. Learn how to conserve momentum and trim sails to keep powered up. Never gloat at the other, bigger boats you may beat. They may cry. Someday I'll tell about hitting 7 knots dead down wind with just the full main deployed followed by a crash jybe, broach and knock down and recovery. What a ride.
