Sail Trim (back to Don G.)
Don Thanks for the kind words. I may be able to contribute some more sail trim tips, but I think that you’re either absolutely wrong or absolutely right about sail trim: Wrong: you never stop learning and every sail, even over the same course, is different Right: just as you said, “there is just so much and you’re done” I’ve contributed many tips to this forum about trim, mainly about two of my favorite subjects: reefing & sailing with the jib alone. I will continue to do so because I believe that the more prepared our constituents are the SAFER we ALL can be. I must admit that I have other ongoing responsibilities. Besides a full time job (engineering analysis and writing) and family, and weekly sailing with good friends, I am the Secretary of the Catalina 34 International Association. I am also very active as a volunteer contributor on the C34 website (plug: www.c34ia.org) with what you described as ”mechanical and boat repair” stuff, mostly my interest in lots of boating engine & electrical issues. I believe a good cross fertilization between this forum and the Catalina One-Design Associations is vital to the continued success and safety of our skippers. I’ve suggested that the links on this site to those Associations be more apparent for quick reference and updated regularly. I also keep in contact with the C25 Association on their board and with the C36 Technical Editors. Accordingly, I must regretfully decline your generous offer, and only wish that I had the perseverance that you did to write a book. As I said to and about Peggie Hall recently, I congratulate her (and you) on your persistence in responding to the same questions about material that’s already covered in your books. And sometimes being asked by people who have actually bought and read the books! Perhaps one day someone will use a search engine and gather all my ramblings. Since I’ve been known to repeat myself, it could a be lot shorter collection than anyone would have imagined! I think a lot of regulars here and on other boards do what I do and what you do: contribute and answer questions. Sometimes there may not be any reason to need to ”provoke” a new thread - there’s enough material out there already for new and experienced “mates” to discuss. (PS - I don’t get to sleep on my boat near enough as I'd like, and enjoy it when I do, but I don’t really care how many people do or don’t. Pretty boat pictures don’t do it for me either - I can see them sailing or sitting pretty at a slip almost anytime.) I try to concentrate on Goals, Direction & Sharing, although sometimes I may be a bit too quick with the keys. Here’s my TOP TEN LIST FOR SAIL TRIM: (and, no, I haven’t read your book - yet!) 1. Read, then practice. Start with Don’s book & chart 2. Usually, if it looks good, it is. 3. Reduce theorizing - repeat: PRACTICE 4. Reef, and please, stop with the mast rake stories unless you have a boat that doesn’t have a telephone pole for a mast 5. Flatten your main or buy a new one for higher pointing (I can’t - I have a wonderfully intact, 20 year old, full battened main, just cleaned by Sail Care, and I’m one happy sailor) 6. Take notes after each sail - what worked and what didn’t 7. Sail alone with your autopilot. Your autopilot will teach you to set and trim sails better than anything except Don’s book! 8. It takes time to learn 9. My outhaul doesn’t work either - I’m workin’ on it. 10. Enjoy : that’s what it’s all about : learn your boat and practice The information’s out there - go get it, do your own research and homework - you’ll be better off than having someone else answer each and every question for you. Thanks, Don, and all of you Fair Winds, Stu
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