Traveler Trim

[Gary Wyngarden]

Hi Mark and Bill,There is an article in the March issue of Sail magazine on proper use of the traveler. It describes the appropriate use of the traveler strictly in terms of wind strength with no consideration at all to point of sail. I would have thought that whether you are close hauled or running down wind would also impact traveler setting. Any comments?Gary WyngardenS/V Shibumi H335

 

[hp]

You're right

The traveler does indeed need to be moved depending on point of sail. In heavy wind, though, it's wise to pull the main tight to spill more wind. And of course, downwind you want the sheet out and the traveler down (although if the sheet is out it doesn't much matter where the traveler is).