Three key rules for beginning sailors

Sailing is a complex sport and needs a high focused attitude towards the things that really matter. Like any other adventure sport, it also has some basic rules which are very essential to follow for safety, remarkable performance and winning the competitions. Let’s go through them:

Sail in more winds

It is the first and key rule of getting faster with your sailboat. All the expert sailors are unanimous on this point that when you sail in more winds, it becomes easy to get the desired speed. While getting ready for a race, first stand on the boom and scan the course of the wind, if you earn the ability to set your head sail and the other assortments as per the most advantageous condition.  It is not about waiting for the fast wind, but making the arrangements to set it in your benefit.

Sail to the mark

Once you have understood the wind, you need to sail towards the mark. For this you will have to point your bow more towards the mark. It is the fundamental rule that the thumb is needed to be tacked on the headers upwind and the jibe on the left downwind.  Keep your mindset with the few things: sail towards more winds, getting the right lane sailing towards the significant gain and using the circumstances such as geographical shifts or the favorable currents. Other than the exceptions arise with the 10% probability, the 90% sailing must be done towards the mark.

Keep it simple

Sailing is an art and science of balancing the boat on the water as per the wind and your winning target; so you need to keep it free from the drama. While racing you should avoid the crowds and not tack or jibe too much or show off. The good races are often simple and clean. Winning in a sailboat race means a single rule: sail fast and sail straight. Set your head sail and other attachment and ensure their right positioning instead of showing off your style to the audiences. 

So, when you plan for your next race, apply these simple but fundamental rules and find yourself in a winning position.

9 Tips on Spinnaker packing

Although boating or cruising is fun, sail packing is a huge task which is not only boring but also very critical. We can share some useful tips on how to get it done smartly. Our lofts are not only full of spinnakers for sale, but also with a massive bank of sailing experience.

The basic task of spinnaker packing is to put the sail inside the turtle but you need to do it in such a manner so that no twists are developed or else it will create problems later on when you shall hoist the sail again.

Follow the tips below--

• The best way to start is to put the turtle between your legs and take a position facing the bow of the boat.

• You should start by sitting on one of the clews and then search for the other one. It may sound weird but this will help you do the packing neatly.

• If your have found a port clew, keep it on your left and if it is the starboard one, keep it on your right.

• The foot of the spinnaker should always go first inside the turtle. Simple logic-- it goes the last when you hoist the sail.

• Make sure to sit on both the clews when you will find the other clew, at the end of the foot.

• To avoid twisting while packing the rest of the sail, pack it by following either the starboard leech or the port leech till you get the head of the sail.

• Always remember that if you do not have a twist on one leech, you won’t have any on the other.

• Make sure that the corners of the spinnaker are hung outside the turtle so that when required the crew can attach them to the appropriate lines. 

After closing the lid, you should check whether the bungee cord is secured over the metal ring.