Downwind Sailing

Many top sailors complain about either their downwind speed or state that they don’t know how to sail downwind. In reality this is usually based on an emotion and mental challenges rather than what an observer may see, but there is can be a hint of truth in such statement as they might be slow in certain conditions. In this article we look at the real deal with both top sailors and amateurs falling into the same errors quite often.

Sailing Simulations

Building simulators has reached a level of science in some sports which is both incredible technology and stupendously expensive - motor racing and flying spring to mind. To simulate positions to practice physical movement in sailing can be done with a little ingenuity and not too much cost. This blog deals with the why, how and when of simulators and will hopefully lead to some efficient training for you!

Downwind Decisions

Racing involves going around the course - strength is required upwind and down. There is no point in being a star going upwind without the ability to come downwind with similar abilities. Whilst technique is really critical to success, very often tactical decisions are able to get you back from an impossible position and back into the race. Whilst there is undoubtedly more gains to be made in skiff sailing with asymmetric spinnakers, the gains that can be made in conventional boats are huge

Speed and DRAG

Speed and DRAG Boats are designed to go through the water, and over the past 70 years have been designed to ride ON the water.  Over the past 10 years plus they’ve also been designed to fly over the water.  These hull designs are termed as displacement (through the water), planing (riding on the water)... Continue Reading →

Making the Weight

Ideal Weight and Dynamic Sailing Sailing crew weight is seemingly  best dealt with by most major sailing federations by making it clear that if the sailor is outside the ideal weight, they must get as close as possible to ideal before even being considered for National Sailing Teams. What we find inconsistent about this attitude... Continue Reading →

Block Heads

Sail shape Over the past 50 years sailing boats have probably evolved more than in the previous several centuries.  Drag has been greatly reduced, planing has been understood and rig efficiency and drag has been researched.  The wing is in, square head sails the norm, carbon masts are common.  Let’s consider some of our own... Continue Reading →

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