Optimist maximum kicker setting.

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Quick guide to setting the kicker in an Optimist dinghy for strong winds. Sorry about the audio, it was windy! Strong winds means when the sailor is hiking upwind and having to ease the mainsheet in gusts. Lots of kicker will make the boat easier to sail upwind and reduce leech twist and therefore rolling downwind. Ideally also look to rake the mast forwards to balance the centre of effort in the sail and avoid excess weather helm in strong winds.

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A staysail is a type of sail that is typically smaller than the main sail on a boat, and is attached to a stay (a wire or rope) that connects to the mast of the vessel. It can be used in a variety of wind conditions, but is particularly useful in stronger winds, when the larger main sail may be difficult to handle. In our case we’re using it because our furler is broken and we can’t use the headsail. Staysails are often used for upwind sailing, and can help to balance the boat by reducing the amount of weather helm (the tendency of the boat to turn into the wind). They can also be used in conjunction with a larger headsail or spinnaker to help control the boat’s speed and direction in varying wind conditions. Staysails are commonly found on sailing yachts and other sailing vessels, and can be made from a variety of materials, including Dacron, Kevlar, and other synthetic fibers. #staysail #sailboat #sailinglife