How the jib trimmer and helmsman work together to keep the boat flat and go fast up wind in a breeze ?
1) when a puff hits it is imperative that the boat stay flat. Usually that entails an ease on the main sheet to keep the boat balanced and on its feet. 2) the skipper will slowly feather up closer to the wind as the puff builds…hopefully he has anticipated and maintains proper balance…at the highest he’ll steer in a good sized puff it will not be unusual for the jib luff to actually break (ie “pinch”) as much as 18′ nack from the leading edge. How far back (how high he steers) is determined by how flat the water is (can pinch more when flatter), how big the puff is and how much speed he was carrying going into the puff. 3) In bigger puffs, and/or a lift at the same time, it is advantageous for the jib trimmer to briefly ease about 3-5″ and then quickly trim back in. This brief ease will allow the skipper an easier time in steering the boat into the wind and the helm to balance back up quicker- we are looking for a neutral helm ( no tug or push) as much as possible. Practice is help
