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Downwind sailing strategy
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Charles Wright
11 Posts
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9th July 2025 - 8:36 pm
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Having survived yet another very rolly downwind sail across St George's Channel, I am after advice on how other Twisters approach this situation. What is your favourite sail arrangement/strategy? We had triple reefed Main, poled out reefed Genoa, hand steered most of the way. 

Our situation: NW wind F4 gusting 5, backing N, 8 hours in to the passage, 0.9m waves, 5 sec. from SSW.

The thought of more downwind sailing after this passage leaves me a bit queasy...  

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David Hopkins
207 Posts
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10th July 2025 - 8:56 pm
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There is no getting away from the fact that she rolls downwind. 

I never pole out the Genoa. Either sail 20° off dead downwind so the sail fills properly or drop the main and use only the headsail. 

If it's light I goose wing without a pole. Or use my assy Spinnaker. 

Deep reach with both sails.

 

In this one I started with both sails then just the main on 3rd reef with a preventer then heavy reefed headsail which is my go to when it's above 25kt.

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David Hopkins
207 Posts
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10th July 2025 - 9:00 pm
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The time stamps don't work so on the first video go to 11 minutes and on the second about 7 minutes. 

Dave

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