Weather Helm

[Ken Juul]

Your beating up wind in 10-15 knots true.  Without reefing, which choice will help reduce weather helm while minimizing speed loss.

[Steve S.]

When you say lower traveller, do you mean ease the traveller so there is less power in the main?

[Ken Juul]

yes.  But that gives the answer away.  If you look at the other choices, this is the only one that will depower the main.

[Mike and Joanne Stimmler]

Although it may have given the answer away, the term "lower the traveler" is mis-leading. I couldn't figure how you could do that unless you were going to physically move it from the coach roof to the cockpit.

Silly me   

[Stu Jackson]

When sailing closehauled, one side of the boat is higher than the other, the windward side.   

[Ron Hill]

Ken : We've beat this problem to death!! 
Crank in some back stay adjuster, flatten the main and you're good to go - decreased WX helm!!  Or get an new elliptical rudder.   

[Stu Jackson]

Aw, c'mon, Ron, some of us actually MOVE our travelers!   

[Ken Heyman]

I was going to weigh in re: the elliptical rudder but Ron beat me to the podium. The tendency to round up and/or the ability to control it is significantly reduced by the elliptical rudder. I agree, however, that easing the traveler (next to reefing)is the adjustment that gives one the biggest bang for the buck.

Ken