Not sure about the similarities in the gem and the micro but I found similar
issues when I started sailing my micro. Although it feels like the boat
sails better when it is heeled over slightly I later discovered that keeping
her flat is important. The flatter she is the less leeway is made but a lot
less tendency of broaching also. I find three people aboard the ideal figure
to keep her flat plus if their weight can not keep her flat then play with
the main sheet to keep her flat whilst ensuring that the telltales on the
Genoa keep flying. Not much point trying to get lift out of a gust, rather
slacken the main, keep the boat flat and take the increased speed rather.

New sails will make a difference.

Spinnaker problems will depend on the setup you have, You mention a chute
which I do not have. All I can suggest is to go out and practise with the
same crew, again and again until you are comfortable with it. Also try to
arrange to go sailing with another boat (the same as yours) to see how they
work their spinnaker. I recently sailed on a Bosun dinghy and found the
setup of the spinnaker to be one of the simplest I have ever used and I am
now trying to think of ways to incorporate this setup onto my boat. Try to
think of spinnaker as a simple task. Many people think the spinnaker is a
complex and confusing sail. It is in fact quite simple once you get yourself
sorted.

Hope this helps

Regards
Terry

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alan Main [mailto:alan.gmain@...]
> Sent: 06 August 2005 22:24
> To: MicroClass@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [MicroClass] Racing-pointing/spinnaker / Gem sail no 11
>
>
> Can anyone give me some hints/advice regarding the above. I've taken
> part in 5 races now,the only race I did well in was in light
> winds. For
> example I raced today in a force 4-5, lots of fun downwind, but made
> lots of leeway to windward, even with a reef in the main and my jib
> hanked on instead of my genoa. My stays are tight and I used the aft
> stay to good effect, but still had bigger and slower boats passing me.
> Also any advice on how best to handle the spinnaker, I've rigged up a
> chute and sock affair but I'm still having problems. Since I bought
> the boat last year I've done lots of work on her but,as yet,I still
> have the old/original sails,I hope to buy new sails for next season,
> could this make a big difference??? Looking forward to some advice
> All The Best
> Alan Main (NW Scotland)
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