Overpowered While Sailing Upwind

At times it's easy to feel overpowered sailing upwind in heavy air. Once you have pulled hard on the vang and the downhaul, if you are still struggling, then raise the daggerboard a few inches and don't hesitate to raise it up to the "zero" mark on the trailing edge. Raising the board allows the boat to balance itself and when you get the right combination, the boat just feels good with very little pressure on the helm.This allows you to play the mainsheet and and steer an easier course.

 

Paul Gingras, Palm Beach, Florida