any tipsa for new laser 4000 sailer

Originally posted by simsy

   Here's a tip.  The 4000 is a fast boat and like a car going fast you have to steer gently.  Don't throw it through the tacks (or gybes).  I find its much better to head up as the crew comes in, give him time to uncleat the old jib sheet, cleat loosly the new jib sheet and move out onto the rack as you bear away.  Then, when you're going, squeeze in the jib a bit more.  This procedure gains at least an extra boat length to windward and is nice and relaxing for both helm and crew.
I've noticed that the less expert person in a 4000 gets in on his bum or his knees.  Neither should ever touch the boat.  Come in off the wire to a standing position in the middle of the boat, do the jib sheets and then move out on your feet to the new rack, lower yourself out taking the weight on your arm and then hook in and then trim the sheet.  Incidentally it is easy to oversheet the jib on a 4000 (you should be able to see the water between the foot of the jib and the gunwhale).  
Similarly the helm should never get on his knees.  To tack, switch from dagger grip to pan handle and push the tiller away (gently).  Move your rear leg right across the boat and uncleat the main as you go.  Don't rush since you want the boat to heel to windward before you go right across and anyway you want to give the crew plenty of time while he's in the middle of the boat.  Sit down on the new windward side and bear away and sheet in as the crew goes out.  Swap hands, switch to dagger grip and pull that sheet in a bit harder as the boat gets up to speed.  
In heavy winds you don't encourage so much of a roll (ie you go across a little earlier) so that the boat is level when you want to bear away on the new tack.  In a sharp chop the helm can lose his balance if he doesn't steady himself by holding onto the mainsheet jammer with his mainsheet hand.
There; its quite simple!