Star

Originally posted by Neptune Story on Sailing anarchy that the Star has been recommended by the sailing committee to be dropped out of the Olympics:  http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?showtopic=115542

So, as usual, no logic at all. The Men's keelboat could be dropped, though the Star is sailied worldwide by some of the top sailors in the world, but the Women's keelboat stays, despite being sailed by very few but Olympic hopefuls.

Whilst it would be a good experience, it looks incredibly tiring and painful. :(

You have to give the Star a go Smight. An absolute dream to sail upwind and quite cunningly quick as well tacking through ~60 degrees. Downwind in a blow they are just about the scariest thing around. Sooooo much power!

The hiking harness works a treat. Like a full length windsurfer haness, but with a length of ~6mm line attached just at the navel level. The crew drops over and then puts this line into a clam cleat that is recessed into the rail. He then just sits back and enjoys the ride. If done correctly there is almost no weight or load on the toestraps - it's all on the harness. Getting up is just a matter of  'popping' the legs straight and hopping in a bit. Star crews often also use double sided toestraps which are two straps sewn together at the ends. You put your feet in the middle and then as long as you keep them there no matter which way you turn the strap is already there for you. One advantage of this style of hiking is that it seems to lower the CofG a bit [or something like that]. It always seemed a bit sweeter to sail if you could get the crew over early and the helm sitting in a bit

Go on and try a Star. Great boats and a great class.

Last time I hiked out on a in a yacht race my wife, who was sitting next to me  chucked up in my face

.........does that count as a worthwhile activity.

........I shall sit upwind in future.

Edited by GK.LaserII

Originally posted by ASok Hiking over the guard rails is fine on a majority of yachts.

Well, no, its not fine: its damn silly that instead of looking at sail set, or wind spotting or looking out for other boats or even just enjoying the scenery a significant percentage of the crew are busy looking at their toes and the topsides...