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Holding the tiller extension
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jeffers View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Mar 04
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Posts: 3048 		Post Options Post Options   Quote jeffers Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Holding the tiller extension
    Posted: 13 Jul 06 at 11:30am
Originally posted by redback

If anybody out there sails a centre main boat with a pan handle grip I can assure you that you'll go much faster if you switch to a dagger grip.


I sail mine with the 'across the chest' dagger grip. Any other way just feels wrong now. For information I sailed my Laser the same way (and had my own unique tacking style which made the other Laser 'purists' wince).

Have to be careful with the Blaze though, there are all thos nice continuous controls to stuff the extension through...and the tramps ropes too....

Getting there though, just need to mast gybing and all will be happy.

Paul
Paul
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D-Zero GBR 74
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Matt Jackson View Drop Down
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Posts: 962 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Matt Jackson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Jul 06 at 12:42pm

Originally posted by redback

If you helm from the trapeze you have to hold the tiller across the shoulder, if you try and bring it in front of the body it hits the trapeze wire.  Also if trapezeing you have to switch to pan handle grip just before the tack since the tiller extension is too long to go through between tiller and mainsheet, or if its a twin tiller extension boat ie 49er you have to drop the tiller extension as you go across. 

Well, you don't have to. I dont. I'd rather get the stick caught on the trapeze wire than in my ear/throat/neck as I move back and forward along the rail as the wind changes strength. My extention is as long as possible (just clears the shrouds) and when light wind trapezing it's only just long enough but when the wind gets up it will be bouncing of the trapeze wire.

I don't swap grip to tack either, I just feed the tiller through the tack and then drop the extension, not picking it up again until just before hooking on on the new tack.
Laser 203001, Harrier (H+) 36
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49erGBR735HSC View Drop Down
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Posts: 1991 		Post Options Post Options   Quote 49erGBR735HSC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Jul 06 at 1:38pm

The Merricks and Walker High Performance Sailing video promotes switching back to "pan handle" grip in more demanding conditions as it allows for more control and movement of the tiller to be made. Also highlighted was that whilst using this technique, it didn't really affect dumping the mainsheet because if you have the mainsheet, sheeted in tight with your arm towards your chest, letting it out by an arms length in any conditions is enough to dump the mainsheet substaintially and by dumping it any more you lose out on boat speed. 

Dennis Watson 49er GBR735
Helensburgh S.C
Boat Insurance from Noble Marine

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