Sideways

Just wondering if any one could help me coz I've got this problem of when i start plaining and have to hike out the boat starts sliding sideways as well as going forwards however flat i keep it so i always endup stearing slightly to keep going straigh which then slows me dowm and stops me plaining so i always lose and it kinda bothering asi never happened in a pico just since ive been sailing a tapaz so i was starting to wornder if it was the boat or me changing my techniques between the two boats which could be possible coz it change my hiking possition aswell. thanks if any one can if it would be great

This actually sounds to me like your boat isn't set up to be in balance and you actually have lee helm!

Assuming, of course, your centreboard is down and not a sloppy fit... Try sailing with it right down and make sure your rudder is correctly down as well.

Edited by Garry

ha thats a bit harsh to all the topaz sailors in the world but i can see what u mean

Is it a Topaz with the race sail?

The race sail is too big for the boat! A little secret Topper have tried to keep to themselves.  I would guess that with the race main and jib your lead (distance between CE centre of effort, sails, and the CLR centre of lateral resistance, foils) has gone negitive, i.e. the CE has moved in front of the CLR.  Normally the CE would be behind the CLR and you get a bit of weather helm.

Why not try not using the jib to see if that sorts the problem.