Going dead downwind

   You might be better asking on the Supernova class association forum http://www.supernovadinghy.org/forum/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=aaa6b26b7802303eadddad2e362a1572 and look out for their training days.  Think they usually have a days training before the Xmas Pud event (definitely have when it was at Haversham).  The guys on there are a very friendly bunch and are usually more than willing to share tips.

The nova just can't do the same downwind angles as a laser.  Its the point of sail I struggle on most when I borrow a supernova as I'm used to laser style running.  You have to play the angles much more and gybe more often.  

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Fraggle Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 28 Feb 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 220	Post Options Post Reply Quote Fraggle Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Going dead downwind Posted: 27 Nov 12 at 12:18pm
	You might be better asking on the Supernova class association forum http://www.supernovadinghy.org/forum/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=aaa6b26b7802303eadddad2e362a1572 and look out for their training days. Think they usually have a days training before the Xmas Pud event (definitely have when it was at Haversham). The guys on there are a very friendly bunch and are usually more than willing to share tips. The nova just can't do the same downwind angles as a laser. Its the point of sail I struggle on most when I borrow a supernova as I'm used to laser style running. You have to play the angles much more and gybe more often.

pondmonkey Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 12 Aug 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2202	Post Options Post Reply Quote pondmonkey Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 27 Nov 12 at 12:18pm
	I'll watch with interest, I'm having similar issues in the Solo (as expected, as I've always been hopeless downwind). I'm not sure how useful running by the lee is in a stayed boat like the Solo, the wind just seems on the wrong side of the sail or the battens are horribly flexed around the shrouds. I'm sailing angles now, with zero plate down unless I'm actually gybing- this seems to help as whilst appearing to be sailing 'high' the boat tracks on the DDW course with a bit of leeward slip or a pump n' bear off with each gust. I've no idea if this is a good or bad technique- not enough time in the boat yet.

MattHarris Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Groupie Joined: 03 Oct 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 94	Post Options Post Reply Quote MattHarris Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 27 Nov 12 at 11:58am
	Having just purchased a Supernova a few weeks ago, i've been out racing the last two weekends. I can get upwind without to much issue (although need lots more practice roll tacking as it doesn't roll quite like anything i've sailed before). On a reach keeping the boat flat etc and stopping other boats pinching wind keeps me going ok, the issue is when it comes to anything downwind. I read an article about sailing by the lee and heeling the boat to windward and how its more efficient etc which is fine when there is enough wind to keep the boom on the right side of the boat. However below this wind strength i just stop dead. This happened to the extent that i kept pulling away from a laser upwind to be overtaken downwind for 4 laps. I found that if i come up slightly higher and gybe periodically it helps but this doesn't help for those bits where there is no real choice but to go dead down wind or other boats limit the space to sail in. I'm around 92 kg (which i know is really not helping my case - i am working on this) but there must be something else i can do without resorting to the laser oooching and pumping. Are there any other singlehander sailors out there who have mastered this skill or have any pointers? Equally any way of getting the boat sailing faster downwind in general are always good.
	Phantom 1175 - Alice http://www.thelostpenguin.co.uk