Pointing-so whats that all about?

The angle at which a boat points is the sum of its aerodynamic and hydrodynamic drag angles.  Drag angles are the arctan of lift/drag ratios.  So, better lift/drag ratio = higher pointing. Given that lift is largely limited by righting moment, the best way to improve pointing is therefore to reduce drag - of the underwater and above water parts.  

To a large extent I've given up worrying about pointing in isolation. My biggest concern now is to stay fully powered, driving and bolt upright.

Edited by Do Different - 21 Dec 17 at 7:20pm

Pointing high 'off the line' is more a matter of having your nose ahead. Because if the boat immediately downwind of you gets his nose ahead of you, you can have the best set up rig in the world but overcoming the heading effect of the wind as it channels between you and he will be difficult to overcome (Another lee bow effect)and you will slip back, then the boat above you will also overwhelm you and you're back into the 2nd rank.

So, 1st rule start on time, in fact, start a micro second ahead of time.

I point really high, always have, can't help it I'm a lightweight, it's my style. I often wish I didn't because it is not always the fastest method of sailing, there are times when cutting loose and sailing fast and free works better, but how do you do it, we have an expression where the head looks, the body will follow, so hanging outboard looking upwind plenty of body twist, I have found exported from my windsurfing technique, seems to apply to dinghies. I picked up on it by following an ex Olympic squad lady in a Europe and Jesus she could point high and she nailed every shift. So for me it was following someone really good and emulating the way they sail.

Edited by iGRF - 21 Dec 17 at 7:34pm

Clean hull, good slot gasket, foils well maintained and aligned as per design intent.  Boat upright and well trimmed, sails flat and slot small (jib sheeted about 9-10 degrees).  I don't think there is a magic bullet, just lots of increments gains to be had to reduce drag.

I was told by one of our old sailors, get well forward, dig the bows in, heel to windward for better gust response.