pleasure v racing

is

   In light winds they go very well indeed and in strong winds it is quite amazing how much you can de-power that rig.  Do you know about "heaving to"? Leave the jib cleated, tack, don't sheet in the main too much and let the boat settle down with the tiller pushed to leeward.  She'll practically stop and lie across the wind with only moderate heeling force (even in strong winds) - perfect for eating the bacon buttys and having a drink.
Enjoy cruising but you must race its the way to really improve you're skills.  Its very easy to tack and gybe when cruising but to do it under pressure is the ultimate test.  Also its only when competing with other 400s that you can measure how good you are at sailing it.

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redback Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 16 Mar 04 Location: Tunbridge Wells Online Status: Offline Posts: 1502	Post Options Post Reply Quote redback Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 13 Dec 04 at 9:22pm
	In light winds they go very well indeed and in strong winds it is quite amazing how much you can de-power that rig. Do you know about "heaving to"? Leave the jib cleated, tack, don't sheet in the main too much and let the boat settle down with the tiller pushed to leeward. She'll practically stop and lie across the wind with only moderate heeling force (even in strong winds) - perfect for eating the bacon buttys and having a drink. Enjoy cruising but you must race its the way to really improve you're skills. Its very easy to tack and gybe when cruising but to do it under pressure is the ultimate test. Also its only when competing with other 400s that you can measure how good you are at sailing it.

JimR Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 25 Nov 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 23	Post Options Post Reply Quote JimR Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 Dec 04 at 3:01pm
	I agree with rob.e As a 400 owner myself I am biased, but definetely "go for it", you won't regret it. We lake sail our 400 and often go out on a non-race day just for the hell of it. Windy or not, the boat is manageable & has never given us cause for concern. Just make sure you know how to self-rescue after a capsize, and sail within your own limits. Light winds are actually great for practicing roll tacking & gybing skills & teach you a huge amount about boat trim & balance. Just enjoy yourself! That's what it's all about, isn't it?

headfry Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 15 Jul 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 359	Post Options Post Reply Quote headfry Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 Dec 04 at 4:29pm
	I can't thank you all enough.....THANK YOU I was so close to being put off buying my 400 because of people saying you must race a 400 that's all a 400 is for. But I wan't to sail in all it's aspects. Pleasure and race! I admire those who strive to, and achieve winning. Though we maybe few, some of us want a pedigree boat just for pleasure. Thank you again, faith in my choice has been restored! a happy Headfry! Edited by headfry

Matt Jackson Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 21 Sep 04 Location: Darlington Online Status: Offline Posts: 962	Post Options Post Reply Quote Matt Jackson Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 Dec 04 at 6:02pm
	I don't think it's really an issue of Pleasure OR racing is it? I rarely go afloat unless there's a race on but for me that is the pleasure. However, when I got my first Contender (a few years ago now) I started a lot of races but if the race officer got the reach just right, me and my mates would just keep going well past the mark... sometimes miles past!
	Graduate 2157, Laser 147050

Rob.e Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 19 Oct 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 543	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rob.e Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 Dec 04 at 7:54pm
	Just get out there and have fun! The Solo's at HISC go for a cruise every Thursday you know, and they where still out last week. They can do it cos they're retired, but you really have to love sailing to carry on this time of year. I think it's great! Where do you sail BTW?

headfry Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 15 Jul 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 359	Post Options Post Reply Quote headfry Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Dec 04 at 5:21pm
	Hi Rob.e I sail on Farmoor reservoir in Oxfordshire, I will try to sail through the winter if it's not too windy or bitter! No where to cruise to on the 'pond' so perhaps when a little more experienced a few trips to the coast would be nice.