trapezing technique

Originally posted by simsy In relation to Pondmonkey's post, the RS500 is nothing like the 29er. As much as it would be great for an RS500 to be a transitional boat to a 29er, the only thing the boats have in common are they both an asymmetric with a trapeze. The 29er learning curve would be a slightly steeper.

Originally posted by Medway Maniac Is a 5'3" crew ever likely to be heavy enough to sail a 500 seriously?  The 500 ended up pretty heavily canvassed for its size, despite the intentions at the concept stage.

My thoughts exactly.  I sailed one in some blowy stuff earlier this year and I'm 5'11" and pretty experienced on the wire.  We kept it flat, but I cna see that someone shorter and lighter is going to struggle no matter how high or low on the wire.  If you're sailing for fun, fine; live with it and learn what techniques you can to get by.  If you're aiming to be a serious racer then change class to something that suits because otherwise you'll end up disillusioned, injured (back problems) and disheartened.  Why not choose something like a 420 to get started in until you grow more?  If you're not going to grow, start helming or get a Farr or a light skiff.

Oatsandbeans has is spot on. There's no place for the crew taking the main on a 500. The boat's designed to be sailed a certain way, that should be the way it's sailed. There is a learning curve with every boat, some substantially more dramatic then others. There has been some fantastic advice given in regards to trapeze height (which I think in your case would really help), and it's most likely down to the helm not sailing the boat flat.

In relation to Pondmonkey's post, the RS500 is nothing like the 29er. As much as it would be great for an RS500 to be a transitional boat to a 29er, the only thing the boats have in common are they both an asymmetric with a trapeze. The 29er learning curve would be a slightly steeper.

But the crew taking the mainsheer *is* right on a trapeze boat. Its just that a couple of classes prohibit it for some reason.

I agree O&B, but if it's a case of permanently getting t-bagged or sent around the forestay and all the helm needs is a few sails with just the rudder to get used to the speed boost, then the crew taking the sheet ain't no big drama.  We used to do all the time in 420s when we were making the transition from very slow boats into them.