To My Friends in the UK I seem to have promised Steve and Simon that I would write an article on tuning a Sonar for your website. Since “tuning” alone is not enough to be useful, here are some of my thoughts on a number of factors that may improve upwind performance. I hope you find at least some of this helpful. Further, in an effort to counteract the current wave of American tribalism, I welcome any requests for clarification, or other discussion, either on your website forum or by email to
[email protected]. Sheeting and Steering-Mainsheet and jib sheet trim are the most critical controls. In moderate conditions mainsheet wants to be trimmed so the upper leech telltale stalls about half the time. In light air you may want it to flow most of the time to maximize speed and get the keel working. In very heavy air you may not be able to keep it from flowing full time, which also helps drive through waves. Traveler should be adjusted so boom is on the centerline unless you’re overpowered. Every small puff opens the main leech and requires an immediate trim to restore the leech to its critical setting. Every lull requires an ease. Jib should be sheeted so all three luff telltales break at the same time but jib upper leech telltale should absolutely never stall. We do not cleat the jib sheet while sailing upwind, but always work to perfect its trim. In very light air I like to heel the boat to give some shape to the sails.