Go upwind before you get planing…

When you are out in stronger winds the first thing you should always do when you head out or after a beach, waterstart or even uphauling is to head upwind!

Don’t try to get planing straight away, always head upwind first.

If you want to get planing in control it’s important not to shoot off downwind straight away, as you are then very likley lose control, especially when it’s very windy.

Head upwind by looking at a goal point that is far away and upwind.

Here you have the least power in the sail and it will therefore give you time to prepare to get planing. Finding the right gust to get you planing is important, when you are upwind you are in charge of your kit – you can decide when to go for it; if you head downwind then your kit will decide and take charge very quickly!

You will have to go downwind to get planing eventually, but certainly it be a lot more controlled from clause hauled to a beam reach, rather then from a beam reach to a broad reach!