53
SVN Solovelanet Global
H
eavy weather is when you risk loosing
control of the boat, is not an absolute
wind strenght or sea state.
On my experience working as trainer
at the Clipper Round the World Yacht
Race the safety and speed are our main focuses. A
fast boat is a safe boat!
Before thinking about sail trim it is important to con
-
sider your sail plan adjusted for the prevailing con-
ditions.
Each Clipper Race yacht carries eleven different
sails which can be used in a variety of combinations
to suit the conditions. Each sail has a specific wind
range within which it will provide optimal perfor
-
mance. The best sail combination will depend on
the following:
•
Wind speed
•
Sea state
•
Point of sail
•
Condition of sail
The boat will be easiest to handle, more comforta-
ble and generally fastest when she has the correct
size sails up in the right combination. This is called
a "balanced" sail plan.
All these are valid both in an Ocean Racing and in
Blue Water Cruising environment, let's see better in
details:
by Stefano Cioni
