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Sail Trim Modes

by Paul Eldrid OneSails Australia	V.1.0
Knowing your boat and how to trim your sails to best achieve the 3 Modes of upwind sailing are crucial skills to have for the best performance of your boat. For the Racer Being able to effectively ‘mode’ your boat at any time on the race course can greatly improve your racing performance. Choosing which mode to use depends on a number of factors but is generally a combination of wind, tide, opposition and where you are on the race course. Sail trim is pivotal to the modes and before focussing on the modes themselves I strongly encourage you to have a thorough read of my Sail Trim Notes. Adapt them to your boat and make sure everyone in the team is familiar with how to best trim your sails. In executing the trim required to achieve the maximum potential from each mode, communication is critical hence the importance of the ‘trim cycle’ to be sure the flow of information between the team is contributing to the best performance. For the Cruiser Being able to mode your boat while passage sailing can greatly improve the efficiency of your passage making and navigating around obstacles and obstructions much more simple. It will also make your boat easier to sail in those passages by reducing the tacks and gybes executed and limit your sail handling. By efficiently and effectively configuring your boat you can reduce your passage times and make your passage more pleasurable. By applying the tips and tricks in my sail trim notes you can also make your boat handle better and increase the overall efficiency of your passage sailing.
3 Modes HIGH Mode - Pointing closer to the wind but going slower VMG Mode - The best VMG for your boat. FAST Mode - Pointing less into the wind but going faster.
HIGH Mode - What is it? Reduction of angle of attack by pointing your boat closer to the wind: Less lift (sails) More leeway (less keel grip) Going slower Reduction in heel angle/power HIGH Mode - When do I use it? Holding a lane off the start or a lee bow Making life hard for your opponent(s) Controlling your opponent(s) Options by being able keep sailing in clean air Staying in phase where height is your friend To make a mark when marginal lay line HIGH Mode - How do I achieve it? Pull your sails on tighter (sheet tension) reducing twist Pull your sails closer to centre line (sheeting angle) using jib tracks, inhauler, traveller Reduce entry angle (halyard/cunningham) Steer the boat in a feathered mode Reduce righting moment (move crew weight)

VMG Mode - What is it? Velocity Made Good The best VMG for your boat Balance of good height and speed Fastest combination of height and speed Optimum heel angle/power VMG Mode - When do I use it? Most of the time Sailing in clear air Options open Staying in phase Trimming your boat for best speed and height VMG Mode - How do I achieve it? See the Sail Trim seminar notes! Best VPP (Polar) Data for your boat

FAST Mode - What is it? Increase of angle of attack...i.e. lower to the wind Going faster Minimum leeway (max keel grip) FAST Mode - When do I use it? Ease your sails (sheet tension) increasing twist. Ease your sails off centre line (sheeting angle) using jib tracks, inhauler, traveller Increase entry angle (halyard/cunningham) Reduce drag (depth via outhaul, mast bend, forestay sag, jib car) Steer the boat in a footed mode FAST Mode - How do I achieve it? See the Sail Trim seminar notes! Best VPP (Polar) Data for your boat

The boat to windward is in fast mode to try and get over the top of the boat to leeward. Note the jib telltale positions.	The windward boat has successfully progressed over the top, thus preventing the leeward boat to tack. Significant given the left wind shift approaching!
The Trim Cycle Which MODE? How to trim the boat for each mode? The relationship between the trimmers and helm for the modes Communication Numbers Relative positioning Gain / Loss REPEAT!
Summary Understand trim to enable your boats modes Execute modes using the trim cycle Modes create tactical options Options improve your tactical decision making Better decisions = better performance Speed makes options easy!
“Being fast makes you look like a tactical genius” Mike Fletcher