sailing stance

Question
Hi Patrick,

When sailing in I try to keep the proper stance. ie arms straigt, shoulders outboard from behind and straigt line from toes to shoulder looking forward in direction of travel. Have short lines , boom at sholder height, mast track nearly all the way back on a techno 273.  

Some problems I am having are ... front leg does not feel like it can exert front foot pressure, is twisting in footstrap and hard to straighten,      


When sailing  the sail does not pull on harness, seems inconcistent .

My feet are not flat on board, are about mid foot.

 also what is the correct sheeting angle ?  Does it depend on the sailing reach   that u are on?

Is there occasion to sail with the sail raked futher forward or back when sailing on the reaches ?

I can waterstart in winds upto winds of 20knots but have trouble after that.  Can not control sail when pulled on to board or the board flips to leeward when I get up. What tips do u suggest ?
would greatly appreciate any help

Geoffrey from Tasmania   Australia  

Answer
Hi Jeffrey,

Well it's 10 degrees Farenhiet here now and a little difficult to think about windsurfing but I will try to answer your question.

Some problems I am having are ... front leg does not feel like it can exert front foot pressure, is twisting in footstrap and hard to straighten,牋?br>
Try moving the sail forward  in the mast track until you feel more comfortable. I usually sail on a broad reach with my front leg straight almost locked and pushing in the strap and my back leg slightly bent and pushing in the foot strap against the force of the fin. With the back leg slightly bent you can adjust your stance better at speed in chop.


When sailing the sail does not pull on harness, seems inconcistent

Try shortening your harness lines or use adjustable lines.


My feet are not flat on board, are about mid foot.

Your feet may have to be positioned more to the side of the board as if you are pushing against it.


also what is the correct sheeting angle ? Does it depend on the sailing reach that u are on?

Is there occasion to sail with the sail raked futher forward or back when sailing on the reaches ?


I find that I am constantly changing the rake of the sail on a reach as the wind changes direction and force.

I can waterstart in winds upto winds of 20knots but have trouble after that. Can not control sail when pulled on to board or the board flips to leeward when I get up.

What size sail are you talking about?  You should be on a 5.5 or smaller without cambers.

Hope that helps.

Patrick