harness position

Question
How long should the harness lines be?  I always feel like i am about to catapult

Answer
Hey Scott,

Length is somewhat of a preferance but here is a rule of thumb to get you close to recommended length and then you make minor adjustments from there.

With the sail rigged and lying on the ground, grasp the boom right between where the lines are connected with your elbow/forearm parallel to the sail (like your forearm hanging straight down from the boom if it were standing up). Now slip the line over your elbow. If it is too tight, loosen the line until it just gets around the elbow. If it is too long, shorten the lines.

Just shorten your lines so you feel the full load of the sail on your harness, rather than on your arms. You should be able to "play piano" with your hands on the booms. You should feel the power of the sail directly transferred to your harness when you sheet in. When fully hiked out, your butt should be in line with your feet and shoulders. This is the setting for being moderately powered in flatter water.

Because of the shorter harness lines, however, you must sheet in only after you've raked the sail back, even after getting into the foot straps. The advantage of this technique is that you have less chance of getting catapulted and will suffer less arm fatigue. When overpowered, lengthen the lines to keep your body farther away from the rig.

As for your catapulting feeling. This can be a few things, too long of lines, improper placement, sheeting in too soon.

For location, use the 15/15 rule. The front line should about 15 inches from the front of boom and the back one about 15 inches from the front one. This should put you in the CE or center of effort of the sail. You may need to make minor adjustments forward or back. As you get more proficient, you may move them closer together.

To get the right position dialed in, go out and sail a couple of out and backs. If it feels like you are going to be tossed over the front, move the lines forward about a half inch to inch until the forward pull feeling is gone. If you are rounding upwind, then move the lines back about a half to one inch at a time until you feel an even pull.

Once you find the sweet spot for location and length, you should be able to take your back hand off the boom for a moment or two. If it feels good, try removing the front hand for just a bit. Make minor adjustments accordingly. When you are set just right, you should be able to lift both hands from the boom for moments at a time. If the sail stays in place, you are dialed in. This will relieve pressure from your arms and eliminate that 'catapult' feeling.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover