Nacra 5.0 gybe technique

Don't let the main traveler slam accross when you Gybe! Proper technique is that you grab the falls of the main sheet as you are crossing through downwind. As you get close to downwind the tension goes off of the main so you grab the falls and throw the traveller across to the other side before the main is able to carry the sail to the other side and slam against the stops. This is a much safer way to do it otherwise the impact of the mainsheet blocks, boomlet or traveler can really injure you. Not to mention it is bad for the equipment. It is a bit tricky the first couple of times you do it to time it right but it gets much easier and less stressful once you get the hang of it. It's also one reason many people prefer to tack when given a choice.

dave's right...much nicer...and make sure to let the tiller extension drag off the stern before you start or stuff happens!

Got it, so, I'll be moving the traveler over instead of allowing the sail to do it for me. Makes sense!

The feeling of acceleration during the gybe is awesome and carving that turn feels and sounds so cool!

Thanks for the tips!

Jimmy

Winds 17G22 today in Dallas!

coastrat wrote: let the tiller extension drag off the stern before you start

Hey Bill,

What do you mean let the tiller extension drag off the stern? 😕

Jimmy

There is another very critical part to this.

you need to have speed on your side. If your in 15... you want to be moving close to the wind speed.

This will dramatically reduce the "impact" of crossing over the wind direction.

tiller extension=hiking stick...throw the hiking stick off of the stern, it clears the way for the travelor car/main block to come without fouling with the hiking stick. after the gybe, then grab it and bring it around to the windward side...just like tacking...getting the hiking stick fouled up is a good way to flip and or break it. whenever you tack or gybe, get into a habbit of throwing the hiking stick off the stearn as you complete the turn...bad things can happen if the stick is on the tramp or under a tiller arm especially if it's blowin'. does that make sense?...i may be dainbramidged...

@Coastrat - Makes sense but do you actually release the hiking stick to trail behind the boat or just hand it to yourself around the main blocks? I was always taught to hand it to myself but now that I'll be manually moving the sail across at downwind maybe it's best to have it out of the way until the car has cleared.

My previous experience was sailing the JY15 which has a fixed traveler so I'm still learning the finer points!

release it...your hands are full already, no harm can happen when it's totally out of the way. after the tack/gybe when you are on the high (windward) side and you are situated, then grab it. it helps if the end of it has a float or is sealed, otherwise it gets some water in it and makes it harder to lift out of the water. you can always steer with the crossbar during the transition so your never "out of control" unless your friends/family tell you your out of control 😀

Thanks for posting this I just purchased a 1987 Nacra 5.0 and was wondering the same thing. Great tips. By the way flyingfishguy I'm in the Dallas area to and sail on White Rock and Ray Hubard.