Since I may be tempted to do the Nationals for the first time in goodness knows how long (Trout Jnr is developing into quite a decent crew - 6'2" and under 10st) I thought I might save a few bob on sailing books and ask the excellent Forum how to sail on the sea.  I've been ponding too long.

Last time, sailing against the Whitstable Posse I was frustrated by the quantum difference in speed, particularly up-wind between me in my Thin Ice, and these new fangled Winder things. 

So, in a reasonable breeze, with a bit of chop, what's the technique, rig wise?  Ease sheets a tadge, foot off, flat boat and go for speed?  How's it work?

Optimistically, The Old Trout

go for the sunny side 
http://www.carinthia-info.at/?siid=1611&LAid=2&jid=wi
be happy

Old Trout is fishing for info.  Can we give him a line?

Yes, Fuller jnr is developing into quite a useful helm (5 foot 10, 12 stone, broken knee cap) and he pissed all over be recently by bearing off a bit. Pointing high works on rivers and ponds, power and speed works on bumpy stuff

Sounds to me as though you have been reading all the right books!

Fullish sails for the bumpy bits, outhaul off, straightish mast and hike hard...

It will be good to see you out and about again..

GGGGG

How much tiller-wiggling should you do? Can anyone describe the happy medium between a straight course, and yanking the stick from side to side for every single wave you go over...?

You need to have a book like Lawrie Smith - Dinghy Helming ibn 0 906754 09 7

Anyway the rudder is a good brake if used too dramatically.

I learnt a lot from my son Mark when he made me go sailing for ages without a rudder
1. the correct sail trim and heal to steer a straight line for each gust etc is nearly the oppersite of what you think!
2. the boat is seriously faster without a rudder, shame you just can risk it on a busy start line