Seems like many either just sit their butt on the rail or trapeze but never hook under the straps and really hike out straight with their hamstrings across the rail, which is where all that middle of the road performance lies. It's tough on your midsection, unlike just hanging from a wire, but there is a lot of performance to be had there if you can muscle it.
I just wasn't going to trust the toe straps not to break - i should have taken one of our 16s with the new tramp and straps! Agreed of course - I used to sail a Dart 18 which was single wire, plenty of hiking there.
Joe, this is exactly what I was doing on my sail that I sent you the 15.3 kn speed stick entry last Friday . Solo, no trapeze and 15 to 20 mph of wind . Then a squall came in and the wind went 20 plus. Like probably most who don’t trapeze it is because I’m to nervous to try it especially solo.
Aha! Very good. To try trapezing and helming,, the first steps would be to practice on land first. Then to go out in stable conditions - not mega windy. With someone else on the boat if possible. Get the boat going on an upwind/close reaching course. Then slowly start to go out focusing on controlling the boat at all times. Of course trapezing isn't for everyone, if you are happy sailing without trapezing then there you go!
It's always a great pleasure so watch your videos, whatever you show on HC 16. Watching these videos I have learnt a lot. Thank you very much indeed Joseph
Usually, I sail alone and try to improve the technics to do everything by myself. Last month, during the temptetion to open the Gennaker, for my mistake, I capsided at 180 degrees. Obviously, it was impossible for me to right the catamaran alone. I would like to see some videos on righting the HC16 alone in a very bad weather condition. I have built a sac and tested with success to right the HC16 beeing at 90 degrees but in a normal wind (10 Kns). But what does it happen in strong wind ? Thanks Joe
Hi Frank, yes, in very strong conditions it can be quite intimidating to right the boat alone. I will certainly make that video to show how it can be managed safely. Thanks
Joe, can you make a tips video for beginning trapezers? From trying it out on land to trapping out for the first time on the water. I think some people would get good info from it. I know I would because I am going to try out the trapeze soon I hope.
Not nearly enough hands to deal with all the strings in 20 knots of wind so really why bother with the jib as it is flapping most of the time on the beat and trying to bury the lee bow on the bear away? What do you think? Sailing a Dart 15 I weigh 65kg, I have removed the trapeze because I was not interested in absolute speed but much more in comfort. I roll the jib if it gets too uncomfortable. Keep up the good work, thanks.
Very nice vid. Thanks. But how to sail fast in strong wind no trapeze single handed? I would say jib is useless right? Telltails do not work almost all the time, as we are overpowered? Or are there any tricks? Or should I learn trapeze?
