Just purchased a 14. Took it out with my son and had a good time. Been reading all the posts on Trapezing. One question on coming about. The rudder stick is a fixed length. I found it awkward when coming about getting the stick past the main sheet and rigging. Do you just throw it backwards and let it swing around to the other side. How is this supposed to be done?
Joe McCaffrey
Thanks for all the help?
I just toss mine to the back and steer with the tiller bar.
i'm with flounder. slide back to the corner as you begin carving your turn, stay there as long as you can, at least until head to wind. toss the tiller extension to the rear between the rudders and move smoothly across the back of the boat. release the main sheet 2-3' as you go past it, steer gently with the tiller bar and make sure the rudders are carving an arc without dragging because of excessive angle until you are aimed toward your new direction. pick up the tiller extension, move forward smoothly while picking up the mainsheet. hear the main sail battens pop over on the new tack before gradually trimming the main as you accelerate onto your new tack. sail a little low until youre up to speed, then trim in until pointing high and fast, near block to block on the main sheet. did you mention if you have a jib? my friend al likes to say yeah the turbo's easy to sail- one hand on the tiller, one on the main, and one for the jib.