Reply To: Sailing up wind

Hi Iain

Yes use the staysail for up wind work. Try to set the two sails as much in parallel to each other as you can. This forces the wind between the sails, and as it is constricted where it tries to funnel between the two sails, it increases in speed, helping you along in the process.
Also you can barberhaul your Genoa. This is easiest if you have a flat cut Genoa that only just overlaps the mast. If you set it as usual and add an additional rope in the clew of the sail (alongside the Genoa sheet). Pull that rope across the boat (if the sail is set on port, pull across to Stbd) and cleat off, having pulled in some tension. This will bring the Genoa inboard and give you a better windward angle. Experiment with how much you want to bring it in. Just be careful to remember to loosen the extra rope when going about or you will get in a tangle. If your Genoa is too big this may be difficult to achieve as you will make the sail rub on the shrouds, before you get the best angle. Let me know if you need more detail. Regards Chrissie