Hobie University

Hobie U.
2002
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Presented by the
North American Hobie Class Association
Table of Contents
page
Forward by Hobie Alter, Mimi Appel, & Bob Mimlitch ....................................... ii

Sailing information and where to find it update by Rich McVeigh. ..............1
Hobie Cat Anatomy by Bob Mimlitch .............................................................3
Glossary of sailing terms by Bob Mimlitch .....................................................4
Points of Sail by Bob Mimlitch .........................................................................6
Points of Sail vs. Boat Speed by Bob Mimlitch ...............................................7
Apparent Wind by Bob Mimlitch .....................................................................8
Sail Trim by Bob Mimlitch ...............................................................................9
Anatomy of a Tack by Rick White, illustrated by Bob Mimlitch ........................10
Anatomy of a Gybe by Bob Mimlitch .............................................................11
Tacking and Gybing by Hobie Cat USA ........................................................12
Knots by Bob Mimlitch....................................................................................13
Start Sailing Right by Alan Egusa .................................................................14
Hobie 14 Rigging and Tuning Guide by Boyd Bass & Bob Mimlitch ............18
Hobie 16 Rigging and Tuning Guide by Wally Myers .................................19
Hobie 17 Rigging and Tuning Guide by Dan Kulkoski ................................21
Hobie 18 Rigging and Tuning Guide by Bob Mimlitch................................23
Hobie Tiger Tuning Guide by Mitch Booth.......................................................... 25
Hobie 20 Race Setting by Bob Curry .............................................................28
Hobie 20 General Rigging and Tuning Guide by Steve Leo.......................29
Crewing on a Hobie by Bob Mimlitch ............................................................32
A Typical Hobie Race by Paul Ulibarri ..........................................................33
Racing Signals, Flags and Sounds by IHCA................................................34
Summary of the Rules that Apply when Boats Meet by US Sailing ..........35
Abridged Racing Rules of Sailing by ISFA..............................................36
Which end of the starting line is favored? by Bob Mimlitch .......................41
Starting Line Right-of-Way Rules and Examples by Bob Mimlitch ..........44
Safety by Hobie Cat USA ..................................................................................45
Performance Sailing Quiz by Rick White & Mary Wells ................................46
Hobie University, NAHCA
Page i
30 Mar 02
April 2002
Dear Guest Expert Program Sailor,

Welcome to Hobie University. I hope you enjoy the wealth of knowledge
shared by Bob Mimlitch and Fleet 23. Its pages are full of great information on
everything from boat tuning and racing rules, to tying knots.
If you are fortunate enough to be getting your copy at a One Hobie Day
seminar, I commend you. Not only are you on the fast track to increasing your
sailing skills, youre sure to have a great time too.
The NAHCAs Guest Expert Program, in its early stages, has been making
great strides in providing Hobie sailors fun, learning opportunities. The One
Hobie Day program and this Hobie University booklet is a great way to
quickly improve on your racing, tuning and sailing skills in a short period of
time and gives you the knowledge to continue improving in the future.
Have a great season!
+RELH3$OWHU
Hobie P. Alter
Page ii
30 Mar 02
April 2002
Hey Sailor,
Again, We welcome you to "Hobie University". As you read this booklet, keep
in mind that it was originally designed for an eight week classroom course
taught by Dallas Fleet 23 to "turn people on" to the Hobie Way of Life. Bob
Mimlitch and Fleet 23 have graciously given the Hobie U book to the North
American Hobie Class Association in an effort to reach a broader audience.
Their enthusiastic invitation for novices to come sail and learn epitomizes the
sharing of knowledge that sets the Hobie Class apart from other athletic
associations.
The North American Hobie Class Association is taking this sharing of Hobie
knowledge to new heights with the Guest Expert program. Created in 1997,
over 15 "One Hobie Day" seminars have placed veteran Hobie racers at various
regattas throughout the region.
The GEP program and the Hobie U booklet are exciting concepts designed to
raise the caliber of Hobie sailors. We invite your input and suggestions for
additions to Hobie U. address below.
Any NAHCA member can write for a complimentary copy of Hobie U. NonNAHCA members in North America please send a check for $7.00 US for
postage/handling to the address below. Outside of North America
postage/handling costs will be determined on a case by case basis, by
geographical location.
Sincerely,
Mimi Appel
GEP Coordinator
Mailing address
3357 Collins Rd
Marcellus, NY 13108
Email: mimiappel@aol.com
Web: http://www.nahca.org/gep/gep.htm
Page iii
30 Mar 02
,QWKHZRUGVRIRXU3DWURQ3KLORVRSKHU6DLORU6LQJHUDQG6RQJ:ULWHU
- Jimmy Buffett
&RPHDQGIROORZLQRXUZDNH\RXYHQRWWKDWPXFKDWVWDNH
)RUZHKDYHSORZHGWKHVHDVDQGVPRRWKHGWKHWURXEOHGZDWHU
&RPHDORQJOHWVKDYHVRPHIXQWKHKDUGZRUNKDVEHHQGRQH
Jimmy Buffett - from the Barometer Soup album.
This nautical invitation to follow in our footsteps, echoes Hobie Fleet 23s invitation to come learn
from us and enjoy with us the sailing life which we have found so rich in challenges, pleasure,
camaraderie, fun, and rewards.
Hobie sailing is a great sport on many levels: the satisfaction in developing new skills, the thrill of the
sail, the camaraderie of other sailors, the winning of your first race, the social contacts both on the
beach and at parties, .... the wind, the water, the speed, the physical activity - what a great sport!
We, the members of Hobie Fleet 23, hope that you will find catamaran sailing as exciting and
rewarding as we do. Hobie University is our attempt to get you off to a good start, to build confidence
through knowledge, to introduce you to many of the areas top sailors and to try to insure that your
sailing experiences are positive and pleasurable.
This book is the product of the knowledge and efforts of many Hobie sailors and racers. It typifies one
of the greatest things about Hobiedom, and that is the enthusiasm and willingness of top Hobie sailors
to pass on their knowledge and experiences to new sailors. Unlike many other competitive sports that I
have been involved in, Hobie sailors and racers are typically willing to share the knowledge that took
them years of sailing to gain and help you to quickly become a better, more competitive sailor.
So.... absorb what these top sailors have so freely given, but let me give you a few words to help you
apply their knowledge and experience. What works for one sailor or in one situation, may not work for
all sailors or in all situations. Whether listening to sailors on the beach, one of our instructors or when
reading one of the many fine books on cat sailing; consider the experience and background of the
source when applying these lessons. For example, advice from coastal sailors who are use to steady
breezes and lumpy water, may not work well inland with our light and shifty winds and flat water.
Also, remember that even the top sailors don't agree on everything.
I guess the best advice is to try everything, especially if it seems to make sense. If it works for you,
use it. If it doesn't seem to work, don't forget it, tuck it away and try it again after your skill and
experience has grown.
Good Luck and Great Sailing
Bob Mimlitch Jr.

Hobie University Publications Coordinator
SueM@koyote.com
www.mimlitch.com
Page iv
30 Mar 02
Sailing information: books, videos and websites.

Books
Title
Author
General Sailing
Catamaran Sailor, A News Magazine for ALL Small-Cat Sailors Mary Wells
Year
Price
current
$15.00
Learning to Sail the Hobie Way
Hobie Cat
1984
out of print
The Handbook of Sailing
Bob Bond
1992
$21.00
Catamaran Sailing from Start to Finish
Phil Berman
1982
$21.95
Catamaran Crewing from Start to Finish
Phil Berman
Hobie Cat Sailing
Jake Grubb
1979
out of print
Rick White & Mary Wells
1992
$29.95
Kim Furniss & Sarah Powell
1993
$15.00
A good little book (20 pages) to get you started or to introduce your friends to sailing.
An excellent general sailing book for monohulls and cats. Great illustrations and photos.
$19.00
Both are good general books, but a little dated and dont cover newer boats.
A great book of vintage photos and early Hobie Cat data.
Racing and Performance Sailing

Catamaran Racing: for the 90s
An excellent book for racers and non-racers alike. Should be in everyones library.
Catamaran Racing
Small (94 pages) but good book on general sailing and racing. (out of print, limited quantities available)
Tactics
Rodney Pattisson
1986
$18.95
Wind Strategy
David Houghton
1986
$18.95
Tides & Currents
David Arnold
1986
$22.38
Advanced Catamaran Racing
Scott Anderson
1985
Welcome to A-Fleet, Book I: Boatspeed
Jack Sammons
1982
$19.00
Welcome to A-Fleet, Book II: Tactics
Jack Sammons
1977
$19.00
1994
$9.95
The above three books are part of a great series from Great Britain.
Good book from Australia on tactics, tuning, crew work and attitude.
Both are good basic books for the racer. A little dated and doesnt cover newer boats.
Sailors Startup
A beginners guide to sailing
Sailing Drills
Rick White
1995
$30.00
The Catamaran Tuning Guide
Michael Fragale
1999
$30.00
Page 1
30 Mar 02
Sailing information: books, videos and websites continued.

Title
Right-of-Way and Racing Rules
The Racing Rules of Sailing
The basic rules.
Understanding the Yacht Racing Rules
Author
Year
Price
US Sailing
2001
$12.50
Dave Perry
2001
$26.00
Phil Berman
1984
$19.00
Excellent text and illustrations. If you only own one rules book, this should be it.
Boat Tuning and Maintenance

The Hobie 16 Performance Manual
The Hobie 18 Performance Manual
$19.00
Both are excellent references to help set up, tune and sail your boat fast.
Hobie Assembly Manual (14, 16, 17, 18, 20 & 21)
Hobie Cat
price each
Brian Heffernan
1994
Basic set of books on assembly & set-up of your Hobie, with illustrated parts breakdowns.
Videos
Catamaran Sailing, A Step by Step Guide
$5.00
$28.95
This video is an excellent introduction Hobies, dont miss it.
Catamaran Racing (40 minutes)
Brian Heffernan
$28.00
Hobie Cat Factory Rigging Videos (14, 16, 17, 21 sport)
price each $14.95
Rick Whites Video Sailing Series (a collection of 5 videos, 36-40 minutes each)
price each $29.95
(Titles include: Boat handling, Upwind, Starts and finishes, Mark roundings, Downwind, Tactics and windshifts)
Websites
International Hobie Class Association (IHCA)
www.hobieclass.com
Information on the Hobie Class and the Hobe Class Rules.
North American Hobie Class Association (NAHCA)
www.nahca.org
Information on the North American region of the IHCA
US Sailing
www.ussailing.org
Information on racing, sailing rules, Multihull Council and Committee, etc.
International Sailing Federation (ISAF)
www.sailing.org
Information on racing, official sailing rules, etc.
Hobie Cat Co. USA
www.hobiecat.com
Hobie Cat Europe
www.hobie-cat.net
Catamaran Sailor
www.catsailor.com
Yahoo beachcat discussion group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/beachcats
Page 2
30 Mar 02
Hobie Cat Anatomy

The Hobie 18
Main Halyard
Head
Comptip
Mast Tang
Forestay
Jib Halyard
Tell-Tail
Mast
Leech
Battens
Jib
Luff
Main Sail
Shroud
Forestay
Adjuster
Tack
Clew
Outhaul
Foot
Jib Furler
Boom
Boom Block
Mainsheet
Ratchet Block
Tiller
Downhaul
Bridle Fly
Traveler
Jib Block
Bridle Wire
Rudder Casting
Bow
Hull
Stern
Daggerboard
Page 3
Rudder
30 Mar 02
GLOSSARY
Abeam - At right angles to the centerline of the hulls.
Aft - In or near the stern. To the back or behind the boat.
Apparent Wind - To those aboard a boat in motion, the direction from which the wind appears to blow. The sum of the true
wind and the wind created by the boats forward motion. See the Apparent Wind section in this book.
Batten - A fiberglass strip inserted into a pocket in the sail to support the leach and provide shape.
Block - A seagoing pulley through which lines and sheets run.
Bow - The forward or front end of the boat.
Chainplate - A metal strip, connected to the hull or bridle wire, to which shrouds or forestay are attached.
Cleat - A device used to hold a sheet or line, such as a jib sheet cleat. (i.e. cam cleats, jam cleats, etc.).
Clew - The lower aft corner of the jib or mainsail.
Close-Hauled - Sailing upwind as close to the wind as possible (all sails trimmed in).
Downwind - Sailing with the wind or in the same direction as the wind(sails trimmed out). (2) To leeward.
Ease - To let out a sheet or line, as in easing out the sail.
Footing - Sailing to windward slightly below an optimum course (the opposite of pinching).
Furl - To roll up a sail, typically wound around the forestay.
Gudgeon - The fitting on the stern into which the rudder pin is inserted.
Halyard - A line to raise a sail. A main halyard for raising the main and a jib halyard for raising the jib.
Harden - To trim in the sheets (opposite of easing the sheets). To harden up is to sail closer to the wind.
Header - A wind shift that shifts toward the bow and thus makes you steer below your previous course to avoid luffing or losing
speed. Headers work against you when sailing upwind, but aid in downwind.
Head Off - To steer away from the wind or turn off the wind. The opposite of head up.
Head-To-Wind - With the bow headed into the wind. The boat will come to a stop and then back up.
Head Up - To steer the boat toward the wind. The opposite of head off.
Hobie - Means fast fun on the water.
Irons - A boat is in irons when it is pointing into the wind and unable to bear away on either tack
Jib - The triangular shaped front sail.
Jibe - Passing from one down wind tack to another by swinging the stern of the boat through the wind.
Lay - To sail a course that will clear a point of land, mark or buoy on the desired side. Also called fetch.
Layline - The line leading up to a windward mark along which you can sail an optimum close-hauled course and lay the mark, or
the line down to a leeward mark, along which you sail fastest to the mark.
Lazy Sheet - The windward jib sheet, which has no pressure on it. The leeward jib sheet bears the load.
Leech - The rear edge of the jib or mainsail
Leeward - The side of the boat that is down wind. (2) Away from the wind or down wind (such as a leeward boat).
Lift - A wind shift that shifts toward the stern and thus allows you to sail a higher course in order to maintain the same angle with
the wind. Lifts work against you when sailing downwind.
Line - Every rope used on a boat except a sheet or bolt rope
Luff - The forward edge of a sail. (2) to turn the boat toward or into the wind, to luff up. (3) a flapping sail.
Mainsheet - The line used to trim or adjust the mainsail.
Overlap - The positioning of two boats, in close proximity and on the same course, the bow of the boat astern extending past the
stern of the forward boat. Overlap can establish right-of-way.
Page 4
30 Mar 02
Overstand - To sail farther past a mark or layline than is necessary before tacking for it or rounding it.
Pinch - To sail too close to the wind. Boats speed and power fall off greatly.
Pointing - A boat's level of efficiency in sailing to windward. (2) Sailing as close to the wind as the boat's design will allow. (3)
Sailing closer to the wind than another boat, is called pointing higher.
Port - The left side of a boat. Port and Starboard are important terms, as left and right can become confusing
Rake - The tilting of the mast forward or aft. Rake is used to move the sails center of effort, forward or aft.
Reach - All points of sailing between a beat (close-hauled) and a run (straight down wind)
Run - The point of sail with the wind directly behind the boat, a very slow way to sail downwind on a Cat.
Sheet - A line for controlling a sail or boom in relation to the wind
Sloop - A single-masted sailboat with a large mainsail and a single working jib
Snuffer-A spinnaker retrieval/launching system where a retrieval line is led through a long spinnaker bag and tied to the middle
of the spinnaker.
Spinnaker - a large triangular sail set on a long light pole and used when running before the wind
Stall - The slowing effect from sheeting the sails too tightly in relation to the wind direction or falling off (turning down wind)
without easing the sails. The leeward telltales will stop flowing to the rear.
Starboard - The right side of a boat
Starboard Tack - Sailing with the wind coming over the starboard side of the boat.
Stern - The rear end of a boat
Tack - To come about; to change the course of the boat by bringing the bows through the wind so that the wind is now on the
opposite side. (2) The relationship of a sailboat with respect to the wind. If the wind comes over the starboard side,
youre on starboard tack; if the wind comes over the port side, youre on port tack.
Telltale - A short piece of ribbon, plastic, yarn or feather attached to sails and/or shrouds for the purpose of reading wind
direction and for monitoring sail trim.
True Wind The wind as provided by mother nature and felt when on stationary objects. See Apparent Wind in this book.
Traveler - A stern mounted, movable car, on a horizontal track, that is connected to the mainsheet for the purpose of controlling
the boom and sail trim; also used for fore-aft and inboard-out-board jib lead locations.
Unirig - A boat with only a mainsail, such as the Hobie 14 and 17.
Upwind - Sailing close-hauled toward the wind. (2) To windward
Weather - Indicating the side toward the wind, also known as windward; "to weather" is to windward
Weather Helm - The boat having a tendency to head into the wind if the tiller is released.
Windward - The side of the boat the wind hits first. (2) Sailing toward the wind. (3) A boat or object up wind.
Page 5
30 Mar 02
Points of Sail
WIND
EA
CH
LE
D
AU
H
SE
LO
AU
D
LE
OS
ER
LO
SE
CL
NO
SAILING
ZONE
CH
EA
R
SE
LO
BEAM REACH
BEAM REACH
H
R
EA
C
Port
AD
O
RUN
BR
Starboard
BR
C
EA
O
AD
Other than sailing into the wind (no sailing zone), you can sail in any direction that you want. The
different directions that you can sail in relation to the wind, are called points of sail. As a boat
changes from one point of sail to another, the sails must be adjusted so that they maintain the same
relationship or angle to the wind.
No sailboat can sail directly into the wind, but a catamaran can sail effectively to within 45 of the
wind. The top two boats in this diagram are both sailing close hauled, but one is on port tack and
the other is on starboard tack. Sailing this close to the wind requires that the sails be pulled in
tight.
As you head your boat further off the direction of the true wind, you must let your sails out so that
the wind flows across the sail correctly (keep the leeward telltales flying).
If you sail too close to straight down wind, the sail can not work effectively and the boat slows
down. Tacking down wind from broad reach to broad reach is much faster than going straight
down wind.
Page 6
30 Mar 02
Points of Sail vs. Boat Speed
WIND
Wind speed = 10 MPH
Close Hauled
340
350
15
10
MPH
330
This speed data is

typical for a Hobie 20
Close Hauled
20
30
Close Reach
Close Reach
10
310
50
60
300
290
Beam Reach
70
280
80
270
90
260
100
Beam Reach
110
250
240
120
130
230
220
140
Run
210
Broad Reach
200
190
150
160
180
170
Broad Reach
The heavy line on this graph shows the speeds that a catamaran can achieve when sailing on different points of
sail, with the wind at 10 miles per hour. The heavy line shows that the highest speed is achieved on a beam
reach, where a cat can do 14 MPH; that is faster than the speed of the wind.
The graph also shows that doing straight down wind is very slow, with boat speed of less than 5 miles per hour.
If you sail 50 left or right of straight down wind, you can do 10 miles per hour. Sailing off on a broad reach
and then jibing and sailing back to the center will cause you to travel farther, but by traveling twice as fast, you
still come out way ahead. Again the point is to keep the sail generating forward lift (working like a wing) by
keeping the leeward telltales flowing. Note: Telltale location is critical, also don't expect smooth airflow
across the entire sail especially on a broad reach. Telltales all over the sail are not only worthless, but are very
distracting.
Upwind is similar to down wind in that if you take the shortest route, you go very slow. If you foot off you
have better speed, but will have to sail extra distance. If you foot off too much, you have great speed, but the
increased distance becomes too great. So where is that magic point that gets you upwind the quickest? It is
close to 45 from the true wind which is about 30 off the apparent wind. There is no easy answer to finding
this point, if there were, sailboat racing would be as easy as pushing on the gas pedal. The fastest point of sail
varies with boat type, wind speed, water condition, crew weight, etc.; but, IF IN DOUBT, FOOT!! The next
chart "Upwind courses,What is optimum?" will show you why this is true. Sailing upwind with other boats
will help you learn how to trim your sails and to find that magic point or "groove" on your boat.
Data Reference - "Aero-Hydrodynamics of Sailing" by C. A. Marchaj, page 87
Page 7
30 Mar 02
Apparent Wind
true
wind
apparent
wind
true
wind
boat-speed
wind
Close Hauled
Head to Wind
Boat is stopped
or backing up
Wind
apparent
wind
true
wind
Broad Reach
apparent
wind
Beam Reach
apparent
wind
boat-speed
wind
true
wind
boat-speed
wind
true
wind
Run
boat-speed
wind
Apparent Wind is the wind that the sailors and the sails feel as the boat moves across the water.
Apparent wind is the product of two forces, first is the True Wind that mother nature provides and second is the wind created by the forward motion of the boat (boat speed wind). To sail fast, or to sail at
all in light air, you must set your sails in the correct relationship to the apparent wind. Any change in
the apparent wind will require changes in sail trim or boat direction. A basic understanding of
apparent wind is helpful in dealing with the varying conditions that you will encounter.
As I said, the apparent wind is the product of the true wind and the wind created by the motion of your
boat. Because apparent wind is the product of these two forces, it is affected by changes in either
force. If the true winds speed increases or decreases, the apparent wind will change in both velocity
and direction. If the true winds direction changes, the apparent wind will again change. If your boat
accelerates or decelerates, the wind speed your boat creates will change, causing a change in the
apparent wind.
To graphically demonstrate how changes in true wind and boat speed wind effect the apparent wind we
will use vectors (arrows) which show both the speed and direction of each wind. The direction of the
vectors (arrows) show the direction each wind is blowing and the length of each vector indicates its
strength or speed of the wind in MPH.
The boat speed wind always blows from the direction that the boat is traveling, as depicted in the diagrams above. The speed or strength of the boat speed wind is equal to the boats speed and thus I have
shown the strongest boat speed wind when the boat is on a beam reach, which is the fastest point of
sail. For simplicity, in the diagrams above, the true wind remains the same in each diagram.
Note, in the diagram, how the sails have been changed as the boat goes from close hauled to beam
reach to broad reach. As the boat and the apparent wind change direction, the sails are changed to keep
the sails leading edge cutting the apparent wind and the rest of the sail gently bending the wind.
Page 8
30 Mar 02
Sail Trim
Sail trim first requires that you use the main/jib sheet and traveler controls to adjusting the shape and
position of the sails with respect to the wind. Secondly that you steer your boat so that the leading edge
of the sails smoothly cut the wind while the rest of the sail gently bends the wind.
The left diagram, under sheeted, shows a sail that is soft just behind the leading edge or slightly luffing.
This sail will generate very little power. To correct this situation, either bring in the trailing edge of the
sail by sheeting in, or turn the boat off the wind slightly to fill the sail.
The center diagram, perfect trim, shows a sail that is smoothly cutting the wind and bending it to generate
maximum power in the sail. Note that the tell-tails are smoothly flowing back on both sides of the of the
sail. The most important tell-tails are the leeward tell-tails, usually the ones on the other side of the sail
from the skipper. Keep these tell-tails flowing back at all times, the windward tell-tails may act up a little and in higher winds they will fly back and up at about a 45 angle.
The right diagram, over sheeted, shows a sail which is trying to bend the air flow too much, the air flow
breaks away from the sail on the leeward side and the air becomes turbulent causing the leeward tell-tails
to dance forward and back. To correct this problem, either sheet out to reduce the bend of the sail, or turn
the boat more into the wind allowing the air to better flow along the leeward side of the sail.
Under
Sheeted
Over
Sheeted
Perfect
Trim
Leeward
Telltale
Page 9
30 Mar 02
Anatomy of a Tack
Rick Whites Roll Tack, Illustrated by Bob Mimlitch
1. If not close hauled, come up to a close hauled course (traveler in and main sheeted hard).
2. Insure your speed is up prior to initiating a tack. Dont pinch.
3. Insure you are clear of traffic and will remain clear during your tack.
4. Alert the crew and await their response indicating that they are Ready to tack.
5. Push the tiller smoothly and move to the rear windward corner.
6. Crew moves to the rear, uncleats and holds the jib while removing slack from the lazy sheet.
7. As the jib starts to luff, feed out sheet and fly the jib across keeping it flowing as it goes.
8. At the same time the crew takes the lazy sheet and moves across and forward sheeting the jib.
9. As the boat comes head to wind the skipper releases 2 feet of main sheet (more for unirigs).
10. Continue increasing the rudder angle and turn beyond the desired new course.
11. Straighten the rudders, pass the tiller across, move across and forward taking excess sheet.
12. Foot to accelerate and trim the sails.
13. Shift gears (with sail shape) as you accelerate and come up to optimum course.
14. Balance the boat and take care of general housekeeping.
Wind
14
13
12
11
10
8&9
Skipper and crew positions shown

are for light to moderate winds.
5&6
1 thru 4
Page 10
30 Mar 02
Anatomy of a Gybe
by Bob Mimlitch
1. Insure your speed is up prior to initiating a gybe.
2. Insure you are and will remain clear of traffic during the gybe.
3. Alert the crew and insure that you get a response.
4. Move in and pull the tiller smoothly.
5. Skipper moves to the opposite side and grabs the tiller outside the main sheet.
6. Crew moves to the opposite side and catches jib on opposite side by sheet or clew.
7. The skipper grabs the main sheets below the boom and pulls against the sail.
8. The crew trims the jib by pulling on the leech which give the boat power.
9. As the pressure on the main sail gets light, alert the crew and swing the main sail across.
10. Continue the turn until above the optimum course.
11. Trim and match your sails.
12. Shift gears (with sail shape) as you accelerate and come down to optimum course.
13. Balance the boat per conditions.
14. Pull daggers, rudder, etc. as desired.
Wind
1, 2 & 3
5, 6 & 7
Skipper and crew positions shown

are for light to moderate winds.
8&9
10
11
12
14
Page 11
30 Mar 02
Tacking and Gybing by Hobie Cat USA

Turning into the Wind
Turning Away From the Wind
Turning into the wind, or coming about, is the most

common sailing maneuver: When coming about, the
object is to pass the bows of the boat through the eye
of wind and over to the other side. Let's refer to the
clock example. Suppose you are sailing to the ten
o'clock position, but wish to change course and sail to
the two o'clock spot. You would first move the tiller
toward the sail to move the bows through the wind
coming from noon. Then you would straighten the
tiller once the boat is heading on the desired course.
Turning away from the wind, or gybing (sometimes

spelled jibing), is changing course while sailing
downwind. Just think of gybing as the opposite of
coming about. When coming about bows cross the
wind. The sterns cross the wind when gybing. When
gybing in light air you will probably have to give the
boom some help in swinging across to the other side
of the boat.
Here's the procedure step by step.

1. Before coming about, ask yourself what you are
trying to achieve by doing so. Where do you want the
boat to be when you have completed your turn? Ifs a
good idea to pick a spot on land and aim the boat
toward that spot for reference. Remember you must
turn the boat at least 90 degrees or you may stall in the
wind (put yourself in irons).
2. Push the tiller smoothly but firmly about half the
distance toward the sail while letting the mainsheet out
about one foot.
3. As the boom swings over duck and move to the
other side, opposite the new sail position.
4. Exchange the mainsheet and tiller extension in
your hands. The mainsheet should always be in your
forward hand, the tiller extension should always be in
your aft hand.
5. Straighten the tiller after you have completed
your turn and the boat is moving toward your
reference point.
Notes: Move the tiller firmly but avoid sudden,
jerky moves. Try to carve a smooth arc in the water.
Forcing the tiller all the way over will put on the
brakes and put the boat in irons (or stall it). Dont let
go of the tiller or the boat will straighten out before
you want it to. When tacking a catamaran with a jib
sail, keep the jib sheet cleated until the bows are fully
through the eye of the wind. Then release the jib sheet
and pull it in on the other side. This is called
To gybe, just pull the tiller extension toward your

body with the same smooth motion as when coming
about, grab the mainsheet just below the boom, and,
when the sterns cross the wind, warn the crew and
swing the boom across. As soon as the sail begins to
fill with wind, move to the other side of the boat and
off you go.
Gybing in heavy air can be more difficult since everything will have to be speeded up correspondingly. In
heavy air, the boom can snap across with a lot of
force. For this reason, ifs best to come about in heavier
winds until you have had a chance to practice gybing
to the point where you feel confident that you can
handle heavy air with dexterity. You should be
especially aware of wind shifts in heavy air. If the
wind should suddenly change direction as it blows
across the stern of the boat, it could grab the sail and
swing it far out to the other side very quickly. This is
an unplanned gybe and could damage the boat if the
wind is strong enough, or it could cause injury to
unaware crewmembers.
"backwinding."
Page 12
30 Mar 02
Knots
Bowline - Makes a loop which can be easily untied,

even after carrying heavy loads for long periods.
Figure Eight or Stopper Knot

Used to keep the end of a sheet or line from slipping through a block or eye.
Page 13
30 Mar 02
Start Sailing Right

by Alan Egusa
Reprinted with permission of NAHCA News
Most of this Addendum is now APPENDIX X in the new US Sailing Level I Small Boat Instructor's
Manual. NACHA is currently trying to get this material into the upcoming revision of Start Sailing Right,
the manual for US Sailing's beginning sailing courses.
SAFETY POSITION (Parking the boat on the water)

1. Release the jib and main sheets, thereby leaving the sails loose.
2. Push the tiller to turn the boat up into the wind. Continue to hold the tiller hard over for as long as you
wish to keep the boat in the Safety Position.
In more breeze the mast may rotate violently from side to side. Slack the downhaul to calm things down.
DIME TACK (Performed when the boat is stationary or moving very slowly.)
1. Push the tiller hard over as if to turn the boat up into the wind.
2. Grasp the boom or main sheet blocks and pull it to weather until the boat is tacked.
3. Reverse the rudders when the boat moves backwards.
4. Release the sheets leaving the sails loose. You are now in the Safety Position on the other tack.
GETTING OUT OF IRONS

1. Rudders hard over in the Safety Position. (Push the tiller in the direction that you want to sail)
2. Slack the main sheet and traveler, and push the boom out. (Push in the direction that you want to sail)
3. Backwind the jib.
4. When the bows are pointed onto your new course (a minimum of 50 degrees off of the true wind),
straighten the rudders. (A common mistake is not to back around far enough and sail into irons again)
5. Sheet in the jib, then the main sail. (Sheeting in the main too quickly will put you into irons again)
Note: For single-handed catamarans with a main sail, only, ignore references to the jib.
STOP THE BOAT

1. Push the tiller to head up into the wind.
2. Slack the sheets.
3. Push the boom forward to backwind the main sail. Also, backwind the jib.
4. When the boat stops moving, go into the Safety Position.
BACKING UP
1. Stop the boat.
2. If the bows are not pointed into the wind, perform the first two steps of the Dime Tack until they are.
3. Straighten the rudders.
4. Backwind the main sail by pushing the boom forward.
5. Steer with the rudders to keep the boat moving straight downwind.
Note: Backing up puts a lot of pressure on the rudders, so hold on tight and make small corrections
Page 14
30 Mar 02
LAUNCHING OFF A WEATHER SHORE (wind blowing from the shore onto the water)
1. In most situations and conditions you will be able to simply point the boat in the desired direction and
sail off. When this is not feasible, try the following.
2. Rudders kicked up, all sheets uncleated and slack, nothing dragging in the water.
3. Boat pointed into the wind.
4. Skipper and crew, one on each bow, push off from shore. The depressed bows will allow the boat to
track straight backwards as the wind pushes it away from the shore. A foot gently dragging in the
water from the appropriate bow can steer the boat if you get slightly off course.
5. The jib can be held out perpendicular to the wind to push you backward faster.
6. When the depth of the water allows you to lower the rudders (carefully) without touching the bottom,
turn the rudders to point the bows in the desired direction and sail away. If you go into irons, refer to
Getting Out Of Irons.
LAUNCHING OFF A LEE SHORE (wind blowing from the water onto the shore)
1. Determine which tack (port or starboard) will take you more directly off the shore.
2. Point the boat in the direction of that tack and push it off the shore with the jib sheeted in and the
rudders dragging behind you.
3. With the traveler out a foot or two, sheet the main in slowly until the boat maintains a constant
direction approximately 10 to 15 degrees below what would be your close hauled course.
You are steering (balancing) the boat with the sails.
Note that with the rudders not being locked down and very little or no dagger board down, you will have
horrendous weather helm. If you over sheet the main you will weather vane into irons. The importance
of a trimmed jib cannot be overemphasized as it helps to counteract the weather helm.
4. Lower your rudders as the depth allows, weather rudder first, until they are both locked down. The
rudders will steer more effectively the more they are lowered. You will also be able to sheet in the
main sail more without going into irons as the rudders are lowered.
5. Lower your dagger boards (carefully) as the depth allows, weather board first.
6. If you are launching off of a beach with surf, see LAUNCHING THROUGH THE SURF, below.
TACKING
Skipper
1. Look over your rear shoulder and pick a geographical point to indicate your new course.
2. Push the tiller. Steer progressively into the tack. Do not jam the tiller over too quickly; this will act as a
brake, slow you too much, and blow your tack. Maintain a constant pressure on the tiller through step
4.
3. Ease the main sheet at head to wind. The main sheet blocks should come apart 1 to 2 feet, or more.
In light air, pull the boom toward you while staying on the leeward side until almost on your new
course. The light air will not have enough energy to force your main sheet blocks apart, and the main
sail will weather vane you into irons.
4. Change tiller hands while switching sides. Reach around and behind the main sheet blocks to grasp the
tiller with your new hand, pivoting on your knees.
5. Once pointed onto your new course, straighten the rudders and sheet in the jib, then the main sail. If the
main sail is sheeted in before the jib, the boat may weather vane into irons.
Crew (crew actions and where they fit into the sequence)
2. Move to the other side of boat head first, taking the new jib sheet with you.
5. When pointed onto your new course, tack the jib by releasing the old sheet and pulling in the new sheet
Page 15
30 Mar 02
MAN OVERBOARD (MOB) (For Beach Catamarans)

1. Stop the boat, immediately.
2. Perform the Dime Tack.
3. Assume the Safety Position, and the boat will drift toward the sailor in the water.
Alterations of the direction of your drift" can be made by sailing to weather or by sailing backwards.
CAPSIZE
1. Uncleat the jib and main sheets.
2. Point the bows into the wind (not the mast). By standing on and submerging the bow you can get the
hulls to rotate around into the wind. Hanging on to the righting line during this process will help your
balance, and it will help to prevent the boat from turtling
3. Stand on the lower hull, grab the righting line, and lean back over the water to right the boat. This
must be done quickly or the hulls will rotate around pointing the mast into the wind, and the boat will
be harder to right. If you have difficulty gripping the righting line when applying a lot of leverage, try
wrapping it around the hook of your trapeze harness.
4. Grab the dolphin striker or the lower hull as the boat is righted to prevent it from continuing on and
capsizing to the other side.
Warning: Be sure to position yourself so that the hull does not land on top of you when it is righted.
Page 16
30 Mar 02
TURTLED (Boat Upside-Down)

1. Do not allow your boat to turtle. It will be much more difficult to right. Pulling on the righting line
(step #3 under Capsize) will help to prevent your boat from being turtled. Do this as soon as possible.
2. Once your boat is turtled, move to the leeward stern and pull on the righting line.
The combination of your weight, the pull on the righting line, the wave action, and the wind will
hopefully be enough to lift your weather bow higher and higher out of the water.
3. Once the weather bow is well out of the water, move to the center of the hull while maintaining a
constant pull on the righting line. The boat will settle on it's side. Continue pulling on the righting line
until the mast is at the surface of the water.
4. Right the boat by following the procedure under Capsize.
5. If you are unable to right your turtled boat, signal for help. In calm weather conditions, it may be
impossible for you to right a turtled boat without outside assistance.
LAUNCHING THROUGH THE SURF

1. This is an advanced maneuver depending on the wave, water, current (rip), and wind conditions. It is
included here as a future reference and should not be attempted until you become a proficient and
experienced sailor.
2. With light winds and heavy surf it will probably be impossible to get out through the surf. You will
need a minimum amount of power to punch through the waves. The conditions will dictate what you
are able to do, and experience and good judgment are invaluable. When in doubt do not attempt to
launch. What follows are tips and suggestions.
3. Waves come in sets. You want to time your departure from the beach so that you will sail through the
worst section of surf during the lull between these sets.
4. The rudders should be dragging behind you as you leave the beach. They should not be locked down
until you are out of the surf line, which is relatively shallow water. When a wave hits your boat it will
drive the bows up, the stern down, and the boat backwards onto its rudders. A large wave can drive
your rudders into the bottom in five feet of water and snap them off.
5. Keep the boat moving forward as fast as possible under the conditions - rudders dragging behind,
dagger boards down only a foot or less, disturbed water, rip tide.... You will obviously want to get past
the surf line as quickly as possible.
Note: It is extremely important to trim the jib throughout the launching. A trimmed jib will help to
counteract weather helm and the tendency to round up into irons. In simple terms, it pushes the bow
down.
6. Steer the bows up into the waves but off of perpendicular. You want the wave to knock the bow down
onto a reach so that you can accelerate forward and tackle the next wave with speed, not to push the
bow up into irons.
7. Keep your body weight forward on the boat when going through the surf. Standing up is also a good
idea so that the white water coming over the trampoline hits only your legs and not your body, which
could push you to the back of the boat and thus promote capsize. Throw your weight forward against
the mast or front crossbar or pull on the shrouds to drive (ooch) the boat forward as a wave hits your
bow. This also helps to keep the bow down and the stern from being driven under too far which could
cause the boat to flip over backwards.
8. Never let a wave hit you broadside. It won't take much to flip the boat and destroy the mast (or the
entire boat) in the surf. And do not let smaller surf lull you into over confidence. Smaller surf can ruin
your day, not to mention your boat!
9. When you find yourself in a bad position, turn the boat the best you can and head back to the beach.
Your course must be perpendicular to the wave, not to the beach, or you may be broached. Keep your
weight as far back as possible when a wave catches your stern to prevent the boat from pitchpoling in
the surf. He who turns and runs today lives to sail another day!
Page 17
30 Mar 02
Hobie 14 - Rigging and Tuning Guide

by Boyd Bass and Bob Mimlitch
This guide will help get you and your Hobie 14 in the ballpark, but remember it is only a guide, there are many
ways to sail a Hobie fast.
Rigging and Setup
Rig Tension
Firm, but eased enough so mast rotates freely
Mast Rake
Maximum rake, but keep enough leach tension on the mail sail: in light & heavy air keep a
loose leach. In moderate air keep the main powered up with more sheet tension. In
moderate air you should reduce mast rake if you are going block to block and the main is not
powered up.
Rudders
Parallel, no toe in or out
Tramp
Tight
Batten tension Just snug, release tension when not sailing.
Sailing Upwind
Light Air
Main Downhaul
Just smooth (set with main sheeted normally)
Outhaul
Just taut
Traveler
Centered
Mainsheet
Medium, do not over sheet, sheet in as wind builds
Tiller
Steer so that leeward tell tale below H is flowing but on verge of stalling
Balance
Bows depressed, skipper on crossbar or hull
Moderate Air
Main Downhaul
Tight (set with main sheeted normally)
Outhaul
Just taut
Traveler
Centered
Mainsheet
Tight
Tiller Steer so that leeward tell tale below H is flowing but on verge of stalling
Balance
Skipper on windward hull, boat level
Heavy Air
Main Downhaul
Very tight, continue to tighten to keep hull from flying too high
Outhaul
Tight, you want a flat sail
Traveler
Centered, move up to 6" out if the hull continues to fly too high
Mainsheet
Play the main to keep the windward hull skimming
Tiller
Steer high in the gusts
Balance
Sailing Downwind
Light to Moderate Air
Main Downhaul
Ease
Outhaul
Just taut
Traveler
3/4 to all the way out
Mainsheet
Light tension, sheet in during gusts to pick up speed
Tiller
Steer to keep bridle fly at or slightly aft of 90
Balance
Bows depressed, skipper on crossbar or hull
Moderate to Heavy Air
Main Downhaul
Ease
Outhaul
Bottom batten 4" to 6" draft.
Traveler
3/4 to all the way out
Mainsheet
Medium tension, sheet in during gusts to pick up speed
Tiller
Steer so leeward tell tale below H occasionally stalls, In gusts sail deeper
Balance
Page 18
31 Mar 02

by Wally Myers
This guide will help get you and your 16 in the ballpark, but remember it is only a guide, there are many ways
to sail a Hobie fast.
Rigging and Setup
Rig Tension
Remember this is set by your jib halyard. Pull the halyard until the shrouds go snug, not
super tight. In light and heavy conditions, ease the halyard slightly. In modest (8-15),
increase the halyard tension. Heavier teams should probably sail with more tension.
Tip - Put indicator marks on your mast or halyard to keep track of your starting tension.
Experiment! You can always return to your starting point. Too tight causes mast rotation
problems. Too loose and you wont be able to sheet the main tight enough.
Mast Rake
Set for the maximum rake where you can still sheet the main tightly. This means
approximately 12" - 14" between the boom and back crossbar. Increase rake by loosening
the jib halyard. Decrease by going up on the shroud adjusters and tightening the jib halyard.
Tip - In general, lighter teams can sail with more rake. Never let your forestay go tight. Use the
lowest profile blocks you can with small shackles. You can measure your rake after set up
by this method: release the downhaul, center the mast. Take the main halyard and pull it
forward to the bow of the boat. Pull tight and mark the halyard where it touches the lip just
in front of the bridle bolt. Next take the halyard to the stern of the same hull. Mark the
halyard where it touches the heel of the boat, just below the drain plug. Measure the
distance between the 2 marks. 8" - 18" works. Try to adjust for 12" with shrouds just snug.
Newer boats can usually carry more rake.
Rudders
1/8" - 1/4" toe-in for rudder alignment. Get "Racing Rudders". They just work better. Trim
trailing edge but don't go crazy. Leave the very edge flat.
Tramp
Tight, but don't pull out the grommets. Have the middle double grommeted to reduce
chances of the mainsheet falling through.
Batten tension Snug enough to remove the wrinkles and give a slight shape to the sail. Increase tension in
lumpy conditions.
Sailing Upwind
Light Air
Main Downhaul
Remove horizontal wrinkles when sheeted
Outhaul
Snug
Traveler
Center to 6 out
Mainsheet
Just snug. Do not go block to block unless you have loosened the jib halyard
Jib
Luff Tension Remove wrinkles
Traveler
Inboard to 4 out
Jibsheet
Snug, not tight
Clew Plate
1 to 2 holes down
Tiller
Balance
Bows depressed, crew to leeward, crew and skipper on crossbar or hull
Tip - Easy motions on the tiller
Moderate Air
Main Downhaul
Tight
Outhaul
Tight
Traveler
Center to 8 out
Mainsheet
Almost block to block unless the halyard has been loosened.
Jib
Luff Tension Just light
Traveler
Inboard to 8 out
Jibsheet
Tight (ease for chop)
Jib Clew
Middle to 1 hole down
Page 19
31 Mar 02
Tiller
Balance
Tip -
Boat level, crew and skipper trapezed, side by side, as required to keep hull
skimming
Try tightening rig tension for more power
Heavy Air
Main Downhaul
Outhaul
Traveler
Very tight
Very tight
8" to 12 out. Increase if the hull continues to fly too high. If you must travel out
past halfway, try to loosen the jib halyard, then reset traveler at 8".
Mainsheet
all the way in and play the gusts by feathering the tiller or sheeting out the main.
Keep the windward hull skimming.
Jib
Luff Tension Tight
Traveler
Move outboard to compliment mainsail shape. Usually halfway to 2/3 out, no
more.
Jibsheet
Very tight
Jib clew
1 to 2 holes down
Tiller
Steer high in the gusts. Keep the windward hull skimming.
Balance
Boat level, double trapped, side by side. Move rearward for heavy chop or waves.
Sailing Downwind
Main Downhaul
Moderate
Outhaul
Tight (you may loosen and reset for up-wind, but why?)
Traveler
Out
Mainsheet
18" to 28" between blocks. Tighter if your rig is loose. Sheet tighter in gusts.
Jib
Jibsheet
Loose, crew may have to hold jib out. Keep telltales flowing if you can.
Traveler
All the way out
Tiller
Sail at 90 degrees or aft on bridle fly. Sail lower in gusts.
Balance
Weight forward, crew leeward
Rudder
Try kicking up windward rudder
Main Downhaul
Tight
Outhaul
Tight
Traveler
All the way out
Mainsheet
Tight to 18" between blocks, play in gusts.
Jib
Jibsheet
Trim to match main and keep telltales flowing
Traveler
All the way out
Tiller
Steer to keep bridle fly at 90 degrees sail lower than 90 degrees in higher gusts
Balance
Crew and skipper to windward, keeping boat level
Hobie 16 Tips
The most critical telltales are those on the leeward side of the sail, usually the opposite side from the skipper.
Keep them flowing!
The best telltale locations are 9" to 12" aft of the luff of the jib and 12" aft of the boltrope on the main. Three
sets of telltales per sail are enough, one set in the lower half, one mid-sail, and one set in the upper half.
A windvane is excellent for determining the optimum sailing angles.
To depower in high wind: (1) downhaul and outhaul to the max, (2) travel out the main, and (3) don't sheet way
out to reduce power, this causes a lot of twist-off which makes the boat hard to control. In very high winds,
consider centering the traveler before jibing.
Work with your halyard. It is the most important adjustment. Keep leeward telltales flowing. Don't pinch on a
16.
Don't fiddle with your boat. A well sailed boat with a good start will usually beat a well fiddled-with boat that
isn't sailed well. Go Sailing!
Page 20
31 Mar 02
Hobie 17 Rigging, Tuning and Sailing Guide

by Dan Kulkoski
This guide will help get you and your Hobie 17 in the ballpark, but remember it is only a guide, there are many
ways to setup and sail a Hobie Cat fast.
General setup
Mast Rake
Rudder Toe under
Rudder Alignment
Batten Tension
Rig tension
3-8 mph
26 111/2
1 3/4
1
/8 toe in
Fairly hard
Real loose
9-13 mph
26 111/2 - 27 1/4
1
/8 toe in
Fairly hard
Slightly loose
>13 (white caps)

See note
27 1/4
1
1
1 /2
2
1
/8 toe in
Fairly hard
3
Slightly loose
1 Chain plate hole difference
Tell Tales 2 sets a couple of inches behind the vertical panel. 1 third and 2 thirds up.
I also have one off the back, which should suck forward from time to time when going to weather.
Crossbars If your boat takes on water, more than likely, it is getting in through your crossbar cups. Take the
cups off and seal the peg and screw holes with 3M 5200 before reassembling. I also put MarineTex on my
saddles, placing a piece of saran wrap between it and the crossbar. Assemble before the MarineTex sets up.
This gives me a good stiff boat. Periodically check bolts for tightness.
Note 1: To get this measurement, connect the halyard twist shackle to a 100 tape measure, running it up and
lock the ring in at the top of the mast. Take your tape reading at the traveler track. I believe the boat should be
perfectly balanced with no helm. Mast rake and toe under go hand in hand to achieve neutral helm. Depending
on your weight (light skippers need less power, more mast rake) set your boat up, go sailing and play with your
mast rake. Keep notes so you can get repeatability.
Note 2: If you have too much weather helm or lee helm, adjust your rudder toe under. You might even have to
redrill.
Note 3: You can always flatten your sail afloat, but its real tough to make it more full (more power) afloat.
Punching your battens in will give the power needed to pound through choppy seas and you can still flatten the
sail using the downhaul, sheet tension and mast rotation, should the wind come up. One problem with tight
battens is the top one or two might not pop when you gybe in light air. I change these 2 out between H16 jib
style battens and H16 main style battens depending on the wind strength. Higher winds = stiffer battens.
Upwind sailing
3-8 mph
Light
Loose, diagonal
wrinkles in sail
9-13 mph
Tighter
Wrinkles out to
fairly tight
Traveler
Center to 4 out
Center to 4 out
Mast rotation point

toward
Dagger board
hole or slightly
in front
Skipper position
Sit on or in front
of crossbar
Slightly in front
of Dagger board
hole
Just behind
crossbar or sitting
forward on wing
Main sheet tension

Downhaul (6:1 a must)
Page 21
>13 (white caps) Note

REAL TIGHT
1
Hand hurting
tight
Out until you can
keep boat flat
Shroud
Trapped as far
forward as
possible
Skippers tend to get

onto the wing too
quickly
31 Mar 02
Outhaul:
Downhaul your sail first, then set your outhaul or you will break your outhaul wire. Should be
about a fist width between the boom and the sail (if it hung down to the boom) at its deepest point. Put shock
cord between your boom and clew to keep it pulled forward.
Driving techniques: Keep wind flowing over the back side of sail. If the leeward tell tail goes forward at all
(stalls) you lose!!! In light air I usually cleat and drive the boat. As the wind builds I tend to cleat and
uncleat the main sheet a lot, keeping the boat flat. I tend to sheet extra hard in high winds only uncleating
when I think I am about to stall the boat. To sheet extra tight, I put the tiller between my toes, bend my knees
and use both hands to pull the mainsheet in and then cleat. You can also go to a bigger lower block, but beware
it wont pay out as fast on a tack.
Tacking Techniques: Have several in your tool kit. In light air, as I go under the boom, I stop and push it up
with my back. This guarantees that the boat wont round up after the tack leaving me in irons. In higher winds,
from the wire, there are 2 common techniques. The cleat and dive method or the uncleat and place the
mainsheet in your tiller hand method. If you use the second method, as you push the tiller to start the tack, the
main automatically starts to pays out, you better hurry to the other side or your weight will pull the boat over on
top of you!!
Downwind
Sheet tension
Downhaul
Traveler
Mast rotation
Dagger boards
Skipper position
3-8 mph
9-13 mph
>13 (white caps)
Let out a lot, wrapping it around the shroud
Totally off
Totally off
Dont touch
Out to hull
Out to hull
Out to hull
110 degrees
110 degrees
Dont care
Both up
One up
Both down
Trying to stay as far
forward as possible
In front of crossbar Behind crossbar
without flipping. Lots
of skipper movement!
Very high winds,

sitting on the wing
gets you further
back
Downwind I am a low and slow type of skipper on the H17, however in many conditions a high and fast track
seems work. Speed test with a friend and keep notes to see which track is fastest for you. Downwind you
need to have some type of wind indicator on your front bridle. I recommend cassette tape.
Driving techniques: Keep the cassette tape pointing slightly forward of 90 degrees. If a gust increases your
speed, dive lower keeping the tape pointing forward of 90 degree. As the gust passes you, head up keeping the
tape forward. Some times its pays to gibe keeping you in a gust longer.
Jibing Techniques: Be smooth, but quick. I set the tiller on the new side and with my back hand. Then I pull
the rudders using the tiller crossbar, while my front hand grabs the boom. As the wind crosses the transom, I
lean back pulling the boom over my head. Then with a quick spin I grab the tiller with the back hand moving
quickly forward. I dont worry about the mainsheet until I am settled.
One last word of advice. Always wear your life jacket, but on a one man boat its even more important! I
have seen many a skipper get separated from their boat, even in light air (they usually slip off the front going
down wind and when they come up the boat has sailed over them and is gone).
Page 22
31 Mar 02

by Bob Mimlitch
to sail a Hobie fast.
Rigging and Setup
Rig Tension
Not too tight, eased enough so mast rotates freely ( 4" to 5" movement in shroud).
Mast Rake
Don't rake it back, start at the third hole from bottom of shrouds and tighten forestay.
Diamond Wires Light air - tight for more draft and power.
Heavy air - loose for more mast bend, flat sail and higher speed.
Rudders
Parallel, no toe in or out. Shape the trailing edge into a thin but flat edge (1/16).
Tramp
Tight, tight, tight.
Jib Luff Tension Tighten mainsheet to its upwind setting then set the jib luff as indicated below.
Batten tension
Just snug, except for the top three which should be tight in light to moderate air.
Always release the batten tension before storing your Dacron sail.
Sailing Upwind
Light Air
Main
Mast Rotation Point at leeward shroud.
Downhaul
Just smooth (set with main sheeted lightly).
Outhaul
Traveler
Centered.
Mainsheet
Light, do not over sheet as sail will become too flat and hook to windward.
Jib
Luff Tension
Just smooth (set on beach with main sheeted for conditions, see above).
Traveler
Four holes visible to the rear of the traveler.
Jib Sheet
Do not over sheet the jib as it will cut off the air flow to the main.
Tiller
Foot (sail a little further off the wind) in light air. Steer so that leeward.
tell tales are flowing but on verge of stalling if you foot much more.
Balance
Bows depressed, crew to leeward, crew and skipper on crossbar or bow.
Moderate Air
Main
Mast rotation Point at leeward shroud.
Downhaul
Tight (set with main sheeted normally).
Outhaul
Traveler
Centered.
Mainsheet
Tight.
Jib
Luff Tension
Just tight (set on beach with main sheeted for conditions, see above).
Traveler
Near the rear of the traveler to open the slot.
Jib Sheet
Tighter in smooth water - Ease in choppy water.
Tiller
Steer so that leeward tell tale below H is flowing but on verge of stalling.
Balance
Crew and skipper on windward hull and forward, boat level.
Heavy Air
Main
Mast rotation Point at the leeward shroud.
Downhaul
Very tight, continue to tighten to keep hull from flying too high.
Outhaul
Tight.
Traveler
Centered, move 6" to 12" out if the hull continues to fly too high.
When you travel out, ease the jib to keep the slot open.
Mainsheet
Very tight, keep the sail flat. Travel out rather than sheeting out in a race.
Jib
Luff Tension
Tight (set on beach with main sheeted for conditions, see above).
Traveler
Rear, to induce jib twist-off.
Jib Sheet
Tight.
Tiller
Sail closer to the wind and steer high in the gusts rather than sheeting out.
Balance
Boat level, crew and skipper trapezed as required to keep hull skimming.
Page 23
31 Mar 02
Sailing Downwind
Main
Mast rotation
Downhaul
Outhaul
Traveler
Mainsheet
Jib
Jib Sheet
Tiller
Dagger Boards
Rudders
Balance
Main
Mast rotation
Downhaul
Outhaul
Traveler
Jib
Mainsheet
Traveler
Jib Sheet
Tiller
Dagger Boards
Rudders
Balance
Rotated 90 to 100
Ease
Even with inside edge of hull in light air, 6" inside hull for moderate air.
Light tension, 30" from boom to crossbar.
The sail should be touching the shrouds, but not deformed by them.
Sheet in during gusts to pick up speed and ease the sail when they pass.
Hand hold clew just outboard of and even with forward crossbar.
Raise and lower the clew to keep the upper and lower tell tales balanced.
The Skipper will direct the fore and aft movement of the jib to match main.
The sails are matched when both jib and lower main tell tails act the same.
Steer to keep lower main and jib tell tales flowing back.
Both sets of upper main tell tales will flip back and forth.
Bridle tape will flow across and slightly to the rear.
Half way up.
I leave them down, but some like the windward rudder up.
Bows depressed, crew to leeward, crew and skipper on crossbar or hull.
Rotated 70 to 80
Ease
6" inboard of the hull.
In heavy conditions center the traveler before you jibe.
Medium tension, sheet in during gusts to pick up speed.
Forward to provide full jib.
Trim to match main, tell tales on jib and main should break together.
Steer so leeward tell tale below H occasionally stalls, In gusts sail deeper.
In heavy gusts, when you feel out of control, steer more downwind.
If conditions are too heavy to jibe, come up, tack and fall off (270 turn).
Half way up
I leave them down, but some like the windward rudder up
Crew and skipper on windward hull, move back as wind & waves increase.
Hobie 18 Tips
The most critical tell tails are those on the leeward side of the sail, usually the opposite side from the
skipper. Keep them flowing!
The best tell tail locations are 9" to 12" aft of the luff of the jib and 12" aft of the boltrope on the main.
Three sets of tell tails per sail are enough, one set in the lower half, one mid sail and one set in the upper
half.
A windvane, such as the TeloCat, with arms set 30 either side of center is excellent for determining the
optimum upwind angle. If the tail of the vane is inside the arm, youre pinching, and the tail outside the
arm indicates footing. The vane a great aid for quickly getting on a good upwind course after a tack.
To depower in high wind: (1) downhaul and outhaul to the max, (2) travel out the main, (3) furl the jib, (4)
don't sheet way out to reduce power, this causes a lot of twist-off which makes the boat hard to control. In
very high wind consider centering the traveler before jibing or do a 270 turn in the opposite direction.
Page 24
31 Mar 02
Hobie Tiger - Tuning Guide

by Mitch Booth
Mast Set Up
Mast set up is critically important to the performance of the boat.
Firstly set the spreader rake to suit your crew weight. Spreader Rake is measured between a line between the tips of the
spreaders and the back edge of the mast (as shown diagram 1).
Spreader rake that is perfectly suited to you can only be determined by practice and experiencing different conditions
however this is what I go by as a rough guide:
40- 54mm Spreader Rake For Medium Heavy Crews (340 375 lbs)
55 -64mm Spreader Rake for Moderate Crews ( 310 340 lbs)
Over 65mm Spreader rake for light crews (under 310 lbs)
The principle is to increase spreader rake for lighter crews and reduce for heavier crews between this basic range.
Once deciding upon a suitable spreader rake tension the diamond wires. The diamond wires can be adjusted to suit the
conditions. The method I use to measure the tension is using a Wire Tension Gauge, which you can obtain from a local
yacht shop. Measuring the prebend is preferred by some people, but if you adjust the tension between races it is
impossible to measure the prebend. This is where the tension gauge comes in handy. The settings I usually follow are:
Under 36 for light wind (under 8 knots)
36- 40 for medium wind (8- 18 knots)
41 -45 for strong wind (over 18 knots)
Basically I wind the diamond wires up to depower (increases mast bend) and reduce diamond wire tension to power up
(reducing mast bend)
To test whether I have the correct mast set up I go sailing against another boat or boats and go testing. I look for height,
speed and power against the other boat. I find if I am slower than the other boat, possibly struggling to hold the boat flat
and having to point very high (assuming the other variables are eliminated) the sail is too full. Increasing Cunningham
and reducing rotation comes to a limit and if I reach the limit before reaching the same speed I increase the diamond
tension to further bend the mast. If still we are slow after reaching maximum diamond wire tension I then adjust the
spreader rake, which of course can only be done on the beach.
This then works in reverse also. If I find the boat is underpowered, maybe not flying a hull when the other boats are, or
feels sluggish and does not accelerate when even without Cunningham and maximum rotation, reducing the diamond wire
tension will help. But this also can only go so far and if the diamond wires become too loose you risk damaging your mast
so then reducing spreader rake is the go. This will straighten the mast and increase sail depth and therefore power.
Battens
I recommend using the battens supplied with the sail. The top two really should only need to be adjusted through inserting
slightly lighter or heavier battens depending on crew weight and conditions. Again it is the same, more power needed
insert softer battens, too much power insert harder battens.
The batten tension although not super critical should be done with some care.
I simply start at the top and basically pull the wrinkles out and then pull some more tension. Pulling the batten tension too
tight is not necessary.
Jib
Page 25
31 Mar 02
Once hoisting the jib first I look for the sheeting angle to be correct for the sheet. I find an angle slightly higher than 45
works for me. Then I estimate where on the Clew plate (where the sheet attaches) and the Chain Plate (where the Tack
attaches) the Jib needs to sit to achieve the correct sheeting angle.
After positioning the Jib correctly adjust the luff tension to suit the conditions. This works same as the Cunningham on
the Mainsail. Increase the tension in strong wind conditions, and reduce tension in light conditions. In strong wind simply
increase tension to remove wrinkles then pull a little more till the luff is flat and firm. Do not worry about having small
wrinkles in the luff of the sail in light wind, it is not a problem Don't forget that you can adjust the luff tension of the jib
between races if you are not happy!
Spinnaker
The most important thing with the spinnaker is to ensure that it won't have a problem being hoisted, gybed or dropped.
Ensure the all sharp edges, rings etc are well taped, that there is shock cord from shroud to shroud (in front of and above
of the diamond wires) and I also tape over the turnbuckles and anything that sticks out of the mast.
Attach the spinnaker and hoist it to ensure that everything is attached correctly before starting the race. Also drop the
spinnaker on the correct side so you hoist to leeward at the top mark.
Rig Tension
A lot of people set the rig tension the same for all conditions. On a rotating rig it is important to remember that as the
mast rotates the leeward shroud is bearing against the leeward side of the mast. This can create problems when you try to
over rotate downwind and in particular in light wind when there is no assistance from the sail to push the mast. We all
know that the leeward shroud goes slack while going upwind even in moderate wind so all rig tension is doing is holding
the mast slightly more vertical. I recommend very loose rig tension in light winds under 8 knots and slowly increasing as
the wind does (loose means that the wire is straight not flopping while on the beach).
Mast Rake
I always carry as much as I can, i.e. forestay at the top of the stay adjuster My crew weight never really exceeds 340 lbs.
For heavier crews possibly reduce the rake a hole at a time till you feel comfortable.
Rudder Set up
Most common advice is to set the rudders up parallel, however this may not be the fastest. Most boats sail with some
weather helm on the rudders and subsequently you have to pull on the tiller slightly to keep the boat in a straight line
going upwind. This means you could have a few degrees of turn on the leeward rudder that is fully loaded, however the
windward rudder that has very little load will only cause drag if it is not in line with the windward centerboard. The best
way to assess what amount of toe in you require is to sail upwind double trapeze under maximum load and watch the
water flow around the windward rudder.
When toeing in any rudders keep in mind that it should be the bare minimum as excessive toe in will harm downwind
performance when both rudders are not loaded and close to parallel is fastest (see diagram 2).
Helm is directly related to rudder rake and if you have too much weather helm (pull on the tiller) then the rudder may
have to be kicked under the boat more and if you have neutral helm it may need to be raked aft.
Page 26
31 Mar 02
Hull, Centerboard and Rudder Condition
Some very good people I know think I am crazy because I spend soooo much time polishing the boat. The theory they use
is that a dull unpolished surface is better to improve windward performance and stop the boat sliding sideways. Well I
think that this simply is not the case and for my way of thinking get the boat going forward faster and it will go up wind
better! And of course the slipperier the boat is the better it will go down wind as well. So I recommend:
Remove all dings, bumps and imperfections in the hull.
Ensure the bottom is sanded as to remove the hull join and imperfections around the centerboard case.
Polish firstly so the hull, boards and rudders have your reflection in them then apply something very slippery
preferably with a Teflon base by hand.
After that it is up to you!
Figure 1. Mast Spreader Rake
Figure 2. Rudder Setup
Page 27
31 Mar 02
Hobie 20 Racing Setting - Compiled by Bob Mimlitch, Fleet 23, Dallas, TX

Most of the information is from Bob Curry's articles in Catamaran Sailor published by Mary Wells.
Wind
Speed
Light
0 - 8 mph
Moderate
9 - 17 mph
Heavy
18 + mph
|___________________________________|
|___________________________________|
|___________________________________|
Mast Rake
6 from tip of rudder (1)
6" from tip of rudder (1)
6 from tip of rudder.
Diamond Wires
40 on Loos gauge(2)
45 to 47 on Loos gauge(2)
47-48 on Loos gauge(2)
Batten Tension
Just pull the wrinkles out ------------------------------------------------------------->
Downhaul
Upwind
Downwind
Just pull the wrinkles out

Slight wrinkles in the sail
Down in the puffs to flatten the boat, ease in the lulls.

Just pull the wrinkles out
Same as Upwind
Outhaul
Upwind
Downwind
Eased, not tight

Full smooth bottom
Pulled in almost all the way.

Half way out
Tight
Tight
Mast Rotation
Upwind
Downwind
Point at shroud
Rotate forward of beam
Point aft of dagger well.

Even with front beam
Point at outside of crossbar.

Less rotation to depower
Jib Leads
Fore & Aft
In & Out
Even telltale break on the top and bottom of the jib.

Mid way between hiking strap and inside of hull.
Jib Luff Tension
Upwind = light in light and tighter in heavier. Downwind = light. ------------>
Jib Sheet
Upwind
Downwind
3 off spreader roller

2 off spreader roller
Adjust to make jib match the shape and trim of the main
Barber Hauler
Upwind
Reach
Downwind
Off --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
Adjust to make jib match the shape and trim of the main. ----------------------->
Adjust to match main.
All the way out. ------------------------------------>
Main Traveler
Upwind
Downwind
Main Sheet
Upwind
Downwind
2" to 3" behind even break

All the way out.
pull tight
Centered to 2 off center based on hook of sail.

Keep near center until boat gets too wild, then travel out to settle boat.
Just inside of hull.
Two car lengths outboard of hiking straps. ----->
Eased, do not hook sail.
Eased for good twist
Tight
Tighten for speed
Real tight
Tighten to depower top
(1) Mast rake adjustment Detach crew trapeze from bungy and add a 3 piece of line to it. Holding mast
straight and pulling the trapeze line tight, measure to top of bridle pin on bow. Mark the line and take to rear of
boat. Rudder should be up and locked. Mark on line should touch trailing edge of rudder (facing up since
rudder is up) approximately 6 from tip of rudder.
(2) This tension pre-bends the mast and flattens the sail, vary the setting for the fullness or flatness of your sail.
Spreader Rake = 1" to 2" from the back of the mast to a line between the aft edges of the spreaders
(3) To get this kind of mast rotation requires a loose rig and a positive mast rotation system.
Page 28
31 Mar 02
Hobie 20 - General Rigging and Tuning Guide

by Steve Leo
to sail a Hobie fast. This guide is good for general sailing, more specific settings for racing follow.
Rigging and Setup
Spreaders
A straight line between the tips should fall 1 to 2 behind the rear edge of the mast. 1 if
you want more power and 2 if you want less power. Crew weight and fullness of sail is used
to determine which you want. Light crew weight = less power. More crew weight = more
power
Diamond Wires Tighten until the middle of the mast prebends 1.25 forward
Mast Rake
Rake it back, start at the second hole from bottom of shrouds. Add a 3 piece of line to one
of your crew trapeze handles. Unhook it from the shock cord and while holding the mast
centered (no rotation) pull the trapeze line forward and tight touching the very top of the pin
attaching the bridle wire to the hull tang. Mark this spot on the line with your finger or a
piece of tape. Next, with your rudder locked up, move to the back of the boat and hold the
marked spot on the line against the trailing edge of the rudder. It should touch the rudder
approximately 6 from the tip of the rudder. Adjust your forestay and shrouds until you get
this measurement.
Rig Tension
Not too tight, eased enough so mast rotates freely ( 2" to 3" movement in shroud).
Rudders
Parallel, no toe in or out.
Tramp
Tight, tight, tight.
Batten tension Just snug enough to where you have a slight snap in the battens when the bend from one side
to the other
Sailing Upwind
Light Air
Main Mast Rotation Point at leeward shroud.
Downhaul
Just take the wrinkles out of the sail (set with main sheeted lightly).
Outhaul
Bottom of sail should have about 4" draft at the center of the sail (distance between
the boom and the foot of the sail measured parallel to the trampoline.
Traveler
Slightly off Centered about 2
Mainsheet
Light, do not over sheet as sail will become too flat and hook to windward.
Jib -Halyard Tension until luff is just smooth so no wrinkles show. Dont over tighten in light air.
Jib Traveler Varies by mast rake. Sheet your jib snugly and then put pressure on it with your
finger approximately 12 from the clew plate. Move your finger from the leach to the
foot in an arc putting pressure on the sail. You will notice there is difference in the
tightness of the sail as you move. The tightest spot should be exactly half way from
the foot to the leech. Adjust your car on the track until the tight spot is in the center
of the arc.
Blocks
Approximately 2- 4 outside the footstraps
Jib Sheet
Do not over sheet the jib as it will cut off the airflow to the main. You should keep
your sail approximately 4 from the roller on the end of the spreader in light winds.
Tiller
Foot (sail a little further off the wind) in light air. Steer so that leeward.
Tell tales are flowing but on verge of stalling if you foot much more.
Balance
Bows depressed, crew to leeward, crew and skipper on crossbar or bow.
Moderate Air
Main Mast rotation Point at leeward shroud.
Downhaul
Tight, even tighter in a puff and ease after the puff.
Outhaul
Tight.
Traveler
Centered or just off center if your sail has a tendency to hook.
Mainsheet
Tight
Page 29
31 Mar 02
Jib
Halyard
Traveler
Blocks
Jib Sheet
Tension until luff flattens.

Same as in light air.
Half way between inside edge of hull and hiking strap.
Tight in smooth water. Ease, for power, in choppy water.
Tiller
Steer so that leeward tell tale below H is flowing but on verge of stalling.
Balance
Crew and skipper on windward hull and forward, boat level.
Heavy Air (Over 15MPH)
Main Mast rotation Point at leeward jib block.
Downhaul
Very tight, continue to tighten to keep hull from flying too high. The crew should
work the downhaul while sailing to weather. When the hull begins to rise tighten
downhaul until hull lowers and then loosen slightly for power. This should be a
constant working of the downhaul to keep the windward hull just touching the water
Outhaul
Tight.
Traveler
Centered, move 6" to 12" out if the hull continues to fly too high.
When you travel out the main, travel the jib blocks to keep the slot open.
Mainsheet
Very tight, keep the sail flat. Downhaul very hard rather than sheeting out. Each time
you sheet out you power up the sail before it begins dumping wind so you actually tip
the boat more before it settles down. Use the downhaul not the mainsheet. Once you
run out of downhaul remove some rotation from the mast. Next travel out rather than
sheeting out.
Jib
Halyard
Tension until the jib flattens.
Traveler
Move back one to two rivets in the track depending on how strong the wind is.
Blocks
Move completely outboard as far as they will go.
Jib Sheet
Tight.
Tiller
Sail closer to the wind and steer high in the gusts rather than sheeting out.
Balance
Boat level, crew and skipper trapezed as required to keep hull skimming. Skipper and
crew should stay very close together to keep boat from hobby horsing.
Sailing Downwind
Main Mast rotation Rotated so rotator points halfway from the front cross bar to the bow (over rotated in
front of front crossbeam.
Downhaul
Ease
Outhaul
Bottom of sail 5" to 10" draft.
Traveler
Even with inside edge of hull in light air, 6" inside hull for moderate air.
Mainsheet
Light tension, 30" from boom to crossbar. The sail should not be touching the
shrouds. You should try and keep the leach of the sail from twisting off so you do not
dump any wind
Drive the boat off (downwind slightly in the gusts to pick up speed and sail lower. Keep the bridle fly parallel
with the bridle or 90 degrees to the hulls
Jib
Halyard
Reduce tension for a full jib.
Jib Sheet
Hand hold the jib sheet about 12 from the clew. Position your hand directly above
the leeward hull and pull down and push forward until the jib has a round shape and
the leach of the sail is tight. Do not allow the leach to fall off and dump any wind.
Raise and lower your hand to keep the upper and lower tell tales balanced.
The Skipper will direct the fore and aft movement of the jib to match main.
The sails are matched when both jib and lower main tell tails act the same.
Tiller
Steer to keep lower main and jib tell tales flowing back.
Bridle tape will flow parallel or slightly to the rear of the bridle.
Dagger Boards
Up.
Rudders
Some skippers like the windward rudder up. Some boats steer better with one rudder
up.
Page 30
31 Mar 02
Balance
Bows depressed, crew to leeward, crew and skipper on crossbar or hull.
Main Mast rotation Rotated 70 to 80
Downhaul
Ease
Outhaul
Bottom of sail 4" to 6" draft.
Traveler
6" inboard of the hull.
Mainsheet
Medium tension, drive off during gusts to pick up speed and sail lower
Jib
Halyard
Medium tension.
Barber Hauler Pull Jib full outboard.
Jib Sheet
Trim to match main, tell tales on jib and main should break together.
Tiller
Steer so leeward tell tale below H occasionally stalls, In gusts sail deeper.
In heavy gusts, when you feel out of control, steer more downwind.
If conditions are too heavy to jibe, come up, tack and fall off (270 turn).
Dagger Boards
Up unless really heavy wind conditions, then leave down.
Rudders
Windward rudder up until wind conditions get very strong then leave down.
Balance
Crew and skipper on windward hull, move back as wind & waves increase.
Tips
The most critical tell tails are those on the leeward side of the sail, usually the opposite side from the
skipper. Keep them flowing!
The best tell tail locations are 9" to 12" aft of the luff of the jib and 12" aft of the boltrope on the main.
Three sets of tell tails per sail are enough, one set in the lower half, one mid sail and one set in the upper
half. A couple of tell tails can be placed on the leach in the center of the 3rd and 4th panel down on the
mainsail. You can use these to determine if you are oversheeting in light air. If the wrap around behind the
sail you are oversheeted.
A windvane, such as the TeloCat, with arms set 30 either side of center is excellent for determining the
optimum upwind angle. If the tail of the vane is inside the arm, youre pinching; and the tail outside the
arm indicates footing. The vane a great aid for quickly getting on a good upwind course after a tack.
Tie about 6 of cassette tape to the bridle wires on each side about half way between the forestay and the
hull in light air as they react quicker in light winds than a bridle vane.
To depower in high wind:
(1) downhaul and outhaul to the max,
(2) remove rotation from the mast.
(3) travel out the main
Page 31
31 Mar 02
Crewing on a Hobie
(thats Crewing)
by Bob Mimlitch
This guide is primarily for crewing during a race, but some of the information applies to general sailing.
Always:
Keep the skipper informed of other boat traffic, even when they are not a problem.
Monitor the course for wind: dark water, wind lines, speed of other boats, hull flying, etc.
During the Start:
Time the start: keep the skipper informed of time to go.
Get the course number off the committee boat and read the course sequence to the skipper.
Check all control settings: outhaul, downhaul, traveler position, boards, etc.
Know the skippers starting plan and any alternate or fallback plans.
Monitor the relative position of certain competitors, as required.
Assist with boat handling: stopping, turning, starting, accelerating through the gears, etc.
Note: jib control is very important during the start.
Be prepared to prevent boat contact if possible, but don't sacrifice your body.
Sailing Upwind:
Set the jib and periodically monitor its flow.
Balance: move on and off the trapeze, or across the tramp to maintain lateral balance, and
move fore and aft to keep the hulls driving approximately 4" to 6" out of the water.
Watch for crossing traffic and boats to the inside and slightly behind you, keep skipper informed.
Note: going up wind, it is particularly important to keep looking under your sail for boats hidden by the sail.
Hail other boats as required to insure safe passage.
Try to determine which side of the course has the best wind.
Notify the skipper of lifts, headers, gusts and holes in the wind by watching the boats around you.
Monitor the laylines and keep the skipper informed of approximate distance to the lay line.
Tacking - see Anatomy of a Tack for crew actions and movements.
Rounding "A" mark for a reach to "B":
As you approach "A", try to spot "B" so that you can assist the skippers turn to "B".
As the skipper turns, ease the jib to maintain trim as required.
Rounding "A" or "B" for a broad reach to "C"
Ease the jib sheet (and traveler for H16s) to their down wind position.
Set the other controls for down wind: outhaul, downhaul, board(s), etc.
Balance the boat for down wind.
Sailing Down Wind:
Locate the start / finish line and B/C mark, and keep the skipper informed.
Handhold the jib if conditions permit.
As the wind picks up, sheet in and notify the skipper.
As the wind picks up more, tighten the jib line in preparation for a hasty retreat.
As the wind picks up more, move to the center or windward hull.
As the wind picks up more, move to the rear with the skipper.
As the wind lightens up, reverse the process.
Gybing - see Anatomy of a Gybe for crew actions and movements.
Rounding "C" for upwind or "B" for a reach to "C":
About 100 yards out start resetting the controls for upwind: downhaul, outhaul, boards, travelers
If you are on starboard, prepare for a jibe, then the rounding.
As you round, sheet in the jib to maintain trim.
Rebalance the boat as required.
Sailing to the Finish:
Monitor close competitors for their maneuvers (tacking, etc.).
Monitor the lay lines, favored end of the finish line and favored tack.
If the finish will be close, command the skipper to make the boat go faster!!!!
Page 32
31 Mar 02
Typical Hobie Races

Here are two examples of how one might sail these two courses. In both examples the skippers starts about mid line.
Downwind Finish (Diagram 1) Course 1G
Since sailboats will not sail directly upwind the skipper must tack several times to reach the weather mark (A).
After rounding the weather mark, the skipper broad reaches downwind since running straight downwind is too slow. A skipper
tries to spend most of her time on the tack that takes her closer to the leeward mark (C) or the Gate (G G). She must enter the gate
from the previous mark (A) but may exit in either direction. The gate does not have a required side on the first and last leg. She
finishes downwind through the finish line.
Upwind Finish (Diagram 2) Course 3
Again the skipper must tack several times to reach the weather mark. A after rounding A mark the second time, he broad reaches to
B mark, than close reaches to C mark, rounds C and finishes upwind through the finish line.
In the event that the race committee sets a offset mark, the competitors must also round this mark leaving it to port to continuing
on to the next mark.
Standard IHCA Courses:

No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Course
Finish
Options
(S) A C A
(F) Downwind 1G 1O 1GO
(S) A C A C A
(F) Downwind 2G 2O 2GO
(S) A C A B C
(F) Upwind
3O
(S) A B C A C
(F) Upwind
4O
(S) A C
(F) Upwind
5G 5O 5GO
(S) A C A C
(F) Upwind
6G 6O 6GO
(S) A C A B C A C
(F) Upwind
7O
The offset Mark O (if used) applies both at the beginning of the downwind legs and at reaches.
All marks left to port except Gates (G). Gates may be exited in either direction.
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
Course 1G
Downwind Finish
Course 3
Upwind Finish
Start
Finish
G
B
Start
Finish
Page 33
30 Mar 02
Racing Signals, Flags and Sounds by IHCA
Page 34
30 Mar 02
Summary of the Rules that Apply when Boats Meet by US Sailing

US SAILING
SUMMARY OFTHE RULES THAT
APPLY WHEN BOATS MEET
Simplified, Condensed, Unofficial
Below is a summary of the sailing rules that apply most
often on the race course. This summary is intended as an aid
to sailors and not as a substitute for the Racing Rules of
Sailing, a copy of which all racing sailors should own. See
reverse side for more information about the Racing Rules of
Sailing.
RIGHT-OF-WAY RULES
PORT-STARBOARD. Port-tack boats must keep clear of
starboard-tack boats. (Rule 10) Note: You are "keeping
clear" of another boat when she doesn't have to avoid you.
There is a set of special rules for boats that are about to

pass a mark or obstruction. However, these special rules
don't apply between boats on opposite tacks on a beat to
windward. (Rule 18.1)
Except at a starting mark, you must give boats overlapped
inside you room to pass a mark or obstruction, and boats
clear astern must keep clear of you.
There's a two-length zone around marks and obstructions,
and a boat's rights and obligations with respect to another
boat are "frozen" when the first of them enters that zone. If
you are clear astern of another boat when she enters the
zone, you must keep clear of her until both boats are past
the mark or obstruction, even if you later become
overlapped inside her. (Rule 18.2)
WINDWARD-LEEWARD. When boats are overlapped on

the same tack, the windward boat must keep clear. (Rule 11)
TACKING NEAR A MARK. Don't tack within the twolength zone at a windward mark if you will cause a boat
that is fetching the mark to sail above close-hauled to avoid
you, or if you will prevent her from passing the mark.
(Rule 18.3)
ON SAME TACK, ASTERN-AHEAD. When boats are on

the same tack and not overlapped, the boat clear astern must
keep clear. (Rule 12) Note: One boat is "clear astern" if
she's entirely behind a line through the other boat's aft-most
point. perpendicular to the other boat. The other boat is
"clear ahead: Two boats are "overlapped" if neither is clear
ahead of the other.
ROOM TO TACK AT AN OBSTRUCTION. When boats

are on the same tack on a beat and come to an obstruction,
the leeward boat gets to decide which way they are going
to pass it. If the leeward boat hails for room to tack, the
other boat must give it to her; but the leeward boat must
give the other boat time to respond before she tacks. (Rule
19)
TACKING TOO CLOSE. Before you tack, make sure your

tack will keep you clear of all other boats. (Rule 13)
OTHER RULES
LIMITATIONS ON RIGHT OF WAY

If the other boat must keep clear, you have "right of way".
Even if you have right of way, there are limitations on what
you can do:
AVOID CONTACT. You must avoid contact with other
boats, but a right-of-way boat will not be penalized under
this rule unless the contact causes damage. (Rule 14)
ACQUIRING RIGHT OF WAY. When you do something
to become the right-of-way boat. you must give the other
boat a chance to get away from you. (Rule 15)
CHANGING COURSE. When you change course, you
must give the other boat a chance to keep clear. (Rule 16)
ON THE SAME TACK; PROPER COURSE. If you are
overlapped to leeward of a boat on the same tack, and if just
before the overlap began you were clear astern of her, you
cannot sail above your proper course (i.e., the course that
will take you to the next mark the fastest) while you remain
overlapped. (Rule 17.1)
Before your Preparatory Signal, and after you finish, don't

interfere with boats that are about to start or are racing.
(Rule 22.1)
If you break a rule while racing, get away from other boats
and do two 360-degree turns; if you hit a mark, do one
turn. (Rules 20 and 44) Note: Sometimes the Sailing
Instructions require you to fly a flag acknowledging that
you broke a rule, instead of doing turns. (Rule 44)
If you start too soon, keep clear of others until you get
behind the line again. (Rules 20 and 29)
UNITED STATES SAILING ASSOCIATION

Box 1260, Portsmouth, RI 02871
To order the 2001-2004 Racing Rules of Sailing, call
1 800 US-SAIL-1 or order online: www.ussailing.org
Copyright @ 2001 United States Sailing Association
PASSING MARKS AND OBSTRUCTIONS

Page 35
30 Mar 02
Parts 1 and 2 of The RACING RULES of SAILING for 2001 2004

These abridged rules are included to introduce the students to the general principles of Right-of-Way while racing
sailboats, and are no substitute for acquiring, studying and understanding the complete International Sailing
Federation Rules and specific Hobie Class rules. Other recommended sections include Parts 4, 5, 6, and the Flags.
For complete rules go to www.sailing.org/rrs2001 and for specific boat rules and restrictions, see the Hobie Class
Rules at www.hobieclass.com.
Introduction
Terminology A term used in the sense stated in the Definitions is printed in italics or, in preambles, in bold italics (for example,
racing and racing). Other words and terms are used in the sense ordinarily understood in nautical or general use. 'Race committee'
includes any person or committee performing a race committee function. 'Class rules' includes rules of handicapping and rating
systems.
Sportsmanship and the Rules

Competitors in the sport of sailing are governed by a body of rules that they are expected to follow and enforce. A fundamental
principle of sportsmanship is that when competitors break a rule they will promptly take a penalty or retire.
Part 1 - Fundamental Rules

1 Safety
1.1 HELPING THOSE IN DANGER
A boat or competitor shall give all possible help to any person or vessel in danger.
1.2 LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT AND PERSONAL BUOYANCY

A boat shall carry adequate life-saving equipment for all persons on board, including one item ready for immediate use,
unless her class rules make some other provision. Each competitor is individually responsible for wearing personal buoyancy
adequate for the conditions.
2 Fair Sailing
A boat and her owner shall compete in compliance with recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play. A boat may be
penalized under this rule only if it is clearly established that these principles have been violated.
3 Acceptance of the Rules

By participating in a race conducted under these racing rules, each competitor and boat owner agrees
(a) to be governed by the rules;
(b) to accept the penalties imposed and other action taken under the rules, subject to the appeal and review procedures provided
in them, as the final determination of any matter arising under the rules; and
(c) with respect to such determination, not to resort to any court or other tribunal not provided by the rules.
4 Decision to Race
The responsibility for a boats decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.
5 Drugs
A competitor shall neither take a substance nor use a method banned by the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code or the
World Anti-Doping Agency and shall comply with Appendix (ISAF Regulation 19, ISAF Anti-doping Code). An alleged or
actual breach of this rule shall be dealt with under Regulation 19. It shall not be grounds for a protest and rule 63.1 does not
apply.
Page 36
31 Mar 02
Part 2 - When Boats Meet

The rules of Part 2 apply between boats that are sailing in or near the racing area and intend to race, are racing, or have been
racing. However, a boat not racing shall not be penalized for breaking one of these rules, except rule 22.1. The International
Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea or government right-of-way rules apply between a boat sailing under these rules and
a vessel that is not, and they replace these rules if the sailing instructions so state.
Section A - Right of Way

A boat has right of way when another boat is required to keep clear of her. However, some rules in Sections B and C limit the
actions of a right-of-way boat.
10 On Opposite Tacks
When boats are on opposite tacks, a port-tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard-tack boat.
11 On the Same Tack, Overlapped

When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat.
12 On the Same Tack, Not Overlapped

When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, a boat clear astern shall keep clear of a boat clear ahead.
13 While Tacking
After a boat passes head to wind, she shall keep clear of other boats until she is on a close-hauled course. During that time
rules 10, 11 and 12 do not apply. If two boats are subject to this rule at the same time, the one on the others port side shall
keep clear.
Section B - General Limitations

14 Avoiding Contact
A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible. However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room
(a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room, and
(b) shall not be penalized under this rule unless there is contact that causes damage.
15 Acquiring Right of Way

When a boat acquires right of way, she shall initially give the other boat room to keep clear, unless she acquires right of way
because of the other boat's actions.
16 Changing Course
16.1 When a right-of-way boat changes course, she shall give the other boat room to keep clear.
16.2 In addition, when after the starting signal boats are about to cross or are crossing each other on opposite tacks, and the
port-tack boat is keeping clear of a the starboard-tack boat, the starboard-tack boat shall not change course if as a result the
port-tack boat would immediately need to change course to continue keeping clear.
17 On the Same Tack; Proper Course

17.1 If a boat clear astern becomes overlapped within two of her hull lengths to leeward of a boat on the same tack, she
shall not sail above her proper course while they remain overlapped within that distance, unless in doing so she promptly
sails astern of the other boat. This rule does not apply if the overlap begins while the windward boat is required by rule 13 to
keep clear.
17.2 Except on a beat to windward, while a boat is less than two of her hull lengths from a leeward boat or a boat clear
astern steering a course to leeward of her, she shall not sail below her proper course unless she gybes.
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31 Mar 02
Section C - At Marks and Obstructions

To the extent that a Section C rule conflicts with a rule in Section A or B, the Section C rule takes precedence.
18 Passing and Passing Marks and Obstructions

In rule 18, room is room for an inside boat to round or pass between an outside boat and a mark or obstruction, including
room to tack or gybe when either is a normal part of the maneuver.
18.1 When This Rule Applies

Rule 18 applies when boats are about to round or pass a mark they are required to leave on the same side, or an obstruction
on the same side, until they have passed it. However, it does not apply
(a) at a starting mark surrounded by navigable water or at its anchor line from the time the boats are approaching them to
start until they have passed them, or
(b) between boats on opposite tacks, either on a beat to windward or when the proper course for one or both of them to
round or pass the mark or obstruction is to tack.
18.2 Giving Room; Keeping Clear

(a) OVERLAPPED - BASIC RULE
When boats are overlapped the outside boat shall give the inside boat room to round or pass the mark or obstruction, and if
the inside boat has right of way the outside boat shall also keep clear. Other parts of rule 18 contain exceptions to this rule.
(b) OVERLAPPED AT THE ZONE

If boats were overlapped before either of them reached the two-length zone and the overlap is broken after one of them has
reached it, the boat that was on the outside shall continue to give the other boat room. If the outside boat becomes clear
astern or overlapped inside the other boat, she is not entitled to room and shall keep clear.
(c) NOT OVERLAPPED AT THE ZONE

If a boat is clear ahead at the time she reaches the two-length zone, the boat clear astern shall thereafter keep clear. If the
boat clear astern becomes overlapped outside the other boat she shall also give the inside boat room. If the boat clear astern
becomes overlapped inside the other boat she is not entitled to room. If the boat that was clear ahead passes head to wind,
rule 18.2(c) no longer applies.
(d) CHANGING COURSE TO ROUND OR PASS

When rule 18 applies between two boats and the right-of-way boat is changing course to round or pass a mark, rule 16 does
not apply between her and the other boat.
(e) OVERLAP RIGHTS

If there is reasonable doubt that a boat obtained or broke an overlap in time, it shall be presumed that she did not. If the
outside boat is unable to give room when an overlap begins, rules 18.2(a) and 18.2(b) do not apply.
18.3 Tacking at a Mark

If two boats were approaching a mark on opposite tacks and one of them completes a tack in the two-length zone when the
other is fetching the mark, rule 18.2 does not apply. The boat that tacked
(a) shall not cause the other boat to sail above close-hauled to avoid her or prevent the other boat from passing the mark, and
(b) shall give room if the other boat becomes overlapped inside her, in which case rule 15 does not apply.
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31 Mar 02
18.4 Gybing
When an inside overlapped right-of-way boat must gybe at a mark or obstruction to sail her proper course, until she gybes
she shall sail no farther from the mark or obstruction than needed to sail that course.
18.5 Passing a Continuing Obstruction

While boats are passing a continuing obstruction, rules 18.2(b) and 18.2(c) do not apply. A boat clear astern that obtains an
inside overlap is entitled to room to pass between the other boat and the obstruction only if at the moment the overlap begins
there is room to do so. If there is not, she is not entitled to room and shall keep clear.
19 ROOM TO TACK AT AN OBSTRUCTION

19.1 When safety requires a close-hauled boat to make a substantial course change to avoid an obstruction and she intends
to tack, but cannot tack and avoid another boat on the same tack, she shall hail for room to do so. Before tacking she shall
give the hailed boat time to respond. The hailed boat shall either
(a) tack as soon as possible, in which case the hailing boat shall also tack as soon as possible, or
(b) immediately reply 'You tack', in which case the hailing boat shall tack as soon as possible and the hailed boat shall give
room, and rules 10 and 13 do not apply.
19.2 Rule 19.1 does not apply at a starting mark surrounded by navigable water or at its anchor line from the time boats are
approaching them to start until they have passed them or at a mark that the hailed boat can fetch. When rule 19.1 applies,
rule 18 does not.
Section D - Other Rules

When rule 20 or 21 applies between two boats, Section A rules do not.
20 Starting Errors; Penalty Turns; Moving Astern

A boat sailing towards the pre-start side of the starting line or its extensions to comply with rule 29.1 or rule 30.1 shall keep
clear of a boat not doing so until she is completely on the pre-start side. A boat making penalty turns shall keep clear of one
that is not. A boat moving astern by backing a sail shall keep clear of one that is not.
21 Capsized, Anchored or Aground; Rescuing

If possible, a boat shall avoid a boat that is capsized or has not regained control after capsizing, is anchored or aground, or is
trying to help a person or vessel in danger. A boat is capsized when her masthead is in the water.
22 Interfering with Another Boat

22.1 If reasonably possible, a boat not racing shall not interfere with a boat that is racing.
22.2 A boat shall not deliberately interfere with a boat making penalty turns to delay her.
Definitions
A term used as stated below is shown in italic type or, in preambles, in bold italic type.
Abandon A race that a race committee or protest committee abandons is void but may be resailed.
Clear Astern and Clear Ahead; Overlap One boat is clear astern of another when her hull and equipment in normal position are
behind a line abeam from the aftermost point of the other boat's hull and equipment in normal position. The other boat is
clear ahead. They overlap when neither is clear astern or when a boat between them overlaps both. These terms do not
apply to boats on opposite tacks unless rule 18 applies.
Finish A boat finishes when any part of her hull, or crew or equipment in normal position, crosses the finishing line in the
direction of the course from the last mark, either for the first time or after taking a penalty under rule 31.2 or 44.2 or, under
rule 28.1, after correcting an error made at the finishing line.
Interested Party A person who may gain or lose as a result of a protest committee's decision, or who has a close personal interest
in the decision.
Page 39
31 Mar 02
Keep Clear One boat keeps clear of another if the other can sail her course with no need to take avoiding action and, when the
boats are overlapped on the same tack, if the leeward boat can change course in both directions without immediately making
contact with the windward boat.
Leeward and Windward A boat's leeward side is the side that is or, when she is head to wind, was away from the wind. However,
when sailing by the lee or directly downwind, her leeward side is the side on which her mainsail lies. The other side is her
windward side. When two boats on the same tack overlap, the one on the leeward side of the other is the leeward boat. The
other is the windward boat.
Mark An object the sailing instructions require a boat to leave on a specified side, and a race committee vessel surrounded by
navigable water from which the starting or finishing line extends. An anchor line and objects attached temporarily or
accidentally to a mark are not part of it.
Obstruction An object that a boat could not pass without changing course substantially, if she were sailing directly towards it and
one of her hull lengths from it. An object that can be safely passed on only one side and an area so designated by the sailing
instructions are also obstructions. However, a boat racing is not an obstruction to other boats unless they are required to
keep clear of her, give her room or, if rule 21 applies, avoid her.
Overlap See Clear Astern and Clear Ahead; Overlap.
Party A party to a hearing: a protestor; a protestee; a boat requesting redress; a boat or a competitor that may be penalized under
rule 69.1; a race committee in a hearing under rule 62.1( a).
Postpone A postponed race is delayed before its scheduled start but may be started or abandoned later.
Proper Course A course a boat would sail to finish as soon as possible in the absence of the other boats referred to in the rule
using the term. A boat has no proper course before her starting signal.
Protest An allegation made under rule 61.2 by a boat, a race committee or a protest committee that a boat has broken a rule.
Racing A boat is racing from her preparatory signal until she finishes and clears the finishing line and marks or retires, or until
the race committee signals a general recall, postponement or abandonment.
Room The space a boat needs in the existing conditions while maneuvering promptly in a seamanlike way.
Rule
(a) The rules in this book, including the Definitions, Race Signals, Introduction, preambles and the rules of relevant
appendices, but not titles;
(b) the prescriptions of the national authority, unless the sailing instructions state that they do not apply;
(c) the class rules, or the rules of the handicapping or rating system, except any that conflict with the rules in this book;
(d) the notice of race;
(e) the sailing instructions; and
(f) any other documents that govern the event.
Start A boat starts when after her starting signal any part of her hull, crew or equipment first crosses the starting line and she has
complied with rule 29.1 and rule 30.1 if it applies.
Tack, Starboard or Port A boat is on the tack, starboard or port, corresponding to her windward side.
Two-Length Zone The area around a mark or obstruction within a distance of two hull lengths of the boat nearer to it.
Windward See Leeward and Windward.
Page 40
31 Mar 02
Which is the Favored End of the Starting Line?

Which is the Favored End of the
Starting Line? To find out, count
the number of squares that each
boat must sail to get to A mark.
Try different courses than those
shown, how did the distance
change?
Wind
Which is the Favored End of this

Starting Line? Note that the boat
on the right end of the starting
line is physically closer to A
mark. Does it sail a shorter distance?
Wind
Page 41
31 Mar 02

Starting Line? Note that the
boats on the right end of the
starting line are physically closer
to A mark than the boat on the
left. Which boat sails the shorter
distance?
Wind

Starting Line? Compare the two
diagrams on this page, has the
change in the position of A mark
changed the favored end.?
Which boat sails the shorter distance?
Wind
Page 42
31 Mar 02

Starting Line? Note that the boat
on the left is closer to A mark.
Which boat sails the shorter distance? Does the fact that A
mark is to the left of center, have
any effect on which end is
favored?
Wind

Starting Line? Which boat sails
the shorter distance?
Wind
Page 43
31 Mar 02
Wind
7
8
11
4
2
3
10
Starting Line Right-of-Way examples

By Bob Mimlitch
#1 Is overlapped with and leeward of #2, thus #2 must
stay clear of #1 (Rule 11). #2 Is in a bad position with
no rights and little room to maneuver.
#3 Has hailed #4 to "Bring it up, bring it up" and has
#4 above close hauled (using Rule 11). In this position #3 can hold off #4 and allow a hole to develop to
his left, then just prior to the start, accelerate into the
hole and start at full speed.
#5 Is hailing #6 to "Bring it up" and must give #6 time
to respond and keep clear (Rule 11 & 15). #6 Not
knowing how high #5 will come up, will base her turn
on #5's turn, trying to remain clear yet not going any
higher than necessary. If #6 does not come up fast
enough or far enough to suit #5, she (#5) may not
touch the other boat just to prove that an infraction
occured. #5 Must stay far enough from #6's stern
which will swing to the left when #6 turns right as she
trys to stay clear. #6 is in a poor position and if time
permits, she should sail over #7 and drop into the hole
beyond.
#7 is fending off #5 and #6 (Rule 12). Her plan is to
let a hole develop between herself and #8. Just before
the start she will accelerate down the line and cross
the line at full speed.
#9 is in a good position and will probably time a turn
toward the pin, accelerate and cross the line at the pin
at full speed.
#10 Is a shark looking for an opportunity, she may
tack and steal the hole that #7 has created (Rule 15
will apply). #10 Is currently on a port tack, 10
applies.
#11 is on port tack and has almost no rights, she had
better be very fast or very good with #9 and #8 closing in (Rule 10 applies). #9 May not change course to
prevent #11 from staying clear (Rule 16.1 applies).
Abridged Right-of-Way Rules for Starting

10 On Opposite Tacks
When boats are on opposite tacks, a port-tack boat
shall keep clear of a starboard-tack boat.
11 On the Same Tack, Overlapped
When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a
windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat.
12 On the Same Tack, Not Overlapped
When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped,
a boat clear astern shall keep clear of a boat clear
ahead.
13 While Tacking
After a boat passes head to wind, she shall keep clear
of other boats until she is on a close-hauled course.
During that time rules 10, 11 and 12 do not apply. If
two boats are subject to this rule at the same time, the
one on the others port side shall keep clear.
14 Avoiding Contact
A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible. However, a right-of-way boat or one
entitled to room
(a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that
the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room, and
(b) shall not be penalized unless there is contact that
causes damage.
15 Acquiring Right of Way
When a boat acquires right of way, she shall initially
give the other boat room to keep clear, unless she
acquires right of way because of the other boat's
actions.
16 Changing Course
16.1 When a right-of-way boat changes course, she
shall give the other boat room to keep clear.
16.2 In addition, when after the starting signal boats
are about to cross or are crossing each other on opposite tacks, and the port-tack boat is keeping clear of a
the starboard-tack boat, the starboard-tack boat shall
not change course if as a result the port-tack boat
would immediately need to change course to continue
keeping clear.
Page 44
31 Mar 02
Safety by Hobie Cat USA

Although sailing is generally one of the safest
outdoor sports, carelessness can result in injury,
or, in some cases, death. It only takes a few
common sense precautionary measures to ensure
safe boating. Read through the recommended
steps before you venture out on your own.
Watch For Overhead Wires!

Contact of the mast with a powerline could result
in injury or death. Beware of powerlines
whenever sailing, rigging, launching or beaching
your boat, Despite oft repeated warnings issued
by Hobie Cat and other boat manufacturers, over
ten fatalities are recorded every year in the
United States as a result of mast/powerline
contact. Heed the warnings and remember to
watch for wires!
Never wheel your boat or trailer your boat with
the mast up. Do not raise the mast of your boat in
your yard, for example, unless you are positive
there are no electrical wires present. Never rig
your boat in a parking lot and raise the mast
before trailering down to a launch ramp unless
the facility is specially built for parking lot
rigging such as at a marina.
Lifevests
According to Coast Guard regulations, every
boater must sail with enough lifevests on board
for every person in the boat. This is probably the
single most basic safety precaution. The lifevests
should be Coast Guard approved and should be
worn at all times. These vests are designed to
keep an unconscious person afloat so that his
head remains out of the water:
Equipment
Just like any other pursuit, sailing requires the
proper equipment. Always be sure to check seals,
connections, shock cords, lines, sails, in short,
every part of your boat, to guarantee you will not
be caught unaware. To be sure, carefully read the
owner's manual supplied with your boat before
sailing. Hobie Cat hulls are vented to allow for
expansion and contraction according to
temperature changes. This allows a small amount
of water to enter the hulls, so remember to
remove the stern plugs before and then after
sailing to allow any water to drain. But, be sure
to replace the plugs before placing the boat in the
water! Carry a paddle in case you find yourself
unable to return to shore by sailing. When
trailering, be sure that all parts of the boat are
strapped down tightly Check the straps for wear
and replace them if needed. Preventative
maintenance, especially of moving parts, is
always the best cure.
Check Out The Boat

Before each sailing, examine your boat carefully
for any trouble spots that may turn into large
problems out on the water: Just as the pilot of his
airplane needs to check out his plane before
flying, the safety conscious skipper should check
out his boat. For complete information on
checking your boat, see the Hobie owner's
manual.
Do Not Sail Offshore

Weather conditions can change very rapidly and
when they do, the least desirable place to be is
away from land, Although there are some
offshore races for Hobie Cats, these are tightly
controlled events with extraordinary safety
precautions, Also beware of electrical storms. If
the weather looks like it may change for the
worse, go directly to shore even if you are far
from where you launched. Lightning can kill.
Page 45
30 Mar 02
Performance Sailing Quiz

by Rick White and Mary Wells
(Answers by Bob Mimlitch )
Rick White and Mary Wells have contributed a collection of performance sailing questions, which are used in their
famous Rick Whites Sailing Seminars. These true or false questions are included in with Hobie U. to generate
thought and discussion. If you disagree or don't understand a question, ask the opinion of others or read Rick &
Mary's excellent book Catamaran Racing for the 90's'. Ricks answers are at the end of each quiz, followed by my
answers to each question.
SAIL TRIM
1.
When on a beam reach the skipper should steer toward the mark, and both the skipper and crew must keep the
telltales flowing on both the main and jib by sheeting in and out.
2.
The higher the wind velocity, the more you should downhaul.
3.
On a close or beam reach, the sails should be set and cleated, and the skipper should steer by the telltales,
regardless of the location of the next mark.
4.
On a sloop rig the outhaul should be tight all the time when beating.
5.
While sailing downwind on a broad reach, the skipper should sail by the bridle fly, and both skipper and crew
should keep the telltales flowing on both the main and jib by sheeting in and out.
6.
As the wind picks up and you can no longer hold the boat down even though trapezed, you should ease the
main sheet and leave the traveler centered to point higher.
7.
Downwind on a broad reach, the sails should be set and the skipper should steer by the telltales.
8.
In light air, the downhaul should be very tight, the outhaul eased a bit, and the traveler out a few inches.
9.
Battens should be stuffed so hard into the sail, that it takes on that "hungry dog" look.
10. Going to weather, as the wind picks up and you begin to fly a hull and not make much forward progress, you
should first trapeze, then add more downhaul, and then begin to ease out the traveler -- in that order -- but
always sail with a tight mainsheet.
Ricks answers - 1.T, 2.T, 3.F, 4.T, 5.F, 6.F, 7.T, 8.F, 9.F, 10.T
Here is a brief discussion of my answers for the Performance Sailing Quiz on Sail Trim.
1.
When on a beam reach the skipper should steer toward the mark, and both the skipper and crew must keep the
telltales flowing on both the main and jib by sheeting in and out. True. Sail straight (the shortest distance) to
the next mark, use the sheets to keep the sails trimmed as the wind shifts. Only deviate from this course for
tactical reasons or to get into better wind.
2.
The higher the wind velocity, the more you should downhaul. True. In higher wind the boat will fly a hull
too high, the windward hull should be just kissing the water. As the wind increases, first single then double
trap. If you still can't hold the boat down, increase the downhaul, which will cause the top of the main sail to
twist off and reduce the force lifting the hull. This will allow you to remain sheeted and retain power and
shape in the bottom of the sail. Spilling the top slightly reduces power, but significantly reduces the heeling
effect of the top of the sail.
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31 Mar 02
3.
On a close or beam reach, the sails should be set and cleated and the skipper should steer by the telltales,
regardless of the location of the next mark. False. Unless tactics dictate otherwise, sail straight to the next
mark and keep the sails trimmed with the sheets.
4.
On a sloop rig the outhaul should be tight all the time when beating. True. You need a flat sail for sailing up
wind, but just how flat depends on wind velocity. The higher the wind the flatter the sail; in light winds a
slightly fuller sail is required and thus the outhaul should not be pulled as tight.
5.
While sailing downwind on a broad reach, the skipper should sail by the bridle fly, and both skipper and crew
should keep the telltales flowing on both the main and jib by sheeting in and out. False. Set the main sail and
trim the jib to match the main. Keep the telltales flowing by turning the boat as the wind shifts. If a wind shift
makes you turn too far from the desired course and it persists, jibe.
6.
As the wind picks up and you can no longer hold the boat down even though trapezed, you should ease the
main sheet and leave the traveler centered to point higher. False. This causes too much twist-off (large twist
in the sail from bottom to top) and the majority of the sail will be out of trim. With this twist, only a small
portion of the sail can be in trim, thus the majority of the sail is out of trim. After trapezing, increase your
downhaul, if still flying too high; increase your downhaul as much as possible; if still flying too high, ease the
traveler out but keep the main sheet very tight. Using the traveler to let the sail out while keeping a tight main
sheet minimizes twist-off and allows the majority of the main sail to remain in trim. In heavy wind, you can
not over tighten the main sheet! Sheet it as hard as you can to flatten and depower it.
7.
Downwind on a broad reach, the sails should be set and the skipper should steer by the telltales. True. See
the answer to question 5.
8.
In light air going up wind, the downhaul should be very tight, the outhaul eased a bit, and the traveler out a
few inches. False. In light air, only downhaul enough to pull out the wrinkles, more downhaul will cause the
top of the sail to lose effectiveness. Always keep the traveler centered when going up wind except in heavy
wind, traveling out reduces your ability to point (sail close to the wind).
9.
Battens should be stuffed so hard into the sail, that it takes on that "hungry dog" look. False. Only tighten
the battens tight enough to pull out the wrinkles. Upper battens may need to be a little tighter on tapered
comptips such as the Hobie 18. If you must over tighten the battens to get the sail to take shape, either your
battens need to be sanded to reduce their stiffness (Tuned, see performance manuals) or your sail has stretched
and needs to be recut to return it to its original shape.
10. Going to weather, as the wind picks up and you begin to fly a hull and not make much forward progress, you
should first trapeze, then add more downhaul, and then begin to ease out the traveler -- in that order -- but
always sail with a tight mainsheet. Absolutely True, this is exactly what we talked about in the other answers.
This is the proper way to deal with increasing winds. See answer 2 and answer 6.
Catamaran Roll Tack

Roll tacking is the fastest way to tack a Cat, if you currently use roll tacking the following will test your
knowledge; if you don't, the following may open your eyes as to why some people tack so fast and rarely blow one.
1.
To initiate a good catamaran roll tack, push the helm over with steadily increasing pressure as skipper and
crew move aft toward the windward corner.
2.
The mainsheet should always be tight as you begin your tack.
3.
During the tack, the skipper should never beat the crew over to the new side of the boat, but rather stay on the
old windward, aft corner until the boat is on a close reach for the new direction.
4.
It is important to never let go of the tiller during a tack or gybe, otherwise the rudders will straighten, even if
for an instant, and the maneuver will be slowed way down.
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31 Mar 02
5.
For a roll tack, the crew should always be the first across to the other side after the boat has gone through the
wind.
6.
As the tack is nearly completed, the skipper should be sure to stay exactly on the new course, and not fall
down to a close reach direction, or you will be losing valuable ground to weather.
7.
The mainsheet should be sheeted tight during the tack until the boat goes through head-to-wind, and then it
should be eased a foot or two.
8.
On a roll tack, the crew should immediately head for the aft leeward corner of the boat while the tack is being
initiated.
Ricks answers - 1.T, 2.T, 3.T, 4.T, 5.T, 6.F, 7.T, 8.F
Here is a brief discussion of my answers for the Performance Sailing Quiz on the Catamaran Roll Tack.
1.
To initiate a good catamaran roll tack, push the helm over with steadily increasing pressure as skipper and
crew move aft toward the windward corner. True. First, remember you are coasting through the tack so
pushing too slowly will cause you to run out of speed before you complete the tack (in 'irons' again), and if
you shove the rudders over too quickly or too far, they will stall and act as breaks (in 'irons' again). Use
smooth steadily increasing pressure. As the boat slows, you can turn the rudders further, but never push them
past about 45. Second, the skipper and crew should move to the rear windward corner to bring the bows up,
and allow the boat to pivot on one corner through the turn.
2.
The mainsheet should always be tight as you begin your tack. True. As you start your turn, pull in any
additional mainsheet that you can. This keeps the power on as long as possible and the pressure on the
mainsail acts as a weather vane and helps turn the boat into the wind during the initiation of the tack.
3.
During the tack, the skipper should never beat the crew over to the new side of the boat, but rather stay on the
old windward, aft corner until the boat is on a close reach for the new direction. True. Stay in the aft corner
and concentrate on a smooth turn and roll out of the turn slightly past (below) a normal course. Because you
have eased the mainsheet (see question 7), the boat will not fly the new windward hull except in extreme
conditions. In heavy wind or big waves, move across sooner, but not too soon. When you do move, move
across and forward, trimming the main as you go.
4.
It is important to never let go of the tiller during a tack or gybe, otherwise the rudders will straighten, even if
for an instant, and the maneuver will be slowed way down. True. Again, remember that you are coasting
through the tack and the boat is being slowed by wind and water friction. Don't waste any of this speed and
energy by going straight or wiggling your rudders back and forth, get through the turn smoothly and get the
power back in the sail.
5.
For a roll tack, the crew should always be the first across to the other side after the boat has gone through the
wind. True. After moving to the rear with the skipper for the first part of the tack, the crew must then move
across and forward, bringing the jib across and holding down the new windward hull. The crew makes this
move as the boat goes through the wind.
6.
As the tack is nearly completed, the skipper should be sure to stay exactly on the new course, and not fall
down to a close reach direction, or you will be losing valuable ground to weather. False. Because you have
lost speed while coasting through the tack, you must accelerate back to full speed. You do this by easing the
mainsheet, which increases the power in the sail (like shifting into low gear) and sailing slightly below a close
hauled course which also helps with power. As the boat accelerates, sheet in smoothly and bring the boat up
to a close hauled course.
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31 Mar 02
7.
The mainsheet should be sheeted tight during the tack until the boat goes through head-to-wind, and then it
should be eased a foot or two. True. First, if you leave the mainsheet tight, the mainsail will act as a weather
vane and try to keep the boat pointing into the wind as you are trying to complete the turn (in 'irons' again).
The eased mainsail will just luff over to the other side and won't fill with wind until the boat is turned far
enough to start sailing in the new direction. Second, releasing a little mainsheet provides a fuller sail, which
provides more power, the same as down shifting. As you accelerate, start upshifting back to a tight sheet and a
flat sail.
8.
On a roll tack, the crew should immediately head for the aft leeward corner of the boat while the tack is being
initiated. False. The crew moves back with the skipper onto the aft windward corner.
Boat Handling
1.
You are in irons and want to go to starboard tack, so you should push the boom out to the port side, while
simultaneously pushing the helm so the boat will back onto starboard tack.
2.
You are on starboard, with the sail luffing, and you want to accelerate quickly, so the skipper should drop the
tiller and quickly bring in the mainsheet hand-over-hand -- the tiller and jib will take care of themselves.
3.
In choppy conditions, the crew should try to get to the opposite end of the boat from the skipper.
4.
For good weight distribution in light air, the skipper should sit in the "standard" helm position at the aft
windward side of the boat and be sure you hear a lot of gurgling noises from the stern dragging.
5.
To gybe properly, you should head downwind for a while, until the boat has slowed down, and then force the
boom over -- the rudders will take care of themselves and cause less drag.
6.
After the gybe is complete, the skipper should head up a little higher than the normal course to gain speed,
then bleed it off and resume the normal course.
7.
You should initiate a gybe while at good speed with steadily increasing pressure on the helm.
8.
To accelerate from a dead stop, with sails luffing, the crew should bring the jib in first, then the skipper should
bear off a little to a close reach and after gaining some speed, begin sheeting in the main.
Ricks answers - 1.T, 2.F, 3.F, 4.F, 5.F, 6.T, 7.T, 8.T
Page 49
31 Mar 02
Here is a brief discussion of my answers for the Performance Sailing Quiz on Boat handling.
1.
You are in irons and want to go to starboard tack, so you should push the boom out to the port side, while
simultaneously pushing the helm so the boat will back onto starboard tack. True. When you are head to
wind, pushing the sail out to either side will cause the boat to be turned like a weather vane. The wind pushing
on the back of the sail not only turns the boat, but starts it moving backwards. Pushing the tiller in the same
direction as you pushed the sail will cause you to turn even further. Turn almost 90 to the wind before
attempting to sail forward again. Starting to sail forward too quickly will put you back in irons. As you
approach 90 to the wind, sheet in the jib first, center the tiller and then slowly sheet in the main as you
accelerate.
2.
You are on starboard, with the sail luffing, and you want to accelerate quickly, so the skipper should drop the
tiller and quickly bring in the mainsheet hand-over-hand -- the tiller and jib will take care of themselves.
False. Sheeting in the mainsail first will cause the boat to weather vane, turning head to wind and you will be
in irons. Sheeting the jib first and pulling on the tiller will cause the boat to turn off the wind (foot off) and
accelerate. As you accelerate, sheet in the main smoothly.
3.
In choppy conditions, the crew should try to get to the opposite end of the boat from the skipper. False. The
crew and the skipper should be as close as possible to the desired center of balance so that the bows can follow
the surface of the choppy water with minimum effort. Think of it as a seesaw with both people near the
balance point, the ends can be moved up and down easily, accelerating only the weight of the board. With
people at the ends, their weight must be decelerated and accelerated with each change of direction. On the
boat this causes the bows to dig deeper into each wave as they try to stop their downward motion and then lift
the boat and crew over the next wave. Weight together allows the bows to pivot the boat more easily and thus
follow the waves, not dig through them. It is also a smoother ride for skipper and crew.
4.
For good weight distribution in light air, the skipper should sit in the "standard" helm position at the aft
windward side of the boat and be sure you hear a lot of gurgling noises from the stern dragging. False. The
gurgling sound is from water turbulence around the square stern of the boat at lower speeds. To avoid this
additional drag, keep your weight forward and depress the bows, this will keep the stern out of the water.
5.
To gybe properly, you should head downwind for a while, until the boat has slowed down, and then force the
boom over -- the rudders will take care of themselves and cause less drag. False. Don't slow down going
into a gybe, the faster you enter a gybe the gentler the boom will come across. Slowing down will cause the
apparent wind to increase on the back of the sail, thus causing the boom to slam across more violently, which
can be hard on the crew and the rig. Second, you must use your rudders to carve a smooth quick maneuver
and to accelerate in the new direction.
6.
After the gybe is complete, the skipper should head up a little higher than the normal course to gain speed,
then bleed it off and resume the normal course. True. Sailing a little higher will allow you to accelerate
more quickly and regain the speed that you lost during the gybe. As soon as you are back up to speed, turn
back down wind to an optimum course.
7.
You should initiate a gybe while at good speed with steadily increasing pressure on the helm.
my answer to question 5.
8.
To accelerate from a dead stop, with sails luffing, the crew should bring the jib in first, then the skipper should
bear off a little to a close reach and after gaining some speed, begin sheeting in the main. True. See my
answer to question 2.
Page 50
True. See
31 Mar 02
TACTICS AND WIND SHIFTS

1.
If you are ahead, you should try to stay between the boat(s) behind you and the next mark.
2.
If you are behind, you should do exactly as the boat ahead and hope he makes a mistake.
3.
If you are ahead and must cover boats that tack to opposite sides of the course, you must choose the side to
cover either by the most formidable opponent(s) or by what you think is the favored side of the course, or
both.
4.
Persistent shifts are those that blow at you from the same direction all day long and persistently never change.
5.
Oscillating shifts are those that swing back and forth, but generally from the same overall direction.
6.
In a catamaran, wind velocity normally is more important than wind direction, if that direction variance is not
very large.
7.
Wind tends to cross over a shoreline at a more perpendicular angle to the shore than its normal direction. This
would be a geographical shift.
8.
Darker water on one side of the course usually indicates there is more wind on that side than on the other side,
and thereby that darker side could be considered the favored side of the course.
9.
Always stay on the beach until the last moment to conserve your energy; sailing up to the windward mark with
a buddy will only wear you out.
10. Always sail past the laylines far enough so that you don't ever have to worry about tacking anymore, no matter
what wind shifts come along.
Ricks answers - 1.T, 2.F, 3.T, 4.F, 5.T, 6.T, 7.T, 8.T, 9.F, 10.F
Here is a brief discussion of my answers for the Performance Sailing Quiz on Tactics And Wind Shifts.
1.
If you are ahead, you should try to stay between the boat(s) behind you and the next mark. True. If possible,
do not allow the boat(s) behind you to catch better wind than you. If they go to the left side of the course, you
go left with them, if they go right, you go right. For better or for worse, they will sail in approximately the
same wind as you, and thus they can't make a significant gain.
2.
If you are behind, you should do exactly as the boat ahead and hope he makes a mistake. False. You will
find it difficult, if not impossible sailing in the same wind as your competitor, to pass him. Split tacks with
him. Tack to the other side of the course and hope for better winds. If you feel that you are already on the
best side of the course, sail more to the center as opposed to going to the side. If your competitor does not
match your tacks, you have a chance to get ahead.
3.
If you are ahead and must cover boats that tack to opposite sides of the course, you must choose the side to
cover either by the most formidable opponent(s) or by what you think is the favored side of the course, or both.
True. You can't cover both sides of the course, so you must decide who to cover. If it is early in a regatta,
you may chance your assessment of the favored side of the course. However, later in the regatta, it may be
more important to finish ahead of a certain opponent to preserve or improve your overall finish, thus cover
him.
4.
Persistent shifts are those that blow at you from the same direction all day long and persistently never change.
False. Persistent wind shifts are those that slowly clock or change in the same direction over hours.
Recognizing a persistent wind shift is a big advantage tactically.
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31 Mar 02
5.
Oscillating shifts are those that swing back and forth, but generally from the same overall direction. True.
They may follow a pattern which can be of use tactically.
6.
In a catamaran, wind velocity normally is more important than wind direction, if that direction variance is not
very large. True. In other words, go for the higher winds and thus higher boat speed, even if you can't go as
direct to the mark.
7.
Wind tends to cross over a shore line at a more perpendicular angle to the shore than its normal direction.
This would be a geographical shift. True. This can be used to your advantage as a lift along the shore.
8.
Darker water on one side of the course usually indicates there is more wind on that side than on the other
side, and thereby that darker side could be considered the favored side of the course. True. The darker
appearance is because the wind has disrupted the surface of the water more in that area than the surrounding
areas. Smoother surfaces reflect the sky and appear lighter.
9.
Always stay on the beach until the last moment to conserve your energy; sailing up to the windward mark with
a buddy will only wear you out. False. Sailing up the course especially with another
boat can provide information on the types of wind shifts and favored sides of the course, which is only
important if you want to win.
10. Always sail past the laylines far enough so that you don't ever have to worry about tacking anymore, no
matter what wind shifts come along. False. Over standing a layline does allow you to come in to the mark at
a slightly higher rate of speed, but you had to travel extra distance to over stand and you have to travel extra
distance back to the mark. Your slightly higher speed won't make up for this. If you are fairly certain that you
will encounter a wind shift that will lift you to the mark, you may under stand the layline to take full
advantage of the shift.
Starts
1.
The favored end of the starting line is where the race committee boat is anchored.
2.
You can determine the length of the starting line by timing yourself from one end to the other.
3.
The favored end of the line is determined by looking over the committee boat to a point on shore past the buoy
at the port end and finding something on that shore to line up on.
4.
The favored end of the line only means that it is the end closest to the wind.
5.
The weather mark determines which end of the line is favored.
6.
The favored end and favored side of the course are always the same.
7.
Even though starting exactly at the favored end allows you a jump on all the boats, it may not be where you
wish to start.
8.
Before each and every start, you must always know the favored end, the length of the line and the transit.
9.
Never plan your starts -- it is better to see what develops and then find the weaknesses in the opponents' plans.
10. The best way to get a start line transit is to sit just below the leeward "C" mark and line it up with the
windward "A" mark, then find something behind that to use as your transit.
11. It is extremely important to have total control of your boat on the starting line -- being able to stop quickly,
accelerate quickly, hold a position, backup and generally maneuver in tight traffic.
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31 Mar 02
12. Never sheet in until you hear the actual firing of the starting gun.
13. When getting near to the actual start, you want to push the boat above you up tight, and leave a hole below
you in which to accelerate by bearing off to a slight reach, just before the start signal.
14.When you are the leeward boat, you need only hail "Up, up, up" many times and loud, then hit the other boat
and he will have to do a 360.
15. If you are in clear air and on the side of the course you wanted, you can consider that a good start.
Ricks answers - 1.F, 2.T, 3.F, 4.T, 5.F, 6.F, 7.T, 8.T, 9.F, 10.F, 11.T, 12.F, 13.T, 14.F, 15.T
Here is a brief discussion of my answers for the Performance Sailing Quiz on Starts.
1.
The favored end of the starting line is where the race committee boat is anchored. False. The favored end is
usually the end furthest up wind.
2.
You can determine the length of the starting line by timing yourself from one end to the other. True. Knowing
this time will help you judge when to accelerate for a pin end start.
3.
The favored end of the line is determined by looking over the committee boat to a point on shore past the buoy
at the port end and finding something on that shore to line up on. False. This is a transit.
4.
The favored end of the line only means that it is the end closest to the wind. True.
5.
The weather mark determines which end of the line is favored. False. From the upwind end of the starting
line to the windward mark is always the shortest sailing distance .
6.
The favored end and favored side of the course are always the same. False. The favored side of the course
has to do with wind, current, obstructions, etc.
7.
Even though starting exactly at the favored end allows you a jump on all the boats, it may not be where you
wish to start. True. Getting to the favored side of the course may be more important.
8.
Before each and every start, you must always know the favored end, the length of the line and the transit.
True.
9.
Never plan your starts -- it is better to see what develops and then find the weaknesses in the opponents' plans.
False. Always begin with a plan, but be prepared to seize opportunities.
10. The best way to get a start line transit is to sit just below the leeward "C" mark and line it up with the
windward "A" mark, then find something behind that to use as your transit. False. To get a transit on the start
line, look over the committee boat to a point on shore past the pin at the port end and find something on that shore
to line up on. Use this point on shore and the pin to judge your proximity to the line.
11. It is extremely important to have total control of your boat on the starting line -- being able to stop quickly,
accelerate quickly, hold a position, backup and generally maneuver in tight traffic. True.
12. Never sheet in until you hear the actual firing of the starting gun. False. Be at full speed at the gun.
13. When getting near to the actual start, you want to push the boat above you up tight, and leave a hole below
you in which to accelerate by bearing off to a slight reach, just before the start signal. True.
14. When you are the leeward boat, you need only hail "Up, up, up" many times and loud, then hit the other boat
and he will have to do a 360. False. You must give time and opportunity, and avoid the collision.
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31 Mar 02
15. If you are in clear air and on the side of the course you wanted, you can consider that a good start. True
Mark Roundings
1.
As you approach the leeward mark on the course, you should prepare for the next weather leg of the course,
i.e., boards down, downhaul tight, outhaul set, trapeze hooked up, etc.
2.
If you draw a perpendicular line off your sterns, then any boat, or part of a boat that is forward of that line
would have inside overlap.
3.
If you approached the leeward "C" mark, and were the leeward boat with an outside overlap, the windward
boat must get out of your way.
4.
Tactical roundings call for "enter wide, exit close" and this really pays off in big fleets.
5.
When you see a bunch of boats going around the leeward mark at the same time, you should go all the way
around the outside of them all at high speed.
6.
When you see a bunch of boats going around the leeward mark at the same time, you should slow your boat
and wait for a hole to sneak into, then exit the mark close.
7.
It is better to follow one or two boats around the mark, and stay close to the mark and in good air, then to
swing wide and be in bad air for most of the next leg.
8.
It is important to keep your boards up and outhual loose for optimum speed until the last possible moment. So
just as you round the mark, get all those things done.
9.
Things to think about before the next mark are 1) prepare for the rounding, 2) remember the overlap rule, 3)
watch for the pinwheet effect, 4) slow down to win, and 5) enter wide, exit close.
10. Just like a wheel, the outside goes faster than the inside, so too is the pinwheel effect -- you can go much faster
on the outside, than on the inside.
Ricks answers - 1.T, 2.F, 3.F, 4.T, 5.F, 6.T, 7.T, 8.F, 9.T, 10.F
Here is a brief discussion of my answers for the Performance Sailing Quiz on Mark Roundings
1.
As you approach the leeward mark on the course, you should prepare for the next weather leg of the course,
i.e., boards down, downhaul tight, outhaul set, trapeze hooked up, etc. True. Get ready prior to reaching the
mark, so that you can concentrate on a good mark rounding.
2.
If you draw a perpendicular line off your sterns, then any boat, or part of a boat that is forward of that line
would have inside overlap. False. Tricky question, only those boats on the mark side (Port in Hobie
Racing) will have inside overlap, the others are outside.
3.
If you approached the leeward "C" mark, and were the leeward boat with an outside overlap, the windward
boat must get out of your way. False. You must give the inside boat room to make a seaman like rounding.
4.
Tactical roundings call for "enter wide, exit close" and this really pays off in big fleets. True. First you carry
more speed through the turn because it is not as sharp, and secondly when exiting close, you are higher and
inside of most other boats coming off the mark.
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31 Mar 02
5.
When you see a bunch of boats going around the leeward mark at the same time, you should go all the way
around the outside of them all at high speed. False. Slow down, move inside and follow the inside boat
around the mark. This way you come out in second place, not in fifth or sixth.
6.
When you see a bunch of boats going around the leeward mark at the same time, you should slow your boat
and wait for a hole to sneak into, then exit the mark close. True. See answer 5.
7.
It is better to follow one or two boats around the mark, and stay close to the mark and in good air, then to
swing wide and be in bad air for most of the next leg. True. It is almost impossible to pull out from under a
line of windward boats.
8.
It is important to keep your boards up and outhaul loose for optimum speed until the last possible moment. So
just as you round the mark, get all those things done. False. Both of these will cost very little speed, so get
them done in time so you can concentrate on a good mark rounding.
9.
Things to think about before the next mark are 1) prepare for the rounding, 2) remember the overlap rule, 3)
watch for the pinwheel effect, 4) slow down to win, and 5) enter wide, exit close. True.
10. Just like a wheel, the outside goes faster than the inside, so too is the pinwheel effect -- you can go much faster
on the outside, than on the inside. False. Faster in this case is the boat making the best progress toward the
next mark and that is not the outside boat. The outside boat may be going through the water faster, but he is
not making it around the course faster.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Finishes
1.
The favored tack is that tack most perpendicular to the finish line.
2.
The favored end is the end closest to you coming from the leeward mark.
3.
If the starting line is the same as the finish line, then the same end that was favored at the start is the same end
for the finish.
4.
On the way downwind, you can usually check the finish line to find out the favored end and favored tack.
5.
Always finish in the middle of the line.
6.
On an Olympic Gold Medal Course, the finish line is at the end of the weather leg and you have no way of
knowing the favored end. In this case, you tack on the inside lay line, and when abeam of the other end of the
finish line determines the favored end and favored tack.
7.
Your are on port tack and heading for the favored end and you are on the favored tack, but here comes a
starboard boat. You should slow your boat down, wait for him to clear, then accelerate for the line.
Ricks answers - 1.T, 2.T, 3.F, 4.T, 5.F, 6.T, 7.T

Here is a brief discussion of my answers for the Performance Sailing Quiz on Finishes
1.
The favored tack is that tack most perpendicular to the finish line. True. If the line is not perpendicular to
the wind, then on one tack you will be closer to parallel to the line and you will travel a long distance to cross
it. On the other tack you will be more perpendicular to the line and cross it quickly.
2.
The favored end is the end closest to you coming from the leeward mark. True. The favored end for
finishing is the end farthest down wind, which is the end closest to the leeward or C mark.
Page 55
31 Mar 02
3.
If the starting line is the same as the finish line, then the same end that was favored at the start is the same end
for the finish. False. The favored end for the start is the end furthest up wind and the favored end to finish
is the end furthest down wind, or the opposite end from the start.
4.
On the way downwind, you can usually check the finish line to find out the favored end and favored tack.
True. Wind shifts or movement of the start / finish line by the race committee may change the favored end,
check it on your last down wind leg.
5.
Always finish in the middle of the line. False. If you finish in the middle of the line and the line is not
perpendicular to the wind, then you sailed further than you had to finish. Try this finishing technique; if you
leave C mark and stay on port tack then sail until you are on a lay line to the pin end and tack. Sail towards
the pin until you are on the layline to the committee boat and decide which end of the line is closer. If the pin
is closer, keep on sailing to the pin end of the finish line, otherwise tack and finish at the committee boat end.
If you leave C mark on starboard tack, just reverse the approach.
6.
On an Olympic Gold Medal Course, the finish line is at the end of the weather leg and you have no way of
knowing the favored end. In this case, you tack on the inside lay line, and when abeam of the other end of the
finish line determines the favored end and favored tack. True. This is the process that I just explained for
question 5.
7.
Your are on port tack and heading for the favored end and you are on the favored tack, but here comes a
starboard boat. You should slow your boat down, wait for him to clear, then accelerate for the line. True.
The starboard boat will have to travel further to cross the line because he is not on the favored tack and
secondly, ducking a single boat does not cost much time or distance.
Page 56
31 Mar 02

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Hobie U.

North American Hobie Class Association

Forward by Hobie Alter, Mimi Appel, & Bob Mimlitch ....................................... ii

Hobie University, NAHCA

Dear Guest Expert Program Sailor,

Hobie University, NAHCA

Hobie University, NAHCA

Bob Mimlitch Jr.

Hobie University, NAHCA

Sailing information: books, videos and websites.

Learning to Sail the Hobie Way

The Handbook of Sailing

Catamaran Sailing from Start to Finish

Catamaran Crewing from Start to Finish

Hobie Cat Sailing

Rick White & Mary Wells

Kim Furniss & Sarah Powell

Racing and Performance Sailing

Tides & Currents

Advanced Catamaran Racing

Welcome to A-Fleet, Book I: Boatspeed

Welcome to A-Fleet, Book II: Tactics

The Catamaran Tuning Guide

Hobie University, NAHCA

Sailing information: books, videos and websites continued.

Understanding the Yacht Racing Rules

Boat Tuning and Maintenance

Hobie Assembly Manual (14, 16, 17, 18, 20 & 21)

This video is an excellent introduction Hobies, dont miss it.

Catamaran Racing (40 minutes)

Hobie Cat Factory Rigging Videos (14, 16, 17, 21 sport)

price each $14.95

price each $29.95

Information on the Hobie Class and the Hobe Class Rules.

North American Hobie Class Association (NAHCA)

Information on the North American region of the IHCA

Information on racing, sailing rules, Multihull Council and Committee, etc.

International Sailing Federation (ISAF)

Information on racing, official sailing rules, etc.

Hobie Cat Co. USA

Hobie Cat Europe

Yahoo beachcat discussion group

Hobie Cat Anatomy

Hobie University, NAHCA

Hobie University, NAHCA

Points of Sail vs. Boat Speed

Wind speed = 10 MPH

This speed data is

Hobie University, NAHCA

Skipper and crew positions shown

Skipper and crew positions shown

Tacking and Gybing by Hobie Cat USA

Turning Away From the Wind

Turning into the wind, or coming about, is the most

Turning away from the wind, or gybing (sometimes

Here's the procedure step by step.

To gybe, just pull the tiller extension toward your

Hobie University, NAHCA

Bowline - Makes a loop which can be easily untied,

Figure Eight or Stopper Knot