Submitted on August 18, 2007 by John Perreault

Question: I recently experienced lackluster performance during a race, attempting to run downwind with an asymmetrical spinny that was cut from an older symmetrical, against a boat with 2 headsails wing and wing. I was unable to keep any trim DDW, so as I reached at some reasonable speed, I of course was late at the mark. What other sail configuration would allow me to perform DDW? Should I have run with a symmetrical, matched the twin headsail set-up, or can you build an asymmetrical that will give me trim going DDW?

No longer wish to be second!

Answer: Hi John,

I agree, finishing second can get old. It's hard for me to say why this competitor was faster than you were so I have a few questions that may help guide me.

1) What kind of boat do you sail?
2) Was the other boat identical to yours, or similar enough that you'd expect to match their performance?
3) The spinnaker you had cut down to an A-sal, was it from your boat and was it full size?
4) What is the wind strength you generally sail?
5) Are or were you able to square the pole back on the run?

With these answers I'll do my best to help you.

Regards,
John

Best of luck!
John Gladstone

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