How to Choose the Right Headsail When Sailboat Racing

The breeze is picking up and you're unsure of which headsail to use. If you know your boat, your equipment and your crew, you can make a confident choice.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Study the local winds so you can do your best to predict whether the wind will increase or decrease in velocity.

2. Pack all of your headsails if you think the wind will be unpredictable and you want to cover your bases. It's always best to have the option to use another sail - even if you never exercise it.

3. Consider how much rail weight you have on board. If you have a heavy crew you may want to go with the larger sail. If you are shorthanded and have a less experienced crew, you may want to choose a smaller sail for ease of handling.

4. Take a look at your competition to see what sails they're using, and observe boats further up the course to see what winds lie ahead.

5. Go with a sail you know how to trim well and are comfortable handling when in doubt.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your decision as close to the start time as possible, allowing enough time for a complication or two and some test sailing.
• Have your other headsail options stowed in a place where you need ballast and can access them quickly.

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