Because of the tight restrictions in many trailer yachts classes, performance is often relative to crew work. It is important to collect a set crew, to get used to sailing. together, and to go through all the manoeuvres of setting, gybing and dropping the spinnaker to establish the most efficient use of the team, irrespective of whether they are children or grandparents.

I have never found a crew averse to a little pre-race practice. If they are able to perform their job efficiently they derive a lot of satisfaction from a job well done, irrespective of the boat\'s overall performance in the race.

If not provided, but allowable within class rules, it is more efficient to stow the spinnaker boom on the main boom as this saves pulling it up and down from below and allows for the topping lift and downhaul to remain on the spinnaker boom connected at all times.

A suggested system for hoisting and dropping the spinnaker is:

Hoisting

Mainsheet: Adjust topping lift, spinnaker, clear halyard, adjust brace.

Skipper: Ease mainsheet, pull brace to mark, adjust sheet and pass to for'ard hand, wind up centreboard.

Dropping

Mainsheet: Retrieve spinnaker boom, stow, trim mainsheet.

Skipper: Take halyard and sheet release in that order, release topper, release brace, cleat jib, pull in mainsheet.

An alternative is to drop the for'ard end to the deck and poke it out between pulpit and forestay, leaving the aft end on the mast. If the boat has a for'ard hatch, this is usually the ideal position from which to launch and retrieve the spinnaker, enabling all sheets and halyards to remain attached.

A number of people prefer to have their crew below when sailing to windward light airs, which is quite sensible in a way. However, I feel it better to have them above so they can keep an eye on what's going on around them, particularly the position of other boats. If one of their jobs is to maintain a watch on particular opposition, it is so much easier to do this way. At the same time they can get the "feel" for the angle of heel required by the helmsman and adjust their weight distribution accordingly. I feel this advances their knowledge of, and interest in, the boat, its characteristics and performance, far more than being below divorced from what is happening above.

Going to windward in fresh winds it is important that the weight is on the weather side all the time and so when tacking, quick movements must be made across so the boat is no sooner on the new board than all the weight is out to weather. In gusty conditions it is wise to have one of the crew assigned to the mainsheet traveller so that he can adjust this as required. The skipper should always have his hand near the mainsheet so that it can be released quickly in the event of a knockdown.

In light airs, constant attention to sail trim is critical. Using lighter genoa sheets and dropping a purchase or two off the mainsheet helps keep the leeches open and prevents stalling.

Many people get caught out in a freshening breeze and frighten the family, putting them off sailing for good because of a lack of knowledge of what they should do in order to alleviate the problem. Because I believe it is important to optimise sailing pleasure I have listed here the measures to be taken in these circumstances.

Pull the mainsail outhaul out as hard as possible, thereby flattening the sail. This will help to prevent the bottom batten hooking and gives a clean exit in the lower part of the mainsail leech. Apply mainsail cunningham (about 75-100mm). This keeps the draft forward in the mainsail, keeps the boat sailing fast and reduces heeling.

Apply more tension on the jib luff so there is no scalloping between the hanks, and move the jib sheets leads aft on the track. (For better purchase on the halyard, use the trucker's hitch). Ease the mainsheet traveller to leeward but keep the main sheeted in. This reduces heeling and helm. Move the jib leads aft on the track. This eases the leech of the jib and has the effect of spilling wind. If still overpowered: When the mainsheet traveller is fully eased, ease the mainsheet in the gusts and prepare to reef the main. If the boat has excessive windward helm, this can be reduced by partly raising the centreboard.

• Ease boom vang and mainsheet.

• Slacken off main halyard and lower the mainsail until the reefing eye on the luff of the sail can be hooked on the stainless steel "S" hook on the gooseneck.

• Pull the slab line on the boom halfway in and cleat it.

• Retension main halyard.

• Pull the slab line completely tight and cleat off.

• Retighten boom vang and mainsheet.

• If you have one, tighten the top mast backstay

Always remember, when in heavy conditions lock hatches and storm- boards in place and lock the keel down. It should be able to be locked in a partly raised position.

While on the subject of de-powering it is well to remember when running downwind under spinnaker in fresh conditions, to prevent the boat from rolling and taking charge keep all weight well aft and strap down the sheet and brace. The natural reaction when a gust hits is to ease the sheet, but the reverse is what should be done. Easing only allows the spinnaker to move about and creates a fuller, more powerful sail. Strapping it in and down may not be as fast but discretion is often the better part of valour.