Re: Dinghy sailing in bigger winds

"Stephen Page" <steve@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:1190959412.812271.309090@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Hey chaps/chapesses
>
> My two sons sail/race Cadets and, being light (50kgs+23kgs) struggle
> badly in the bigger winds (f4+).  I don't have the expertise to guide
> them but I believe it is as much a matter of technique as weight.
>
> So far I have (a) rake the mast back (b) de-power the sails with
> cunningham/outhaul/kicker (c) sit further back on a run, lifting the
> bow.
>
> So what am I missing?  I seem to think that pointing up or bearing
> away when a gust comes has a bearing on this.  I also seem to think
> there are better techniques of easing the sails than just letting go.
>
> What else can we do?
>
> Is there a good book to read that will guide us through?  Is there a
> training video we can watch?
>
> Thanks in advance for any help/advice you can give us.
>
> Stephen Page

Has the main sail got reefing points in? If so reef.
If not talk to a sail maker and consider getting a reef put in. Not 
expensive and very helpful in big wind.
Also contact http://www.cadetclass.org.uk/gettingstarted.htm
 for an 
experienced and expert community who might be able to help.