Re: Dinghy sailing in bigger winds

Duncan Heenan wrote:
> 

> I've seen lots of dinghy sails with reefing points in. Indeed my own had

> 2 reefing points which were put in before I got it, and which I found 
> useful and enabled me to sail in dodgy conditions around the Isle of Man

> when otherwise I would have stayed ashore. I accept that this was solo 
> cruising, which is probably a lot different from racing or messing about

> near the sailing club.
> In the waters I was in (usually single handed) the weather and sea 
> conditions could change dramatically and quickly, especially as there 
> are many headlands, tides and cliffs around that coast, plus the Irish 
> Sea weather generally. Consequently the ability to reduce sail was 
> im****tant. Also I think it unfair to accuse cruising dinghy sailors of 
> cowardice in not enjoying capsizes.

We aren't criticising how you chose to enjoy your sailing, just trying 
to offer advice which is relevant to the situation being addressed (two 
lads learning to handle and probably race a small training dinghy in a 
variety of weathers).

The best advice in life usually comes from folk with some experience and 
knowledge of the question being asked. With due respect, I feel that 
your and Alastair's experiences don't qualify you to offer pertinent 
advice to these lads.