Sail selection

[Bill Fullaway]

We are new to RI and got smoked in our first Tuesday night race here. The wind kept builing (I guessed wrong)and I continued to fight it with a 155 and full main. Does anyone have some rule of tumbs that they have found works on the Hunter 28.5 in sail selection and wind conditions. I usally do well up wind and fall a few places down wind. Reefing the main first and then reduce headsail has worked best for the boat so far.

[rick crockett]

REEFING IS GOOD, BUT TRY CHANGING HEADSAILS ON THE DOWNWIND LEG. IF ITS OVER 15KTS, YOUR OVERPOWERED, REEF OR CHANGE HEADSAIL. IF I THINK IT WILL BLOW, I START OUT WITH A 110%. IF IT LIGHTENS UP, IT'S EASY TO CHANGE UP TO A BIGGER HEADSAIL.GOOD LUCK AND REMEMBER, HAVE FUN!!!