This practical introduction to trimming sails is written to help owners
and crew sailing on all types of boats, from dinghies to offshore cruisers. It
encompasses mainsails and headsails, explaining the effect that the many available
controls have on the shape and performance of the sails. The most popular rig
configurations found on today's yachts are described, and the correct standing-rigging
tensions are given for a variety of sailing conditions. The rigs included are the
masthead, fractional with swept spreaders, fractional with runners, and dinghy with swept
spreaders. Quick-reference tables give at-a-glance information for the controls of
each rig type for on- and off-wind sailing in a range of wind strengths and sea
conditions. Peter Schweer is a German yachtsman with international experience in all
forms of sailing, from blue-water cruising to top-level competition. He regularly
demonstrates sail-trim techniques at Europe's major boat shows.
