yetti22 wrote:
we did try pushing the main sail into the wind then reversing the rudders didnt seem to work though even in strong wind
In order to do a "K-turn" you need to let out
a lot of mainsheet - like all of it and push the boom way over to the opposite side of the boat. It can help to actually stand up on the tramp and lean against the boom. Do this while simultaneously pushing the rudder away from yourself (so you're pushing both the boom and tiller to leeward). Wind will fill on the backside of the sail and push the boat backwards, the rudders pushed to leeward will turn the bows off the wind. The boat will continue to turn until the sail weathervanes again. At this point, you reverse the rudders (pull towards you) and gradually begin sheeting in the sail. If you straighten the rudders or sheet in too quickly, the boat will weather vane and you'll have to repeat the process all over.
Timing and finess is everything with these boats and the only way to improve is through time on the water.
sm