hrtsailor wrote:
When I solo in stronger winds and am not trapped out, I either put a foot through one of the straps or put my heels through the gaps in the center of the tramp. If the hull rises I uncleat the main sheet but don't let it out unless it starts to rise too fast or too high. If the hull starts to come down, pull the sheet tighter if you want to continue flying. Steering into the wind will also bring the hull down. If you get too high, let the sheet go and steer into the wind while leaning back. In gusty winds, you need to react quickly, letting the sheet out. I don't feel it is possible, when solo, to let out the jib in reaction to the hull rising. I set the jib and leave it alone. I don't let the traveler out to control it either. Use the main sheet and make sure the ratchet is off.
Right... I travel the main out only if I can't keep the boat down consistently by just letting out a bit of main sheet... But if I am headed upwind.. typically I will travel the jib out first before traveling the main.. unless the gusts are huge..
When the big gusts hit I use a combo of sheeting the main out slightly and heading up.. (assuming just reaching for fun). You can even pinch the main sheet in your tiller hand and just leave them both there if you have to.. This way you are heading up and sheeting out at the same time..
This does reduce tiller feel.. which will let you know when you need to start heading up... But it works..
I also when sailing solo simply set the jib when I tack and forget about it..
I tend to leave the ratchet on.. just because I am less likely to dump myself in the lake when trapped.. and it is more comfortable to keep it out of the cleat.. With the ratchet off I cleat more often. My ratchet is usually engaged except in light air.
Also.. When heading up to flatten the boat.. remember if you are heeled way up in the air.. really flying a hull.. The rudder is not only going to turn the boat, but lift the front of the boat as you turn.. meaning if there is huge wind there is a decent chance of a wheelie as the air fills in under the tramp, ruining your 'perfect' save.. I have done that one several times.. So be mindful about boat balance, possibly momentarily shifting some weight forward when the hulls are really flying and you need to head up quickly to get it under control..
Then after the big puff.. and you want to get the hull back up where you like it.. Be sure not to dive back down in to deep... This is what I usually do looking for more air/power.. it is slow..
Watch the tell tales...
your technique should also change a bit if you are sailing on a broad reach instead of a reach/close reach when the wind is howling and you can't hold her down.. As in you might head down deeper to flatten the boat as heading up often will only power the boat up more.... But i don't think that is what you are talking about here
And get more practice so you can keep your head OUT of the boat.. and watch the gusts roll in, prepared for them instead of reacting to an unknown quantity..