Shortened Sail and a Balanced Boat: It Can Work!
Mickey Nielson
Learn to keep your sail plan balanced and your boat in a good power range with headsail changes and mainsail reefing. What are your choices, depending on wind direction and sea state? Learn the steps to manage higher wind speeds before reefing with vang, traveler, and sheet. Get the sequence of steps for a smooth mainsail reef. And discuss the age-old question: Is partially rolling a head sail ever a good idea?
Mickey has raced in numerous U.S. Sailing Championships, J/24 Worlds, twenty-four Chicago/Port Huron/Mac Races, fifteen Queen’s Cups, six Key West Race Weeks, and various NOOD Regattas. She has raced J22s; Great Lakes 36, 50, and 70s; J/105s; and J/109s. Mickey volunteers at Nielson Sailmakers in Racine, WI. Mickey and her husband own and race an Olympic Class Star, which they sail in local and World Level competition.
Skill level: Advanced
Mickey has raced in numerous U.S. Sailing Championships, J/24 Worlds, twenty-four Chicago/Port Huron/Mac Races, fifteen Queen’s Cups, six Key West Race Weeks, and various NOOD Regattas. She has raced J22s; Great Lakes 36, 50, and 70s; J/105s; and J/109s. Mickey volunteers at Nielson Sailmakers in Racine, WI. Mickey and her husband own and race an Olympic Class Star, which they sail in local and World Level competition.
Skill level: Advanced