

Sail Trim Basics with Carl Damm
Jun 10, 2024
Carl Damm, a seasoned sailing instructor and owner of Damsel Marine, dives deep into the art of sail trim. He discusses essential techniques like adjusting jib-sheet cars and using the boom vang and outhaul for optimal performance. With a wealth of experience across various boats, he shares personal tales of sailing mishaps and memorable moments on the water. Damm also reflects on boat design preferences, advocating for simplicity and effective maintenance, while dreaming about his ideal craft. Perfect for sailors wanting to improve their skills!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Jib and Mainsail Trimming
- Trim your jib first on a sloop, then the main.
- Let the jib out until it luffs, then trim it in until the luffing disappears.
Jib Car Adjustment
- Move the jib car forward to flatten the sail in stronger winds or when sailing upwind.
- This tightens the top of the sail and loosens the bottom.
Vang Usage
- Use the vang to control mainsail twist, especially downwind.
- Ease the vang to depower in gusts, tighten it to maintain sail shape.