[Rhodes22-list] Practical advice

[matejcea@bellsouth.net]

Well, Y'all have got me going now!
Last summer on a very gusty day I had the opportunity 
to sail with my significant other (rare opportunity, for he 
teaches sailing). He furled my 175 gennie WAY in to a 
brassierre size and onto the top cleats. Dropped the traveller a bit. 
We were able to cut through the waves and powered 
very nicely. I was so surprised! I personally love the heeled 
hard position and simply let the main out with big gusts, but this 
was very comfortable sailing. You must look at sailing the Rhodes 
a bit differently from standard racing boats (and I race all year on 
a true racer with spinnaker). Just play around with it more than 
you think it needs and you'll find some alternatives that work well. 
I might also add that we beat several large boats in that configuration 
that day!
Anne