How to Make Your Small Sailboat Faster

If you want to win a casual sailboat race or any sailboat race, you've got to make things on your boat smooth and light. Here are seven tips to help make your small sailboat faster around the bouys this sailing season.

1. Smooth Sails. New sails are a tremendous advantage in a race. New sails have a nice tight weave that helps them catch the wind better. The are also free of dirt and abrasions that disturb the airflow over the sails. Some sails are made from exotic fibers like Kevlar that save weight as well. For a typical lake or river race around some bouys, smooth sails without reef points and reef lines will be faster than cruising sails with reef points and reef lines. Remember, sails are wings. The goal is maximum lift and smooth laminar airflow over the airfoil.

2. Smooth Bottom. A sailboat with a smooth bottom without the friction of algae, barnacles, or anti-growth paint will be faster than a sailboat with algae, barnacles, or rough paint. If your sailboat is kept out of the water, there is no need for special paint to inhibit the growth of algae. If your boat is kept in the water, you can pick up speed by using bottom paint to inhibit algae growth. You should also have your boat powerwashed on a seasonal basis and repainted on a regularly scheduled basis.

3. Lighter Weight. If you've ever read C.S. Forester, Dudley Pope, or Alexander Kent, you know that extra weight is the first thing over the side in a sea chase. While you probably don't have any carronades, bow-chasers, or round shot to pitch, you probably do carry more extra gear than you realize. That kettle barbecue, labrador retriever, television, extra anchor, 20-pounds of ice, and a jumbo cooler won't help you win any races. You should probably leave them at home on the day of your regatta.

4. Watch Your Trim. The weight on your sailboat should be evenly distributed. If it is too far forward, the bow will ride too low in the water. If weight on your sailboat is distributed too far aft, the stern will ride too low in the water. In either case, the amount of drag on your sailboat's hull will be increased. Observe how your boat sits in the water and make adjustments accordingly.

5. Manage Your Centerboard. If your sailboat has a centerboard, you can reduce your drag in the water by pulling it up part way. However, you'll have to exercise good judgement because a partially retracted centerboard will affect your sailboat's stability and pointing ability. However, a retracted centerboard can be crucial in sailing with little or no wind.

6. Trim Your Sails Properly. A sailboat is generally faster when sailing on a beam reach rather than sailing close-hauled.

7. Move Smoothly and Smartly on Your Sailboat. When crew members lumber about clumsily, delay trimming sails properly after tacking or jibing, or turn the tiller too sharply, they can increase drag, depower your sailboat, or rob your boat of momentum. A well practiced crew can maneuver a sail boat smoothly and smartly.

Even in a casual sailboat race, a sharp crew and a smart skipper makes for a faster sailboat.