Boat Trim

Well that's what I call it, and there are some basics that make a big difference, I'm putting this in early because I don’t think people rate this as much, but I think it's as crucial as everything else.

Hull up

Do not get out on the wire if your hull is not in the air.

• I'm not sold on going wild downhill but it's definitely been shown to have its place, but I think it's a fine window of opportunity.

• Upwind, get the hull up as early as you can. Do not get out on the wire if your hull is not in the air.

• If it's light air, sit in the middle of the tramp but as far forward as you can to promote the hull flight. I sometimes have my feet on the leeward toe strap so I don't slide off.

• When it's marginal trapping, hook up and hang your bum over the side or be out on the wire but on one knee ready to jump out in a gust.

• When you're full on wire, drive the boat so you're concentrating on keeping the hull just skimming the top of waves.

Fore and aft

So this is often overlooked, but vital to boat speed. Rule of thumb, be as far forward on the boat for as long as you can before you nosedive, upwind you won't nosedive so get forward.

• When I'm on trap my front toes are generally at the front beam or sidestay when it's blowing.

• Downwind I'm sitting on my front beam with my legs around the mast = forward and centre to help promote a light/lifting windward hull. As wind increases I move back, when she's really on I'm on the back corner with one foot under the toe strap and the other on the back of the centre board to stop sliding forward in a nose dive.

Working waves

Yep do it. Upwind in waves, you should be constantly moving.

• Not on wire, as you go into a wave, shove your body forward to help push the boat through it, then back as you pass through.

• On wire it's more subtle but same principle, i think of it as pushing on your front foot to promote the forward push into the wave.

Downwind, drive the boat onto them, get surfing and while surfing drive the boat as low as you possibly can until you lose speed then come back to your fastest angle as quickly as you can.

Again constantly looking to surf and get the boat towards the bottom mark at every chance.