NIKKI HENDERSON

SEARCHING FOR MORE SPEED? BEFORE TINKERING WITH TINY ADJUSTMENTS, MAKE SURE YOU'VE GOT THE BASICS RIGHT THE POWER DRIVING THE BOAT

Why we haven't been matching the factory polars for our new boat? I just can't work it out! That's something almost every new boat owner has asked themselves at some point.

Ever felt like your boat is sluggish? Or woken up for a watch offshore, thinking you were absolutely sending it, only to find your competition or nearby boats have left you in the dust? The speed issue is real. For racers, going faster means a trophy. For cruisers, being able to sail quickly means shorter passages, less strain on your boat, and a happier crew. And for all sailors, going fast is fun! '

So how to go faster? It's easy to get sucked into the detail. You might pick up the North U Trim book and start thinking about car positions and draught shape. Maybe you've made a weight saving plan, involving luggage limits or even freeze-dried food and a watermaker. Or perhaps you've employed a shrewd weather router for your upcoming Atlantic crossing to help pick the optimum route across.

These are all good ideas. But when thinking about speed, there is an order of priorities to consider. And it starts with sails. Not sail trim, sail shape, traveller position, twist or foot tension... but the sail itself.