The remarkable course stability of the Pearson Ariel

[pbryant]

> Also, I saw your video and I have to say that I too can balance my boat if I luff the main... Does this mean your Ariel is 'balanced'?

The most common mistake made in sail trim is to trim the sail in too tight. It's OK for the sail's luff to luff, that's why the leading edge is called "the luff." It is sitting in turbulent air created by the mast.

I suppose trimming in too far looks neater, with a nice flat sail, but the sail should be at a critical angle of attack to extract maximum power from the wind (unless you want to go slower or pay less attention to heading and trim). As a general rule, if you can head up more than 10 degrees without stalling the entire sail, you have it hauled in too tight.

"When in doubt - let it out!"