Online class overview
This online class takes a systematic approach to understanding how mainsail and headsail trim work together to create speed and balance upwind. You’ll learn how to read telltales and sail shape, how to use your controls — travelers, backstay, cunningham, heet leads — to adapt to changing conditions, and how to find and maintain the groove where your boat feels locked in and alive. Whether you’re a club racer looking to close the gap on the fleet, a coastal cruiser tired of bashing upwind in discomfort, or simply someone who wants to finally understand what all those lines actually do, this online class gives you a clear framework for what you’re doing — and why it works.
Who is this online class for?
This online class is for any keelboat sailor who wants to get more out of their time on the water — racers and cruisers alike. If you’ve ever felt like your boat was working against you upwind, wondered why the sails look the way they do, or wanted a clearer understanding of how trim actually affects performance and comfort, this online class was built for you. No race experience required; curiosity and a desire to improve are the only prerequisites.
What will I learn?
You’ll come away with a clear understanding of how sail shape is created and controlled, and how mainsail and headsail trim work together to drive boat speed, comfort, and balance. You’ll develop a repeatable process for diagnosing trim problems and making confident adjustments — whether you’re pointing at a mark or pointing at a destination.
List of topics:
- Understanding sail shape: draft, depth, and twist
- Headsail trim — heet angle, lead position, and telltale reading
- Mainsail trim — traveler, boom vang, backstay, and cunningham
- How to balance helm and reduce drag upwind
- Adjusting for wind strength and sea state
- Coordinating mainsail and headsail for maximum VMG
- Common upwind mistakes and how to fix them
- Building a trim checklist for your boat