What a great response, thank you Ken.

Let me go through your questions...

> Are you new to sailing?
I've never owned a boat before, but I've done a few summers in
sabots, wind surfers and the corsair I now own. I understand a few
of the fundamentals, not much of the lingo.

> Did you have the centreboard down?
Yes

> Did the boat appear to drift sideways in the water?
No

> Was there a strong current and little wind?
Strong current - sailing just off Sorrento in Port Phillip Bay the
current is quite strong as the bay empties or fills.

> Were there large wind shifts?
I suppose there were.

> Did you have the sheets pulled in tight?
Yes

> Were main and jib both on the same side of the boat?
Yes

> Were you pointing as close to the wind as possible ,
> luffing occasionally?
Yes

> Does the main and jib both luff at the same instant?
No, mostly just the jib luffing.

> Does the boat swing upwind or down wind or load the helm
> in gusts?
Upwind.


> Raking the mast back produces weather helm (tends to swing upwind).
How does one rake the mast?

As for the rest of your terrific post Ken, I'll need to get a
glossary of sailing terms and go to school.

Regards,

Sam Coates