How do I go fast down wind?

Question

I sail a topper that's second hand and the previous owner raced in the worlds several times, but when I race I do quite well mainly leading around the windward mark but I get overtaken down wind. I sit forward, lift center board out and let my sail out, like everybody else. But they catch up, I get overtaken by a 14 yr old in an old rubbish boat. Help! What am I doing wrong! The 14yr old always wins, with me just coming a close second / third. He's an arrogant sh*t (but my best friend) and I NEED to beat him. Please Help!!!! By the way I'm twelve

Answer 1

I'm not familiar with the topper, so I can't give advice specific to that boat, but here is some information that might help:

Some boats are faster zig zag going at a broad reacinsteadad of a dead run, especially if they are under main and head sail.

If on a run, do you have your sail out as far as you can or too far?

Are you changing the shape of the sail for downwind?   On most sails, you want a tighter main for heading upwind and want to loosen the cuningham and maybe outhaul for downwind sailng which will give you a fuller sail to catch the wind?

Does he weight less than you?  If you are talking small boats, you may just have more drag, which will affect you more on the downwind leg than up wind.     There isn't much you can do, excpet make sure you don't havev uneededed resistence on the bottom from marine growth, old paint or excessive scratches and damage.

Answer 2

sheet in a little and angle your self to the wind