One Simple Method To Boost Your Boats Downwind Speed

Boosting your boats downwind speed by a solid half-knot, and perhaps even more, sounds like a sailors dream, doesn't it?

Before you start imagining high-tech gadgets or pricey upgrades, let's take a moment to unveil a secret that's been right under your nose – or rather, right on your boat. 

You might be wondering if this speed-enhancing solution involves the latest antifoul coating, a set of fresh sails, or maybe even a state-of-the-art folding propeller. 

The good news is, you won't have to open your wallet for any of these options. 

In fact, chances are high that your boat is already equipped with the one thing you need – a simple aluminum pole. 

Why Your Boat Is Slower Downwind And What You Can Do About It. 

If you're familiar with the concept of "poling out," you're already a step ahead. Yet, I often see experienced sailors, going downwind with headsails backfilling and 'popping' on every boat roll. These sails are on the fast track to early retirement.

But here's the thing – setting up a pole to move your jib out of the mainsail's 'wind shadow' is easy. 

It takes just a few minutes, and the rewards are more than worth it. You can sail faster, at deeper angles, and reduce the strain on both your boat and your sails. 

The best part? You won't be breaking the bank or investing in complex gear.

Poling out the genoa is fast, safe and hassle free. 

You can pole out your genoa or jib effectively using a spinnaker pole. And sail a wide range of angles from 90 to 180. It's perfect for a broad reach and really does increase the stability of your boat.

Poling out the genoa downwind will increase your speed because it brings the genoa out from behind the mainsail and presents its full area to the wind.

This allows it to escape the windshadow of the mainsail. And with anything in the 140-180-140 range, sailing in the wing on wing configuration keeps the sails perpendicular to the wind and the boatstable. 

Tom Grimmett from 'Searose' notes that "wing on wing can be a difficult point of sail to manage". 

If you don't pay close attention to wind shifts or if the seas are large and irregular, it can lead to a dangerous accidental gybe, but with a whisker pole holding out the jib and a mainsail preventer, you can sail down wind safely and comfortably.

You don't need to spend a fortune. 

You can use the boats existing spinnaker pole rather than a dedicated whisker pole. 

Vendee Globe sailor Pip Hare suggests using an extra sheet. With the addition of an independent, separate sheet, the pole can be rigged so that you can gybe or tack the boat in an emergency without having to go forward to unclip the pole.

"How to set up for downwind sailing without a spinnaker | Yachting World" on YouTube. 

Less wear and tear on your sails and rigging. 

The moment you engage the pole, the boat immediately settles down and becomes more manageable. A spinnaker pole pushes out the headsail keeping it fully open and stabilises the rig at the same time. 

You have effectively created a second mainsail.

So, why hesitate?

Poling out that jib isn't just a small tweak; it's a game-changer. 

With minimal effort, you'll be sailing smarter, faster, and with the wind in your sails – quite literally. 

 Find out more in my article how to pole out your genoa here.