Over the last 2 weeks in Sydney, we've had some strong gusty westerly winds - 15 to 25 knots. In these conditions, I've hit the water on more than the odd occasion.

I've found uphauling my 9.5m racesail in such conditions to be particularly difficult and slow. I've resorted to waterstarting, even if it means jumping in the water and swiming my rig into the correct position. Having a wavesailing background, I'm used to fast waterstarting.

I'm interesting in the forum's thoughts on waterstarting vs uphauling. I'd also be interested in any tricks to uphaul quickly. Can anyone comment?

I use the easy up haul , which really helps uphauling big sails , you hook in and lean back which helps drain the water off the sail and makes it lighter and is quick and easy in big winds and then uphaul quickly the rest of the way once the sail becomes lighter ... this is one of those inexpensive products that I think really help

http://www.easy-uphaul.com/index.html

Hi.

If the wind is strong enough I allways waterstart my 9 mts sail.

It`s really hard for me to uphaul such sail size as I weigth 65 Kg.

Just put the boom over the board to clear the water out and the trick is done.

Ignacio

The old college answer: it depends. If the board is pointed directly upwind and the sail attitude is optimum, then up haul. The leading edge will catch, if you pull the sail forward as it does, the sail may raise itself. Actually, that's an old short board trick...

Typically, water starts are easier if the wind is up. Due to all my wave sailing, I do try to fall with the sail in hopes to either keep it out of the water, or try in those last moments to guide the sail to the best restart position when I can. Dragging the boom across the tail is great. :~)