Key points:

• Helm concentrates on balance and trim to maintain speed and aid the turn
• Don’t let the kite collapse till the last second
• Exit the mark close and roll the boat flat to accelerate

The angle of approach is just as important in the light wind drop as it is in the heavier airs.

In the video the dagger board has been raised to allow the boat to slip sideways. This can avoid having to do two gybes on the final approach.

Helm

The main task for the helm is to balance the boat. Initially keep it flat as the crew comes back to do the drop. Then to keep the weight as far forwards as possible as the crew drops the kite. Finally the boat needs to be heeled to leeward to help the turn round the mark and flattened to accelerate out of the rounding.

Crew

The crew needs to smoothly move back from the bow and stay as near to the centre line of the boat as possible. A fast drop at the last moment is what is required. Then move smoothly forward back into the pit!