The ability to "shift gears" is extremely important when racing any boat.......and probably more critical on a multihull where all tactics are often exaggerated due to potentially big velocity changes.

Here is a short list of things to do when the wind it light on a trimaran:

1. Loosen the jib when going upwind.......the slot between the jib and main needs to "breath". Closing this slot will really "park" a boat in light winds.

2. Re-shape the mainsail......loosen the outhaul and ease the jib halyard. This is marginally effective due to the full batten nature of the mainsail but is helps a bit.

3. Loosen the mainsheet and get some twist in the mainsail. OVER sheeting is the biggest offense most racers make in light winds.

4. Be gentle on the helm......move everything slowly as to not lose any momentum the boat has or create any undue drag.

5. Put wieght forward and get the transom out of the water

6, Put weight to leeward, so that the leeward hull can act as lateral resistance. This will help you point higher as well.

7. Wind is usually a lot shiftier when it's light......so watch for wind shifts more and play them.

8. Sail "hotter" angles downwind.......keep the boat moving.

9. Rotate the mast more to make the mainsail fuller.

10. Lighten the boat......throw the crew overboard

 

That's all I can think of for now......have more? E-mail them to me and I'll add the good ones.