Sailing downwind in big breeze is what keeps many racing sailors coming back for more, but how hard can you push? And how can you stay in control? Pro skipper Jelmer van Beek shares top tips with Andy Rice
ushing a boat close to the edge downwind is exhilarating and sometimes exhausting. Sailing hard downwind in waves requires 100% focus from the helmsman and trimmers, not to mention the grinders and other key members of the crew. One mistake and the gennaker can flap or, even worse, you end up broaching.