Wondering if some seasoned raceboard sailors could offer some advice.
When the centreboard is retracted it sticks up higher than the deck and when not in the straps I tend to stand on it which pushes it flush with the deck which protrudes it a bit into the water underneath.
Should I be forcing myself to keep my feet on the windward side (hope I got the right) rather than in the middle so the centreboard remains fully retracted?

With practice, it should be possible to avoid stepping on it. But don't worry too much if it pushes down a bit. It won't make much difference to performance. Just push it up again when convenient.
When are you coming up to the lake again?

probably need more info of sailing conditions, but i sail a old astra surf eliminator and a speed 250, both boards have the center board in the way when fully up, i often use it for leverage in light winds to rail the board over.also i hardly ever have it up unless the wind is strong and will sail with it at about 30 degrees to promote planing. i always try to keep the windward rail high so have to put feet any where i can.

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tonymatta said..
With practice, it should be possible to avoid stepping on it. But don't worry too much if it pushes down a bit. It won't make much difference to performance. Just push it up again when convenient.
When are you coming up to the lake again?

Thanks Tony. I won't worry about it then, as when it's windy enough to be in the straps I make sure it's fully retracted.

Hoping to get up to the lake this weekend.
Got some adj harness lines and they are making things a lot easier, and also able to raise my boom higher.
Hopefully seeyou on Sunday.

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grich62 said..
probably need more info of sailing conditions, but i sail a old astra surf eliminator and a speed 250, both boards have the center board in the way when fully up, i often use it for leverage in light winds to rail the board over.also i hardly ever have it up unless the wind is strong and will sail with it at about 30 degrees to promote planing. i always try to keep the windward rail high so have to put feet any where i can.

Thanks, I only have the centerboard down when going up wind, but will have to try it at 30 deg in really light conditions.

stanly also move the mast forward 1 to 3 clicks as the center of effort will go forward when of the wind or on a reach it acts like along slalom board until you come of the plane. as you gyb push up the center board or get on the out side rail if it wont turn at slow speed you will find a lot more speed in light conditions. if you want to know a trick remove your rear fin and try with the center board partly down and the rig well forward and have a sail, board becomes quit fast, stay close to shore but as it can be hard, this is good practice if you lose a fin,IE turtle or reef

I'm personnaly not a big fan to have the centreboard partly down as I think it slow you down and most importantly damage the rubber casing (sorry I don't know the exact name).Best to try sailing with the centreboard either fully up or fully down. Going downwind in sub planning conditions, try to get your feet wide apart, that will help to kee your balance.
I usually place my front foot not to far back from the mast base on the windward side and my back foot as far back as I am comfortable on the leeward side.




Hope That makes sense