The Sandpiper 565 is a good sailer but it is a small boat with small boats limitations. The mainsail is rather small for the boat. Some 16 foot dinghies have a bigger mainsail. Also, the short waterline prevents speeds over 5 1/2 knots most of the times and we know how speed is crutial when facing wind and currents.
The Sandpiper has a very good pointing hability but it is possible to make it "pull" more at a given sail angle. The first thing to do is to free the main by using it loose-footed and battenless.
Don't worry about what sailmakers and some fellow sailors might say. It really works and you will not ruin your sail.
You control the arc at the outhaul. Big in light winds and tighter when it blows
The loose-footed sail is more powerful because it fills better and the absence of battens let the excess wind spill at the top.It is like an automatic reef. (It also cures excessive weather helm....Nice bonus! ) Combine this with the proper use of the main sheet traveller and you can power or depower the sail easily. Pull it windward and the sail is more powerful and let it go leeward and the sail will spill the excess at the top. Healing is easily controled this way.
One other thing is to ignore the jib sheets tracks when in very light winds. Go directly to the cleats.
These simple tricks may seem against the rules and certain dogmas but they are sure to increase your sailing pleasure on your beloved little Piper.
Less is more!...
In soft winds
