I use the wind instrument, the masthead Windex and my butt. We shine the genoa telltales to get the trim then look at the apparent wind reading. Then sail to that number. Actually, I set the display to read true wind angle and steer to that. I perceive the instruments are a bit quicker to show TWA than apparent wind angle (AWA).
Touche's Windex has a light at the base which illuminates the vane and tabs. I use it as frequently as the instrument reading. https://www.amazon.com/Nautos-WINDEX-LED-Light-Volt/dp/B08R6HVNSN Finally, I can feel the boat load and unload as I steer unto or out of the groove. Try this: when out for a casual upwind sail, close your eyes and steer. Have a crew tell you how you're sailing to the trim. You'll be surprised at how well you can stay in trim with a bit of eyes closed practice. -- Dennis C. Touche' 35-1 #83 Mandeville, LA On Sun, Feb 26, 2023 at 11:01 AM David Knecht via CnC-List < cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > I just read an interesting article in Practical Sailor on red vs. white > lights and night vision. It reminded me to ask a question of those more > experienced about night racing. I have only done this a few times and > found upwind steering at night to be a real challenge. I normally steer by > the genoa telltales. In light, shifting winds which we inevitably > encounter at the darkest hours, it is especially important to steer well to > keep the boat moving, but it is hard. We used a hand held spotlight to > periodically check the telltales, but that destroys night vision. Are > there better solutions? Thanks- Dave > > >
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