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kristinThe most basic advice on how to use your mast track and centerboard runs something like this: mast forward, centerboard down for going upwind; mast back, centerboard up for reaching and going downwind. But if you want to really master your board, you'll have to do a bit more.
When sailing upwind in under 5 knots, keep the centerboard all the way down. The mast foot should be at position No. 2 or 3 rather than all the way forward. This makes the board more responsive and helps you to get the windward rail up.
As the wind picks up, you may find that you're sheeting in too much and the board is railing up too much. These are signs that the mast needs to be moved forward a notch. The centerboard should remain all the way down. When the wind is 15 knots and up, the mast should go all the way forward.
Depending on your weight and ability, you may also need to make subtle adjustments in the position of the centerboard. Subtle adjustments are necessary because a small move of the head of the centerboard means a big move at the tip. The signal to make the adjustment is uncontrollable failing. When that happens, swing the centerboard back a little.
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