We've just wrapped up an intense month of training in Europe, and the lessons we're learning are transforming how we approach speed in the 49er. Working with world-class coaches has given us incredible insights, but perhaps more importantly, it's taught us how to make those insights our own.
Finding Our Style Through Exploration
One of the most valuable lessons from this training block has been understanding that there's no single "right" way to set up a 49er. Working with Ben Bildstein, we ran tight lowers and medium caps. With Maurice (a top Dutch coach), we flipped that completely — tight caps and very loose lowers. Each setup has its merits, but the real learning comes from testing these settings through their entire range.
As Grant explained during our debrief, "Even if you know that going 10 on the lowers is probably not going to be very fast, it's really helpful to know what that feeling is like, so that when you're one or half a lower too tight, you kind of recognize that while you're sailing."
The Power Breakthrough
Perhaps our biggest breakthrough came from something Maurice told us early in our training: "Americans are always so scared to have a little bit of power in the boat." This observation has completely changed our approach to jib trim.
We've discovered that keeping a firmer leech on the jib — even to the point where Jordan reports it's folding back on the spreader at times — provides incredible stability when the pressure drops. In variable conditions around 9-11 knots, this extra grip prevents the boat from "falling out from underneath us" in the lulls.
Communication is Everything
With Grant on mainsheet and Jordan handling both jib sheet and helm, constant communication about boat feel is crucial. We're learning to recognize when disagreements about boat feel signal the need for adjustments. It's not about who's right or wrong — it's about finding the sweet spot where helm load and mainsheet tension work in harmony.
Grant summed it up perfectly: "The 49er is a very sensational boat, and most of the feedback I'm getting is just by feeling." This sensitivity means we need to constantly calibrate our sensations and communicate what we're experiencing.
Looking Forward
These technical breakthroughs are building our confidence for the challenges ahead. By embracing the philosophy of testing extremes to find our optimal settings, we're developing our own style — one that combines the best insights from world-class coaches with what works specifically for our team.
The journey from imitation to innovation is ongoing, but with each training session, we're getting closer to unlocking our full potential in the 49er. Stay tuned as we continue to push boundaries and chase our Olympic dreams!