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[quote=rpiper138]This is one that I have to disagree with Andrew on.

During a gybe, I center the traveller and pull the main sheet tight. This stops the sail from gaining any momentum as it changes sides and reduces the tendency of the boat to capsize.

Once across the wind, I quickly release the traveller, but keep the sheet relatively tight.

I learned this in my younger days when I sailed skiffs (I-14). The main is kept tighter than normal during downwind legs to provide additional support for the mast and prevent the chute from pulling the whole rig forward. Most of the downwind sail control is done with the outhaul and the traveller.

This may be the wrong downwind techique for a cat, but most problems that occur while gybing are a result of a sail that flips through the wind while not under control. Keeping the sail tight and to the center does two things. It depowers the sail since the wind can't move it to a point where it gets mavimum surface area and it prevents the sail from swinging 4 feet or more across the boat (traveller 1/2 way out).
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