Q: What makes sense for light-air sails? I've got all the heavy-weather inventory I need, but in fact I probably sail 80 percent of the time in winds under 12.

Bonnie M.
New Brunswick, New Jersey

A: You now have a good reason to talk with your sailmaker. Racers know (and cruisers are just starting to learn) that sailmakers are the real educators in our sport. They enjoy the chance to explain the options available to you and will take you out and show you how to use a new sail. They will help you locate proper lead positions and even advise you on improving deck layouts. If you don't feel that you are getting this kind of attention, its time to make a change. Get to know a sailmaker. You'll be glad you did.

Light air calls for larger, deeper headsails of lighter materials and deeper mains. Light down wind sailing calls for reachers, spinnakers and gennakers. How much sailhandling you are willing to do will determine which are best for you.

Q: What are the key things we need on board for shorthanded sailing? We're a couple planning to do some coastal cruising.

Fred K.
Virginia Beach, Virginia

A: Your list will depend on which tasks you'd like to relieve yourselves of, in the interests of safety and easy passages. For around the clock passages a good autopilot is essential. The one person awake and on watch will be better utilized checking sail trim, navigating, or listening to the weather, not glued to a wheel. The next biggest aid is probably roller furling for the headsail. Leading things to the cockpit is probably a bad idea since it makes it harder for one person to raise and lower sails. An anchor windless and dinghy davits can make two of the hardest tasks manageable.