This video was taken at Starcross Feb 2014, I thought I had posted it, but when I tried to direct Jamie D to it the other day I found I hadn't posted it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oftwY6WmsnQ 
Mark 

Thanks Mark.
I'll try and get some footage on sunday, hopefully it'll ahow I'll improved since the last lot I filmed!

Good video Mark of a very enjoyable and useful day.
 
Names changed to save any embarrassment !
 
My tacking has actually got worse (if that is possible !) - tiller often ends up under my legs after I hike out - not particularly great for steering. I really can't get my head around the swapping your hands behind your back thing - far too complicated !
 
At least you didn't get my 'sitting-on-the tiller-extension gybing technique' - as frowned upon by Mark Rushell but much to my encouragement used to great effect by Tom Slingsby sailing the d-one at Garda !
 
Chris 

Nothing wrong with sitting on the ext if needs must Chris!
 
Otherwise, just remember you have to get worse to get better, so you are at least half way there!
 
I found it really interesting trying to keep up with Mark's comments along with the film.
 
But if I could condense down to three points :
 
1. Tacks   Keep mainsheet tight until passed thru eye of and, then ease  for a big sheet-in as you rock back upright
 
2. Gybes   Timing - shoulders over the new windward gunwale before the main refills - its a race against the boom that we need to win
 
3. Swapping Hands - don't be in a panic to swap. You can happily sail the boat with the 'wrong' hands - try doing it on purpose and you'll see. Just knowing that takes the pressure off
 
 

Hi Clive - long time no see - hows your bionic hand transplant going ?
 
The useful thing about sitting on your extension is at least you know where it is ! With my tacking really it could be anywhere !
 
You can see now why I avoid close tacking duels at all costs - I would happily rather bang the corner on an unfavourable angle than lose 50m through a fluffed tack !
 
Your conclusions are all good - my only observation is that on point 2 you definitely have to be fully across the boat and shoulders outboard well before the boom reaches halfway - or you are a going swimming ! Actually watching the videos again I see I am actually across the boat pretty much before the boom even starts moving - not knowingly but just from experience.
 
There wasn't actually any real wind that day - gust a few 15 knot puffs (the wind not the sailors !). Interesting to see even in those conditions how critical it is to show the boat who is boss, not visa-versa, when gybing - any delay or excess heel on the bear off and its game over.
 
Cheers
 
Chris 

Hi Chris
 
Shame we always finish downwind when you are catching me up fast then - not sure a tacking duel will help me on a run to the finish, but thanks for letting me know ;-) 
 
 
A bionic hand sounds like a good idea, frankly. Where do i sign? I might take 2 come to think of it! And legs. and abdominals, and... well, being 30 years younger would actually be the ticket, but then the 100 is my mid-life crisis /refuse to grow up indulgence.
 
How about coming up the the Frensham Fenzy in march. 1 Day, 2 Pursuit races, lots of tight boat handling practice and I owe you hospitality and a bed for the night many times over.