Downtrimmed

Downtrimmed is a term primarily used in the context of sailing and boating to describe a specific adjustment of a sail. It refers to the act of pulling the clew, the lower aft corner of a sail, downwards and slightly forward. This action is typically achieved by tightening the outhaul, which is the line that controls the tension of the sail's foot.

The purpose of downtrimming a sail is to control the shape and efficiency of the sail, particularly in certain wind conditions. When a sail is downtrimmed, it tends to flatten the lower part of the sail and can help to depower the sail. This can be beneficial in strong winds, as it reduces the heeling force on the boat and makes it more manageable. It can also help to improve the sail's ability to point higher into the wind, meaning the boat can sail closer to the direction the wind is coming from.

Conversely, if a sail is not sufficiently downtrimmed, it may become too full or baggy in the lower sections, leading to a less efficient sail shape. This can result in the boat being overpowered and sailing less effectively, especially when trying to sail upwind. The exact amount of downtrim required depends on various factors, including the type of sail, the wind strength, and the desired performance. Experienced sailors will adjust the downtrim to optimize their boat's speed and handling.