how to go quicker, and what should i do with stays etc?
sailed today, but im not improving on reach much, how should the rig be set up?
Outhaul right off unless it's very windy and ease a few inches of kicker before you bear away at the windward mark.
After that release the leeward shroud - you'll notice that this causes the leech to tighten and hook again so release a little more kicker. If you're on a very broad reach and it's not too windy you could also consider letting the windward shroud off. However if the breeze picks up and you're not feeling in control it's better to keep it on. Releaing the windward shroud has much the same effect on the leech as releasing the kicker so you may not need to let the kicker off so much.
After that get the board about half up and sail the boat flat!
With regards to the jib pole it out so that there's still a bit of curve to it with all the telltales flying - ditto with the leach the aim is not to pull it bar tight but to optimise the twist until the telltales all match up.
If it's gusty be prepared to make big course alterations - follow the gusts below the rhumb line to the mark and then sail higher through the light spots, though if you've got boats close behind you you may not have this option.
Cheers
Tim
thank i shall try some of that