Tiller lock

Before starting the preparations I had no idea how easy the tillerlock is. This is the whole system:

And this is what it looks like when rigged:

As you can see, the metal part is screwed to the tiller and the rope, spread between two cleats, goes into it. When the switch is in the starboard position, it locks on the rope. The elastic loop gives some flexibility, which can be adjusted by shortening the rope (which is easy thanks to the black plastic piece). That's all!

Just as Andrea told me, locking the tiller is enough to keep the boat stable on close-hauled course. On a run, you have just a few seconds before the boat starts luffing up - you have to act fast to avoid broaching.

I think it is possible to have an automatic autopilot installed and indeed some competitors will probably have it. That would make gybing easy. Both Andrea and Thierry decided that this simple tiller lock is enough and I am following the tradition. It certainly makes the whole exercise more interesting.