Hi Ray The wind vector as you know will push the boat at 90 degrees to where the sail is located.  Sailing upwind presents a big sideways force as the sail is pulled in close to the centreline, as the boat moves away from the wind and the sail eased then the force goes forwards.  Thus the centreboard is less used as the force is less side on.  Centreboard equals drag so if you can get away with less of it then the boat goes faster.  Boats with asymmetric spinnakers have apparent wind to factor in.  The apparent wind moves forwards with speed and hence the sideways force comes into play again so it is common for these to have the board down all the time, but they are designed particularly with this in mind.  they tend to be a bit longer but narrower (at least thats how they look to me).  As for spin outs, on a windy day it has happened to me!  I sail a boat called a Solo mostly.  This is a UK singlehander and has a big centreboard and the boat has been tripped up on a very windy day(30 knots or above)  The drag from the board seems to just trip it up when thundering down a reach with enthusiasm
Happy sailing

It must be that particular boat configuration. All the dinghys I've sailed need the sideways slip reduced to minimum with the wind at right angles to the boat. As for the centerboard down causing spinout and capsize, that is a first for me after 25 years of sailing.

Hi Ray
Yes that is correct to raise the centreboard a little for a beam reach.  The centreboard is mostly used to prevent side slip when sailing towards the wind and should be fully down.  i.e. beating.  When you sail across or away from the wind then the sideways force is reduced and the force vector moves forwards.  This means the centreboard is less necessary so raising it reduces the wetted surface area of the boat so you sail faster.  Also I have found to my cost that leaving the board down on a windy day can in some occasions force the boat to spin out and trip the boat up and force a capsize.  Hope that helps!

quite possibly, but in a broken down version previously. This is the full length video. The previous version was in multiple much smaller chapters

Thanks for the comment but I see things differently. When we teach I find it is best to always have the wind coming from the same point on any visual aid. I have found this less confusing overall. I see what you are saying but I decided to do it the way that the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) in the UK also show the wind. I guess it is just down to how we see things! Happy sailing