I've done two crushendos and haven't had any real problems. If you rack at s.g. 1.010instead of just waiting seven days it's easier to rack because the longer it sits, the morethe skins settle at the bottom and compact, which makes the mesh tip less useful. It also helps to tip the bucket (I put a small piece of wood under mine). I start my siphon about halfway down then slowly move it further down. When the siphon stops, I pour the rest through a large strainer and press the skins to get as much out as I can then use a funnel to add it to my carboy. I replaced the I get six full gallons this way. Don't worry about picking up yeast, that's fine. You will be racking again before fining/stabilising. Edited by: Jackie