3
(b)
Sail flutter particularly in the leech of the main sail does not appear to slow
the boat down when sailing in hard winds or gusting conditions.
(c)
You will win more races by "flowing and going" rather than "pinching and
flinching". The only time it pays to pinch a little is when the yacht can just leebow
an adverse tide.
(d)
More races will be won by easing sheets. There is a tendancy generally among
the crew as tension mounts in close racing conditions, to over pin the mainsail and
certainly the headsail.
(e)
Keep the yacht in first class condition at all times. Delegate crew members
to being reponsihie fotmaintaining certain items of equipment. For example,
greasing winches, frequently checking for chafe in the rig and sails with particular
reference to mast sheaves, blocks, etc.
(f)
Keep the yacht light by checking and if necessary by removing all gear and
equipment not required by the racing rules on the day of the race - remember
these yachts are capable of planing.
(g)
Bottom finish is all important. For the cost of applying anti fouling and the
heavy labour costs of thereon smoothing and burnishing the anti fouling, perhaps
twice a year, you can in preference sail on a polished gelcoat finish and scrub
afloat say every 10-14 days. Alternatively "dry sail" the yacht just like the dinghy.
SAIL COMBINATIONS TO WINDWARD
1.
Full mainsail with varying degrees of mast bend, luff and foot tensions, also
cunningham and flattening reef tension with a No.1 light Mylar genoa up to 16 gusting
18 knots apparent. Note:- in the light of new experience we do not see the point in
investing in a number 1 heavy genoa as light Mylar sails appear to cope very well
throughout this wind range.
2.
Full mainsail well flattened and a No.2 Mylar (perhaps Keviar reinforced)
genoa from 16-22 knots apparent wind speed.
3.
Full mainsail sheeted down the mainsheet track, very well flattened with an
open twisting leech and a 110% No.3 Mylar/Kevlar genoa from 20-25 knots apparent
wind speed.
4.
1 or 2 reefs in a well flattened mainsail sheeted down the mainsheet track, and
a No.3 Mylar/Keviar genoa from 23-30 knots apparent wind speed.
5.
2 or 3 reefs in a well flattened mainsail set well down the mainsheet track,
and a No.4 Mylar/Kevlar genoa (heavy weather jib) from 28-40 knots apparent
wind speed.
AGAIN WE REPEAT - NEVER OVERPRESS THE YACHT ON ANY POINT OF SAILING
continued/
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