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4.0 Tuning guide
1. Rig concept: Upwind.
In common with many unstayed rigs the RS100 is very versatile in terms of both
power and responsiveness. Where the RS100 (and also the RS300) vary is in the
operation of the Gnav/kicker: Apart from controlling the leech as normal, it also
bends the mast more, progressively flattening the sail: Think of it as doing these 2
functions equally effectively, but as it is easily the most effective mast bend / sail
flattening control, this is how you should think of it primarily: As you tension
the Gnav/kicker, so the rig progressively flattens, and progressively reduces power.
Two other key controls help you to mesh required leech tension (or degree of twist)
with your mast bend and gnav/kicker tension. These are the mainsheet (used mainly
in the light and hopefully self-explanatory) and the Cunningham (crucial to blading
out the top of the leech in breeze). Try playing with the Cunningham – eased right off
the leech rounds up with the fullness further aft - and that’s power and pointing
when you need it. Pulled on hard (and in good wind do not be afraid to really heave),
fullness will pull forward and towards the top of the sail it will flatten and open the
leech, thus depowering the rig. The leech will even go “floppy” with extreme tension
– so understand the “cunno” and make it your friend!
The boltrope of the sail is elasticated to assist easing up the track more easily when
released – but what will also help is lubricating the track , and when sailing, easing
the sheet (or tacking) so the luff panel flaps, reducing friction momentarily in the
track:
A further, but very minor, control on mast bend and leech shape is the spreader
length – for the bigger guys longer spreaders help support the mast (primarily
sideways) which in turn supports the leech – thus powering up slightly.
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