Doug King wrote: It also allows the outhaul to be eased
have the clew slide a little bit towards the mast, in order to control the
shape (deeper curvature for going downwind or light winds).

I must disagree with you just a little bit here, Mr. King. "Deeper
curvature" may be fine for light wind when going in almost all points of
sail, but as a rule, a boat that 'has been set up for racing' will probably
do better with a flat main when going downwind. Think of barn door. That
is the best shape for the main when going downwind in most situations, at
least on a race boat. There may be circumstances were more draft in the
main will get you more performance in a not so finely tuned boat while
sailing downwind, however.

Rick, I am sorry I do not know what boat you own, but if it is a race boat,
then it is a good idea to experiment and learn what all of the controls for
your sails will do in different conditions, on different points of sail.
However, it may not matter as much on a family cruiser, as they will not be
as responsive to your tuning.

Lonny
--
Enjoy my new sailing web site
http://sail247.com


"DSK" wrote in message
. ..
Rick wrote:
My boat came set up for racing as I imagine a lot do. Apparently,
because my main is loose footed, I have a clew strap, but I don't know
how to use it correctly.

Would any of you care to explain this to me?


The clew strap goes around the boom. It takes the vertical load from the
leach of the sail and holds the boom closer to the foot than if it was
supported by the outhaul alone. It also allows the outhaul to be eased
have the clew slide a little bit towards the mast, in order to control the
shape (deeper curvature for going downwind or light winds).

Hope this helps.

Fresh Breezes
Doug King