Rigging Innovations
 

Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]

Rigging Innovations
 

jib furler for sure

"Bart" .@. wrote in message ...
Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]

Rigging Innovations
 

"Bart" .@. wrote in message ...
Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]

Getting a boat with a mast raising system.
The Seaward DVD arrived yesterday, btw, with some instruction on the use of
same, as well as details of construction. I don't know when I'll get to the
Bahamas, but I like the idea that the boat was designed specifically to
shall shallow back waters but still make the occasional jaunt across open
ocean to the islands.
Scout

Rigging Innovations
 

"Bart" .@. wrote..
Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]


Capt. JG wrote:
jib furler for sure


Agreed

Another is to the topping lift, I put a standing part (could
be done just as well with wire) with spliced loops at both
ends to the backstay crane, then one of those new
lightweight snatch blocks. The topping lift ran from the end
of the boom, up to the snatch block, then back to a block in
the end of the boom and cleated near the gooseneck. This
gave a 2:1 purchase on the topping lift, reduced weight
aloft, reduced lines running inside the mast, and I could
undo it easily & quickly by popping the snatch block.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

Rigging Innovations
 

I have wire right now for the topping lift. I'm replacing it with spectra.

"DSK" wrote in message
.. .
"Bart" .@. wrote..
Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]


Capt. JG wrote:
jib furler for sure

Agreed

Another is to the topping lift, I put a standing part (could be done just
as well with wire) with spliced loops at both ends to the backstay crane,
then one of those new lightweight snatch blocks. The topping lift ran from
the end of the boom, up to the snatch block, then back to a block in the
end of the boom and cleated near the gooseneck. This gave a 2:1 purchase
on the topping lift, reduced weight aloft, reduced lines running inside
the mast, and I could undo it easily & quickly by popping the snatch
block.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

Rigging Innovations
 

Bart wrote:

Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]

Jib halyard led back to the cockpit with 12-1 purchase. I can fine
tune it myself while hiked out flat, instead of having my crew come
into the boat and adjust it (incorrectly).

Same thing with the vang, but 16-1. Since I tweak the halyard more
often, it wins by a nose.


// Walt

Rigging Innovations
 

I added a Back-stay adjuster and increase Fore-stay sag for better down
wind preformance. With the back stay adjuster, I could return the rig
back to up wind performance.


http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ILLDRINKTOTHAT

Rigging Innovations
 

Walt wrote:
Bart wrote:

Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]

Jib halyard led back to the cockpit with 12-1 purchase. I can fine
tune it myself while hiked out flat, instead of having my crew come
into the boat and adjust it (incorrectly).

Same thing with the vang, but 16-1. Since I tweak the halyard more
often, it wins by a nose.

// Walt

What kind of boat do you have Walt? Do you have any pictures?

Rigging Innovations
 

Dave wrote:

Bart" .@. said:

Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]

Rigged a jib downhaul so when I drop the jib from the cockpit I usually
don't have to go forward.

Piece of shock cord from the end of the topping lift to the pushpit, so when
I remove the topping lift from the boom the cord pulls it clear of the
sail's leach and holds it ready to be grabbed and re-attached before
dropping the main. Again, no need to go forward to secure the lift to the
mast or to retrieve it before dropping sail.

Surprisingly, not many people actually do this with hank-on
jibs. It makes a lot of sense. I've discussed the concept with
other sailors for a dozen years, yet I've only witnessed it used
on one boat--yours Dave, and it is effective.

Rigging Innovations
 

I used to have a downhaul for the jib when I had my Cal 20. Used Thom's
suggested design, and it worked great.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"Bart" wrote in message
oups.com...

Dave wrote:

Bart" .@. said:

Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]

Rigged a jib downhaul so when I drop the jib from the cockpit I usually
don't have to go forward.

Piece of shock cord from the end of the topping lift to the pushpit, so
when
I remove the topping lift from the boom the cord pulls it clear of the
sail's leach and holds it ready to be grabbed and re-attached before
dropping the main. Again, no need to go forward to secure the lift to the
mast or to retrieve it before dropping sail.

Surprisingly, not many people actually do this with hank-on
jibs. It makes a lot of sense. I've discussed the concept with
other sailors for a dozen years, yet I've only witnessed it used
on one boat--yours Dave, and it is effective.

Rigging Innovations
 

"Capt. JG" wrote in message
...
I have wire right now for the topping lift. I'm replacing it with spectra.

What will that do for you except to increase windeage?

Rigging Innovations
 

It's lighter, for one thing, and the sailmaker I'm using suggested it it.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"Edgar" wrote in message
...

"Capt. JG" wrote in message
...
I have wire right now for the topping lift. I'm replacing it with
spectra.

What will that do for you except to increase windeage?

Rigging Innovations
 

I have wire right now for the topping lift. I'm replacing it with spectra.

What will that do for you except to increase windeage?


Capt. JG wrote:
It's lighter, for one thing, and the sailmaker I'm using suggested it it.

It's lighter, stronger, won't chafe things it rubs against
(it is also highly resistant to chafe, itself), will never
grow "meat hooks" like wire does, and won't rust in hidden
spots & suddenly part (dropping the boom on your head).

In some cases, modern technology is not that big an
improvement. In other cases, it is ;)

But you should have a healthy skepticism of things your
sailmaker suggests. Those guys will try to sell you anything!

DSK

Rigging Innovations
 

Yes, all those things... of course, that's true for most vendors of sail
equipment. Actually, the wire replacement would have been slightly more
expensive from my perspective, but possibly not from his.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"DSK" wrote in message
.. .
I have wire right now for the topping lift. I'm replacing it with
spectra.

What will that do for you except to increase windeage?


Capt. JG wrote:
It's lighter, for one thing, and the sailmaker I'm using suggested it it.

It's lighter, stronger, won't chafe things it rubs against (it is also
highly resistant to chafe, itself), will never grow "meat hooks" like wire
does, and won't rust in hidden spots & suddenly part (dropping the boom on
your head).

In some cases, modern technology is not that big an improvement. In other
cases, it is ;)

But you should have a healthy skepticism of things your sailmaker
suggests. Those guys will try to sell you anything!

DSK

Rigging Innovations
 

Doug,
the mast, she is raised!
http://sports.webshots.com/photo/281...97509592kFvzbv
one step at a time, ay?
Scout

Rigging Innovations
 

Jon,

There is another option. I terminated my wire about 3 foot above my Boom
with a metal eye and compression fitting; then a added a block at the
end, a 1/4" spectra line spliced to the end of boom, up thru the block
on the modified top lift and back to the boom. I had a 1/4" hole on the
boom end, which I inserted a Pin with a compression ball and ring in the
other end. I left enough line so that when it was loose it didn't
interfere with the sail and when it was adjusted I'd figure 8 it and set
it in place with a half hitch.

It made all the adjustments a snap and very easy on the hands, I blessed
King Neptune for giving me the idea; each time I'd Adjust the Boom for
light air and get the Baggy sail that I wanted.

The original purpose was to hold the boom while I reset the Lazy Jacks.
It did that perfectly. It also held the boom while I eased the Jacks to
put the sail cove on. Also, with the extra line I could tie off the
covered sail & boom outboard off the cockpit to let the Northwest rain
drain off to the outboard scuppers. It did keep the Cockpit and Deck
cleaner.

My solution. Yours to take or leave.


http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ILLDRINKTOTHAT

Rigging Innovations
 

"Scout" wrote
| the mast, she is raised!
| http://sports.webshots.com/photo/281...97509592kFvzbv


What's that skinny thing on the back of the mast on top? How come the stay doesn't
bend it down? It looks like it's connected right on the very end of it.....

Cheers,
Ellen

Rigging Innovations
 

"Thom Stewart" wrote
| There is another option. I terminated my wire about 3 foot above my Boom
| with a metal eye and compression fitting; then a added a block at the
| end, a 1/4" spectra line spliced to the end of boom, up thru the block
| on the modified top lift and back to the boom. I had a 1/4" hole on the
| boom end, which I inserted a Pin with a compression ball and ring in the
| other end. I left enough line so that when it was loose it didn't
| interfere with the sail and when it was adjusted I'd figure 8 it and set
| it in place with a half hitch.


Hee hee! Your taking credit for inventing something that's been used for years and years?
Well, OK. Whatever floats your boat.... But my little Tangerine has the same thing on the topping
lift. It makes it simple. You don't have an extra line running up and down the mast. Duh!

Cheers,
Ellen

Rigging Innovations
 

"Ellen MacArthur" wrote in message
reenews.net...

"Scout" wrote
| the mast, she is raised!
| http://sports.webshots.com/photo/281...97509592kFvzbv


What's that skinny thing on the back of the mast on top? How come the
stay doesn't
bend it down? It looks like it's connected right on the very end of
it.....

For some reason they extended the back stay attachment. I guess it keeps the
stay out of the path of the mainsail. My Starwind's mainsail would get hung
up in the backstay from time to time. Maybe this is their answer to the same
problem?
Scout

Rigging Innovations
 

Ellen MacArthur wrote:
"Thom Stewart" wrote
| There is another option. I terminated my wire about 3 foot above my Boom
| with a metal eye and compression fitting; then a added a block at the
| end, a 1/4" spectra line spliced to the end of boom, up thru the block
| on the modified top lift and back to the boom. I had a 1/4" hole on the
| boom end, which I inserted a Pin with a compression ball and ring in the
| other end. I left enough line so that when it was loose it didn't
| interfere with the sail and when it was adjusted I'd figure 8 it and set
| it in place with a half hitch.


Hee hee! Your taking credit for inventing something that's been used for years and years?
Well, OK. Whatever floats your boat.... But my little Tangerine has the same thing on the topping
lift. It makes it simple. You don't have an extra line running up and down the mast. Duh!

Cheers,
Ellen

I don't see where Thom "took credit" for inventing it. Actually, the
details of it are different from anything I've seen, but sure, the
general approach is pretty common.

Do you have a point, or do you like to make a fool of yourself?

Rigging Innovations
 

"Jeff" wrote
| I don't see where Thom "took credit" for inventing it. Actually, the
| details of it are different from anything I've seen, but sure, the
| general approach is pretty common.

Thom said "I blessed King Neptune for giving me the idea." And he said "My solution. Yours to take or leave."
It sounded to me like he was taking credit for inventing it. What did you think?

| Do you have a point, or do you like to make a fool of yourself?

I don't have a *point*. I was just saying what he's talking about is nothing new. He acts like it's something new.
That's all. Should I treat him like some feeble old codger like most of you here do? Or should I treat him like the
rest of you? Which is more fair? Which is showing him greater respect?


Cheers,
Ellen

Rigging Innovations
 

"Scout" wrote
| For some reason they extended the back stay attachment. I guess it keeps the
| stay out of the path of the mainsail. My Starwind's mainsail would get hung
| up in the backstay from time to time. Maybe this is their answer to the same
| problem?

OK. It sounds right. I guess it's stronger than it looks from underneath.

Cheers,
Ellen

Rigging Innovations
 

Nice going Scout,

How much of a job is it? When I had the "Venture" on the trailer,
raising & setting the main, Launching the boat and securing it to the
slip, driving the car and trailer to the parking lot, Hooking up the
Boom and setting the sails up; I was ready for a nap rather than a sail.

That would all change the minute the sails started :drawing and the
motor was shut off. It did get to be a PITA though, an the slip was a
welcome addition.

Looks good Scout. Happy Sails!!


http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ILLDRINKTOTHAT

Rigging Innovations
 

Ellen MacArthur wrote:
"Jeff" wrote
| I don't see where Thom "took credit" for inventing it. Actually, the
| details of it are different from anything I've seen, but sure, the
| general approach is pretty common.

Thom said "I blessed King Neptune for giving me the idea." And he said "My solution. Yours to take or leave."
It sounded to me like he was taking credit for inventing it. What did you think?

I think you are, at best, misinterpreting his comments.


| Do you have a point, or do you like to make a fool of yourself?

I don't have a *point*. I was just saying what he's talking about is nothing new. He acts like it's something new.
That's all.

Nowhere does he claim he was the first one to do it. There are
numerous small items that we all have stumbled upon independently -
should we be doing a patent search before using them?

Should I treat him like some feeble old codger like most of you here do? Or should I treat him like the
rest of you? Which is more fair? Which is showing him greater respect?

You should treat yourself with more respect. Acting like an ass is
bad for your self-esteem in the long run.

Rigging Innovations
 

Bart wrote:
Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]

I installed one line reefing systems for the main and mizzen. Guess
they just tied thru the reefing points before. Just rigged up a single
line with side mounted blocks, one for both points on the mizzen.. and
3 on the main. Makes reefing down quick and easy.

Joe

Rigging Innovations
 

Jeff,

I copied it from my previous boat which I Liked and it was in place when
I brought it. I think if you walk though any Marina with you're eyes
open you'll see it very often, I DID NOT INVENT IT!!! I just adapted to
"Pneuma"

I also set up a Cruising Vang/Preventer with lines from the Boom to
Blocks on my Port & Star'Bd toe rails forward of the main and then back
to cleats at the helm. This also I DID NOT INVENT!!!

I also Rigged a Cunningham Hook, just forward of my forward Hatch so
that I could "Barbar Haul" the Lazy Sheets on the Jibs, when they were
Poled Out. This also I DID NOT INVENT!!!

There are many things I've adapted that I've seen, read about, heard
about to make sailing easier and more fun that I didn't INVENT. I don't
think there is a active PATENT on them. I have use them. Not everyone
does. I'm very thankful for the ideas when they make life easier for me.
When they work out I do try to pass them on.

An old sailor passing on old ideas isn't a new Idea. Not at all
-------AND


http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ILLDRINKTOTHAT

Rigging Innovations
 

Thom Stewart wrote:
Jeff,

I copied it from my previous boat which I Liked and it was in place when
I brought it. I think if you walk though any Marina with you're eyes
open you'll see it very often, I DID NOT INVENT IT!!! I just adapted to
"Pneuma"

Yes, of course. My old Nonsuch had such a rig. I even remember when
I first saw the trick, I thought "I wish I had come up with that!"

I learned to program computer in the early days - my first program was
in 1963 - and there must have been dozens of tricks that every
programmer independently invented. I remember having to tell my
partner that he was not the first person to use a "stack" and a
"linked list."



I also set up a Cruising Vang/Preventer with lines from the Boom to
Blocks on my Port & Star'Bd toe rails forward of the main and then back
to cleats at the helm. This also I DID NOT INVENT!!!

I also Rigged a Cunningham Hook, just forward of my forward Hatch so
that I could "Barbar Haul" the Lazy Sheets on the Jibs, when they were
Poled Out. This also I DID NOT INVENT!!!

There are many things I've adapted that I've seen, read about, heard
about to make sailing easier and more fun that I didn't INVENT. I don't
think there is a active PATENT on them. I have use them. Not everyone
does. I'm very thankful for the ideas when they make life easier for me.
When they work out I do try to pass them on.

An old sailor passing on old ideas isn't a new Idea. Not at all
-------AND


http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ILLDRINKTOTHAT

Have another on me!

Rigging Innovations
 

In article ,
Thom Stewart wrote:
Jon,

There is another option. I terminated my wire about 3 foot above my Boom
with a metal eye and compression fitting; then a added a block at the
end, a 1/4" spectra line spliced to the end of boom, up thru the block
on the modified top lift and back to the boom. I had a 1/4" hole on the
boom end, which I inserted a Pin with a compression ball and ring in the
other end. I left enough line so that when it was loose it didn't
interfere with the sail and when it was adjusted I'd figure 8 it and set
it in place with a half hitch.

It made all the adjustments a snap and very easy on the hands, I blessed
King Neptune for giving me the idea; each time I'd Adjust the Boom for
light air and get the Baggy sail that I wanted.

The original purpose was to hold the boom while I reset the Lazy Jacks.
It did that perfectly. It also held the boom while I eased the Jacks to
put the sail cove on. Also, with the extra line I could tie off the
covered sail & boom outboard off the cockpit to let the Northwest rain
drain off to the outboard scuppers. It did keep the Cockpit and Deck
cleaner.

My solution. Yours to take or leave.

Excellent suggestions, but I'm getting a Dutchman installed.... this
is what they recommended.

--
Capt. JG @@
www.sailnow.com

Rigging Innovations
 

In article ,
Scout wrote:
"Ellen MacArthur" wrote in message
freenews.net...

"Scout" wrote
| the mast, she is raised!
| http://sports.webshots.com/photo/281...97509592kFvzbv


What's that skinny thing on the back of the mast on top? How come the
stay doesn't
bend it down? It looks like it's connected right on the very end of
it.....

For some reason they extended the back stay attachment. I guess it keeps the
stay out of the path of the mainsail. My Starwind's mainsail would get hung
up in the backstay from time to time. Maybe this is their answer to the same
problem?
Scout

You've got to admit that it does look a bit strange.


--
Capt. JG @@
www.sailnow.com

Rigging Innovations
 

"Ellen MacArthur" wrote in message
reenews.net...

"Scout" wrote
| For some reason they extended the back stay attachment. I guess it keeps
the
| stay out of the path of the mainsail. My Starwind's mainsail would get
hung
| up in the backstay from time to time. Maybe this is their answer to the
same
| problem?

OK. It sounds right. I guess it's stronger than it looks from
underneath.

Cheers,
Ellen

I sure hope so. One thing is for sure, if it's gonna break, I'm the guy to
break it!
Scout

Rigging Innovations
 

"Thom Stewart" wrote in message
...
Nice going Scout,

How much of a job is it? When I had the "Venture" on the trailer,
raising & setting the main, Launching the boat and securing it to the
slip, driving the car and trailer to the parking lot, Hooking up the
Boom and setting the sails up; I was ready for a nap rather than a sail.

That would all change the minute the sails started :drawing and the
motor was shut off. It did get to be a PITA though, an the slip was a
welcome addition.

Looks good Scout. Happy Sails!!

Thanks Thom,
It wasn't bad at all really, once I got a feel for it. I had no help raising
it yesterday. With help, it'd be a snap. Still, I have a slip lined up for
April 1. I like riding the motorcycle to the boat and spending time on the
water without an Olympic sized workout. :)
Scout

Rigging Innovations
 

"Jonathan Ganz" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Scout wrote:
"Ellen MacArthur" wrote in message
dfreenews.net...

"Scout" wrote
| the mast, she is raised!
| http://sports.webshots.com/photo/281...97509592kFvzbv


What's that skinny thing on the back of the mast on top? How come
the
stay doesn't
bend it down? It looks like it's connected right on the very end of
it.....

For some reason they extended the back stay attachment. I guess it keeps
the
stay out of the path of the mainsail. My Starwind's mainsail would get
hung
up in the backstay from time to time. Maybe this is their answer to the
same
problem?
Scout

You've got to admit that it does look a bit strange.

Sure does Jon - this reinforces why I hang here in asa. I appreciate the
critical eyes of this group.
And I'm always impressed by how much detail folks here glean from text and
pics, even when they come from my crappy cell phone camera!

I try to work with bad news when it's true - truth is better known than
hidden from!
Scout

Rigging Innovations
 

Joe wrote:
Bart wrote:
Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]

I installed one line reefing systems for the main and mizzen. Guess
they just tied thru the reefing points before. Just rigged up a single
line with side mounted blocks, one for both points on the mizzen.. and
3 on the main. Makes reefing down quick and easy.

Did you use any block? I find sigle line reefing adds too much
friction. I've ripped a few bails and things out because of friction.
I've though a few properly placed low friction blocks would be a
big help.

Rigging Innovations
 

Jonathan Ganz wrote:
In article ,
Scout wrote:
"Ellen MacArthur" wrote in message
reenews.net...
"Scout" wrote
| the mast, she is raised!
| http://sports.webshots.com/photo/281...97509592kFvzbv


What's that skinny thing on the back of the mast on top? How come the
stay doesn't
bend it down? It looks like it's connected right on the very end of
it.....
For some reason they extended the back stay attachment. I guess it keeps the
stay out of the path of the mainsail. My Starwind's mainsail would get hung
up in the backstay from time to time. Maybe this is their answer to the same
problem?
Scout

You've got to admit that it does look a bit strange.


Back when we were still at Muskegon Yacht Club, I noticed that the
Melges 24's all had that and so I asked one of the guys why...he said
that it kept the main from hanging up on fast tacks when racing...
http://www.melges.com/24melges.html

Rigging Innovations
 

Scout wrote:
"Thom Stewart" wrote in message
...
Nice going Scout,

How much of a job is it? When I had the "Venture" on the trailer,
raising & setting the main, Launching the boat and securing it to the
slip, driving the car and trailer to the parking lot, Hooking up the
Boom and setting the sails up; I was ready for a nap rather than a sail.

That would all change the minute the sails started :drawing and the
motor was shut off. It did get to be a PITA though, an the slip was a
welcome addition.

Looks good Scout. Happy Sails!!

Thanks Thom,
It wasn't bad at all really, once I got a feel for it. I had no help raising
it yesterday. With help, it'd be a snap. Still, I have a slip lined up for
April 1. I like riding the motorcycle to the boat and spending time on the
water without an Olympic sized workout. :)
Scout


But think, you have the best of both worlds...you have a boat that can
be slipped but if you want to go somewhere, you can load her up and
travel to a new destination.

Rigging Innovations
 

Bart wrote:
Walt wrote:
Bart wrote:

Describe one rigging change you made to your boat that
made you life easier. [1 pt]

Jib halyard led back to the cockpit with 12-1 purchase. I can fine
tune it myself while hiked out flat, instead of having my crew come
into the boat and adjust it (incorrectly).

Same thing with the vang, but 16-1. Since I tweak the halyard more
often, it wins by a nose.

What kind of boat do you have Walt? Do you have any pictures?

Here are some from about a year ago. Me and 100 of my closest friends.
I'm in there somewhere if you know where to look.

http://www.albacore.ca/2005canadians/pics1.html

//Walt

Rigging Innovations
 

Walt wrote:
Here are some from about a year ago. Me and 100 of my closest friends.
I'm in there somewhere if you know where to look.

http://www.albacore.ca/2005canadians/pics1.html


Wow that looks like fun, Walt!

There are some fleets of Albacores racing on the Chesapeake,
we've gotten mixed in with them. They look like fun boats if
you don't insist on a spinnaker...

One thing I noticed about the racing pics, in most of them
there are big differences in vang tension. Do you play the
vang off the wind? In most boats, especially in waves, the
vang is a throttle all unto itself.

Fresh BReezes- Doug King

Rigging Innovations
 

DSK wrote:

Walt wrote:

Here are some from about a year ago. Me and 100 of my closest friends.
I'm in there somewhere if you know where to look.

http://www.albacore.ca/2005canadians/pics1.html

Wow that looks like fun, Walt!

There are some fleets of Albacores racing on the Chesapeake, we've
gotten mixed in with them. They look like fun boats if you don't insist
on a spinnaker...

Well, actually you can put a spinaker on them, it's just not class legal
for racing. I've been thinking about hoisting a kite just for fun one of
these days. There are some old 470 kites hanging around the boathouse
that should work acceptably well.


One thing I noticed about the racing pics, in most of them there are big
differences in vang tension. Do you play the vang off the wind? In most
boats, especially in waves, the vang is a throttle all unto itself.

Yes, optimal speed off the wind is obtained by playing the vang . The
better teams sail with the crew holding the jib sheet in one hand and
the vang in the other. I'm not on one of the better teams, but I do try
to play it somewhat. Although, mostly my strategy in the planing
reaches is along the lines of "hang on tight and try to remember to
breathe."

The 16-vang is de-rigeure these days, and you have to be able to adjust
it without moving in from the rail.

//Walt

Rigging Innovations
 

Walt wrote:
Well, actually you can put a spinaker on them, it's just not class legal
for racing. I've been thinking about hoisting a kite just for fun one of
these days. There are some old 470 kites hanging around the boathouse
that should work acceptably well.


Yes, if the hoist is in the right ballpark that would be
idea. 470 spin'r's are small & flat, idea for power
reaching. You can put the hardware on strops, that will be
easier to remove & lighter for class racing than adding a
bunch of eyelets where you won't want them later.



Yes, optimal speed off the wind is obtained by playing the vang . The
better teams sail with the crew holding the jib sheet in one hand and
the vang in the other.

It affects the rudder quite a bit too, more upwind &
reaching than downwind (unless you start death-rolling, then
you want to vang in hard and keep the boom tip from digging in).


I'm not on one of the better teams, but I do try
to play it somewhat.

Get alongside one of the hotshots, & do what they do. If you
watch the 2nd batten (from the top) you'll be able to see
what they're doing with the vang out of the corner of your
eye. You should be able to feel why it's right in the helm
and in the seat of the pants.

Keelboat sailors refuse to understand this last bit, they
think looking at a knotmeter makes you go fast (shakes head).


..... Although, mostly my strategy in the planing
reaches is along the lines of "hang on tight and try to remember to
breathe."



Yelling "YEEE-HAA-AAA-AAWWW!!" helps with the breathing.


The 16-vang is de-rigeure these days, and you have to be able to adjust
it without moving in from the rail.


That's a lot of purchase! I had a 12:1 on the Lightning at
the aft controls, 6:1 at the forward (it was 4-ended so the
fwd crew could blow it in a spinnaker broach). If it runs
really smooth.... modern technology is wonderful... then it
gives a very fine range of adjustment.

The problem is that you end up with a loose tail underfoot
which then gets sucked into the Elvstrom bailer.

The really top crews are the guys who, when approaching the
leeward mark, can gybe cleanly & get into the right lane &
get the board down & close up the bailers & pull the outhaul
to "on" & roll the boat into a turn & miss the other boat by
inches & remember main first & and decide whether to tack or
cover as they exit... all smooth & quiet. Whoever said
sailboat racing was boring simply had no clue what all was
going on!

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

Rigging Innovations
 

DSK wrote:

Walt wrote:


Keelboat sailors refuse to understand this last bit, they think looking
at a knotmeter makes you go fast (shakes head).

I've done some big boat racing, and the process of tweak something -
look at the gps, tweak it again, look at the gps is somehow unsatisfying...


..... Although, mostly my strategy in the planing reaches is along the
lines of "hang on tight and try to remember to breathe."

Yelling "YEEE-HAA-AAA-AAWWW!!" helps with the breathing.

Huh. So it helps to sail like you're Howard Dean? I'll keep that in
mind next time.

The 16-vang is de-rigeure these days, and you have to be able to
adjust it without moving in from the rail.

That's a lot of purchase!

The new Laser vang is 15 to 1. More and more classes are understanding
the value of a powerful vang. Of course, all that force can break the
gooseneck if you forget to ease it when you bear off...

The problem is that you end up with a loose tail underfoot which then
gets sucked into the Elvstrom bailer.

Solution: continuous controls. The top boats have continuous vang and
halyard control lines. No tails, the slack is taken up with shockcord
and kept out of the way. Mine aren't continuous (yet).


The really top crews are the guys who, when approaching the leeward
mark, can gybe cleanly & get into the right lane & get the board down &
close up the bailers & pull the outhaul to "on" & roll the boat into a
turn & miss the other boat by inches & remember main first & and decide
whether to tack or cover as they exit... all smooth & quiet. Whoever
said sailboat racing was boring simply had no clue what all was going on!

The top boats come roaring down the starting line planing on a port tack
with 40 seconds to go before the start, find themselves a gap, roll tack
the boat to a dead stop inches to leeward of the next boat, and then
foot off into the gap to accelerate into the front row. It's quite the
sight.

The good teams are really "one" with the boat. It's like they're
wearing it, rather than riding in it.

//Walt
//
//Small boats and cold water - no better way to learn.