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SPREADER
SETTINGS
there are two measurements for spreaders: Spreader Length and Spreader
Deflection. Spreader Length affects the sideways stiffness of the mast
and is taken by measuring the side wall of the mast to the shroud. Spreader
Deflection controls the pre-bend in the mast and is measured by putting
a straight edge from shroud to shroud and then measure to the mast from
this edge.
RIG
TENSION
Rig Tension is measured on the shroud. Try to use the same tension gauge
each time and measure at the same height e.g. eye level. We wail with
400lbs/180kgs in all conditions. Minor adjustments to the tension can
be made by using a small chain plate on the end of the jib halyard instead
of a shackle. Moving the pin up (decreasing the halyard length) will
then increase the tension slightly.
MAST
RAKE
Mast Rake is measured from the top of the mast to the top of the transom.
It will vary slightly between boats but we sail with a rake in the range
of 21' 11/2" - 21' 2" (6438- 6451mm). To do this hoist the
jib with 400lbs/180kg tension and then shackle a long measuring tape
to main halyard. Measure 18' 6" (5638mm) to the top of the black
band at the gooseneck. Cleat the main halyard and measure to the transom.
This is the mast rake. The half hole adjustments on the shroud chain
plates change the mast rake by approximately 1/2 inch/13mm.
PRE-BEND
When you have the tension and rake set correctly, the final check to
be made is the Pre-Bend. This is controlled by angling the spreader
tips forward and aft. Angling the tips aft increases the Pre-Bend by
pushing the middle of the mast forwards. We sail with a Pre-Bend of
1 inch/25mm which is measured by pulling the main halyard tight against
the mast at the gooseneck. The distance between the halyard and the
mast at spreader level is the Pre-Bend. The Pre-Bend can be adjusted
without affecting your mast rake and tension settings.
JIB
SHEETING
In medium and heavy
airs the jib is pulled in as tightly as possible. A crease will appear
across the foot of the jib. In very heavy winds the helm may need to
help the crew to pull the jib in bar tight after each tack. In lighter
breezes when the crew is no longer sitting on the side deck the jib
should be eased 1/4 inch/6mm. When the crew sits to leeward the jib
should be eased 1/2 inch/13mm from tightly-in so that there is no longer
any crease in the foot.
JIB
FAIRLEADS
these should initially be set so that if you follow the sheeting angle
through the jib clew it will bisect the angle formed by the leech and
foot. The fairleads can be moved back one hole on the track in winds
above 15 knots. This increases the tension in the foot of the jib while
freeing off the upper leech depowering the jib slightly. Below 8 knots
the fairleads can be moved forward one hole.
JIB
STICKS
We carry 2 jibsticks, a running jibstick and a reaching jibstick. The
running jibstick is maximum length and is used for goosewinging to present
maximum sail area to the wind. The reaching jibstick is minimum length
and is used when the jib is to leeward. When sailing with the reaching
stick the jib should be overtrimmed so that the bottom leeward telltale
is lifting. This keeps the upper part of the jib drawing. You will be
unable to use the reaching stick on tight reaches.
MAINSAIL
The mainsail should only be hoisted to the bottom of the black band
even though some 'speed bump' crease will be evident on the luff when
sailing. Below 10 knots the mainsail should be 1/2 inch/13mm below the
blackband (dropped one notch on the halyard rack).
KICKING
STRAP
This is the most critical control when racing. In very light winds you
should just take the slack out of the kicker when sailing upwind. As
the wind increases however and the mast starts to bend you should aim
to have the top leech telltale on the main flying approximately 80%
of the time i.e. occasionally flicking behind the mainsail. In these
conditions it becomes critical to adjust the kicker as you sail into
gusts or lulls. Above 15 knots the telltale will fly continuously. The
kicking strap then becomes a power control - if you are overpowered
pull more on, if underpowered let some off.
When sailing downwind you should aim to have the leech telltale flying
continuously. If yo find that you cannot pull enough kicker on when
sailing upwind i.e. the lower cascade block touches the double block
on the floor, move the pin on the kingpost chainplate down one hole.
Conversely if you cannot let off enough kicker on a run (top cascade
block touches the boom) move the pin up a hole.
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