At the dock, check mast position to be sure it's not leaning to one side. Use a halyard to measure from the top of the mast to the rail on each side. Then adjust your lowers and mid shrouds to remove any sideways bend. Don't over tighten the turnbuckles. When sailing to windward, adjust the turnbuckles so there is no sideways bend in the mast. It's OK if your leeward shrouds are a little slack, as long as the mast is straight. ( I know I'm going to get grief from some on the list, but I got this advice from Steve Rander at Schooner Creek Boat Works. Steve is an international racer, with many wins under his belt. He also builds winning boats at his yard.)
Rake should be adjusted for the amount of weather helm you want. More rake gives you more weather helm. I like to sail with 10 -12 degrees of heel. A 135 is right for the wind you described. Flatten the main with your outhaul. Tighten your baby stay. Increase backstay pressure to 2,000 under those wind conditions. Adjust draft position with halyards, vang and cunningham. Maximum draft on main should be 50% back; on genoa, 35-40% back. Don't let boom go to windward of center of boat. With everything set right, you should be able to outpoint the rest of the fleet. Alan Bergen 35 Mk III Thirsty Rose City YC Portland, OR
_______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
