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Alan,
Depending on the stiffness of the mast, the cascade kicker may not have the expected effect.
I don't use it usually with a stiff mast.
And oversized kickers are mast, boom and gooseneck killers.
In any case, the sail will not be under control if you don't allow the mast to bend, by easing the lower shrouds : they should never be tight unless the boat is sailing in hard wind conditions. In harbour, a common method of setting the shrouds is :
- set the mat in vertical positon using the upper shrouds. The lower shrouds are then loose.
- set the main halyard on the end of the boom, or better around the boom at the level of the main sheet
- haul the main sheet to have a mast bent 1.5 times longitudinal section (stiff mast) to even 2.5 times longitudinal section
- tighten the upper shrouds if they are loose
- tighten the lower shrouds to a tension just higher than the upper
- set the sails and test this basic trim in a good wind (at least 12 knots)
- if there are large oblique wrinkles between forestay fittings and clew, tighten the lower shrouds
- When there are no longer wrinkles, you have the "lowest power" configuration.
An old mainsail is bad thing, best use a good mainsail. Our experience is that a strong cloth (at least 180 gr /sq.m.), or equivalent in exotic material, is good, 240 gr/sq.m. last longer and is just weaker in lighter winds.
Philippe
Micro Class chief measurer
----- Original Message -----From: Alan MainSent: Wednesday, August 10, 2005 1:15 PMSubject: Re: [MicroClass] Racing-pointing/spinnaker / Gem sail no 11Hi RobinThanks for your invaluable advice, I seem to be ticking most of the boxes apart from having the main luff tight, but I think that is down to the age and condition of the sail. I'm planning on fitting a cascade kicker to give more purchase, I raced her in light winds last night and finished 4th out of 13 boats so obviously depowering her is the problem. I'll keep you postedAlan----- Original Message -----From: LOUVEL ROBINSent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 11:57 AMSubject: Re: [MicroClass] Racing-pointing/spinnaker / Gem sail no 11hi Alan im in the same situation as you learning a new boat.you say shrouds are tight. they are a method of changing the sail shape slightly before you use the back stay. tighter outers reduce sail depth. you seem to have too much power in the sail is the luf tight enough when you set the sail without the cunningham? is the foot out haul moveing ok. are you stalling the boat by trying to point too high?also do not pinchbcomming out of a tack. once the centre plate has stalled it takes a time off wind to recover the situation.i have found that wee need a crew of 3 because we neeed to depower the sails above a force 3 with only 2 of us.plymouth sound sailor
Alan Main <alan.gmain@...> wrote:Can anyone give me some hints/advice regarding the above. I've taken
part in 5 races now,the only race I did well in was in light winds. For
example I raced today in a force 4-5, lots of fun downwind, but made
lots of leeway to windward, even with a reef in the main and my jib
hanked on instead of my genoa. My stays are tight and I used the aft
stay to good effect, but still had bigger and slower boats passing me.
Also any advice on how best to handle the spinnaker, I've rigged up a
chute and sock affair but I'm still having problems. Since I bought
the boat last year I've done lots of work on her but,as yet,I still
have the old/original sails,I hope to buy new sails for next season,
could this make a big difference??? Looking forward to some advice
All The Best
Alan Main (NW Scotland)
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