Measured on 2008 Duffin / Through deck sheeting / Selden mast
Spreader length controls the lateral stability of the mast and how easily the mast is allowed to bend off, de-powering the rig. Measure with the mast down from the mast to the point where the shroud runs through the spreader.
Spreader deflection is measured by placing a straight edge connecting the shrouds at the spreader tips. The deflection is the shortest distance from the straight edge to the rear face of the mast.
GPs can take a large amount of tension. Tension stiffens the rig and reduces luff sag in the genoa when sailing. Rig tension is a powerful control and must be measured accurately.
Light & difficult conditions: Ease the rig to allow luff sag in the genoa, which rounds up the entry and makes it much easier to sail.
Breeze conditions: Hold tight rig in breeze as this holds the genoa flat. The main is designed to flatten off sufficiently even with lots of rig applied.
Championship Setting: Rake measures 21ft 9½ins at 29 on Loos professional
Mast sits 10mm out of gate at this setting
Using a chock to control the amount the mast bends at deck level when sailing is extremely powerful.
Use two 5mm thick chocks instead of one 10mm chock. This allows more accurate control of the settings.
Quick decision guide: Am I over-powered? Am I easing mainsheet? If so - depower! Take a chock out.
Leach tension is critical and controlled by mainsheet or kicker. The goal is to harness as much power as possible by turning the breeze through a large angle without jeopardizing overall flow over the sail.
Wind Range | Primary Control | Setting |
---|---|---|
0-8 knots | Mainsheet only | Click or two of ratchet block |
8-15 knots | Mainsheet + Kicker | Leach telltales stalling <50% time |
15+ knots (overpowered) | Kicker + Boom position | Boom end on quarter with kicker applied |
MAINSHEET:
Pull angle is effective at closing the leach directly
KICKER:
Bends the mast which then opens the leach
Rule: Don't use kicker tension until you must, to maintain power in the leach
Jib cars control leach tension in the jib, but sheet tension has far greater effect on leach tension.
Goacher sails don't normally sew in the luff wire, allowing you to adjust luff tension and jib height.
More Tension:
Setup Options:
Remember: If you adjust rig tension, the luff sag and entry angle of the jib is affected
Goacher sails pull the luff rope fractionally tighter than other sails, providing adjustability as there's always some elasticity in the luff that can be pulled out using the cunningham.
Lead to Thwart
For easier crew access
Grind On in Wind
Don't be afraid - really pull it!
First Thing Off
Release immediately in lulls
Effects: Cunningham de-powers, bends the mast off, and slightly opens the leach. Don't forget to readjust your kicker when using cunningham!
At the mainsail tack, use either a rope around the mast or a Goacher mast slider that slots in the track (better than a pin on the boom - allows it to ride up when going off-wind).
Effect: Pulls the clew toward the now-higher tack, taking pressure off the leach when there's insufficient breeze to keep it open.
Steve's note: Makes your main wear out more quickly though!