I bought my Hunter 340 August 2001, took some US Sailing classes, and have been getting in a lot of practice over the winter. Now I want to race. I took her out for the Wednesday night beer can race and came in dead last. Crew was helpful, but as inexperienced as myself(picture attached). At this point, I don't know what I don't know, and I am looking for some advice on how to get this boat out of last place. Thanks for a reply, mtm
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Race: only when there is another boat present
I only race my 340 when another boat is there <grin> It is hard to say where one should start. One of the big keys is to get the most out of your boat upwind. Key is a tight rig, sails trimmed appropriately tight for the wind, waves, and current. More waves, more drive needed, less waves more speed desire. Another factor is to avoid excessive weather helm. If you have to turn your wheel more than 90 degrees to keep the boat on target, you are probably losing speed somewhere. 180 and you have problems. So balance the sail drive between the main and the headsail to avoid that. Full sail in a high wind means excessive healing, and loss of speed. Reefing under such conditions will increase speed. You might start by buying a good book on sail trim. Much to be learned about stretch, wrinkles, leech lines, sail twist, slot between main and the headsail (including making sure that it is appropriately open all the way up, etc. can be found in a good book on sails. My copy of the book "Sails" has disappeared. Otherwise I could give you the author. Hope this helps you get started.
I only race my 340 when another boat is there <grin> It is hard to say where one should start. One of the big keys is to get the most out of your boat upwind. Key is a tight rig, sails trimmed appropriately tight for the wind, waves, and current. More waves, more drive needed, less waves more speed desire. Another factor is to avoid excessive weather helm. If you have to turn your wheel more than 90 degrees to keep the boat on target, you are probably losing speed somewhere. 180 and you have problems. So balance the sail drive between the main and the headsail to avoid that. Full sail in a high wind means excessive healing, and loss of speed. Reefing under such conditions will increase speed. You might start by buying a good book on sail trim. Much to be learned about stretch, wrinkles, leech lines, sail twist, slot between main and the headsail (including making sure that it is appropriately open all the way up, etc. can be found in a good book on sails. My copy of the book "Sails" has disappeared. Otherwise I could give you the author. Hope this helps you get started.
Practice, practice, practice
I bought a 320 last spring, and raced it through the summer. Dead last by a long shot in all races except one that had the current and the wind pushing us along the river. I learned a lot, and hope to continue this year. It would be nice to end up in the pack some times. The times we did better was when we had crew that had been working together for more than a few races. Learning sail placement gives about 60%-75% of speed, and trim gives the rest. Once you get the most out of the boat, then you can look to changing the boat (think $$$ here). I have added a folding prop this year, and a light air headsail. The 110% that came with the boat is small and heavy. My new one is 125% (I don't have to change the tracks) and very light. I don't know how much this will help, but I am hopeful. Since the boat is new, and not too many racing, I am also working on the PHRF rating. I got an additional 6 seconds this year, but I think it is still low. We shall see what happens. My first race is Sunday. Good luck, Steve
I bought a 320 last spring, and raced it through the summer. Dead last by a long shot in all races except one that had the current and the wind pushing us along the river. I learned a lot, and hope to continue this year. It would be nice to end up in the pack some times. The times we did better was when we had crew that had been working together for more than a few races. Learning sail placement gives about 60%-75% of speed, and trim gives the rest. Once you get the most out of the boat, then you can look to changing the boat (think $$$ here). I have added a folding prop this year, and a light air headsail. The 110% that came with the boat is small and heavy. My new one is 125% (I don't have to change the tracks) and very light. I don't know how much this will help, but I am hopeful. Since the boat is new, and not too many racing, I am also working on the PHRF rating. I got an additional 6 seconds this year, but I think it is still low. We shall see what happens. My first race is Sunday. Good luck, Steve
New racer.
I only cruise except, like Jim, when there is another boat on the same tack.
As a newbie large boat sailor I am amazed at the speed changes with: 1) new sails, and 2) the proper trim. A friend lent me a book "Looking At Sails" that is the best I have seen on sail trim. Then I found my own used copy on Amazon, see "Related Link". There is also the "Sail Trim" forum here on HOW.
I only cruise except, like Jim, when there is another boat on the same tack.
As a newbie large boat sailor I am amazed at the speed changes with: 1) new sails, and 2) the proper trim. A friend lent me a book "Looking At Sails" that is the best I have seen on sail trim. Then I found my own used copy on Amazon, see "Related Link". There is also the "Sail Trim" forum here on HOW.- Status