books on sail trim and tuning the rig

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Jun 3, 2004
3
Hunter 37-cutter San Francisco
Does anybody know of any good books on sail trim or the intricacies of tuning a rig for different types of performance? thanks, Josh
 
Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
Give it up Josh.

No way to make an H37C go fast. :) But you can try with Brion Toss' book and/or video. See Related Link. My favorite for sail trim is "Looking At Sails" by Banks and Kenny. It is out of print but I found a used one on Amazon. I'll let you borrow it for the summer. Rig tuning, as you suggest, is very important. I have weather helm on the starboard tack that is much greater than on the port tack. Last week in 16 kts of breeze at 60 degrees apparent I could make 7.2 on port tack but only 6.9 on starboard. The old rudder is hanging out there like a drogue. This was without the staysail which does contribute to the imbalance. And my dockmate claims 9.1 knots on his H44. That's why I say "give it up".
 

Ed A

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Sep 27, 2008
333
Hunter 37c Tampa
I cant say i agree with Ed S.

Ive only raced mine once and got a second, to another 37c. The biggest performance change i have heard of is a larger headsail. about 125% seems best to thouse who win and take out the cutter rig all together. Now i havent done this but thats what Blaise Pearson swears by and he should know. He has won boat of the year on the west coast of florida several times with his 37c. He uses performance sails and all the goodies, but has raced his for years very sucessfully. He is on the owners list and would problbly offer some good suggestions if you contact him. My favortite book is Sail Power, by Wallace Ross. It is a great book on trim and how boats work. ED
 
Feb 17, 2004
268
Hunter 30_74-83 Lower Salford, PA / Tolchester,MD marina
DON GUILLETTE-Sail Trim Users Guide

A very good read is available from this site. The sail trim users guide by Don Guillette. This also is available with a set of laminated cards on trim for helpfull reminders under way. I think the entire set is under $20 Ian s/v Meant to Be
 
Jul 4, 2004
2
- - Vancouver, BC
Sail Power!!

The BEST book out there on the subject is without doubt, Sail Power, by Wallace Ross. Recommennded to me by a sailmaker and racer, it has provided many insights into getting the most from your efforts.
 
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