Clew Sheeting angle on 140% Genoa

[Bob Early]

I get different suggestions from friends and a who race and cruise. I have "fixed" blocks with snap shackles on my 140% Genoa, and would like to know how to determine the optimum angle to pull the clew down. One of the problems with this boat is its propensity to heel so bad that around 7 - 8 kts, I lose all steerage and must "dump" excessive wind with the main.Related to sails, but more on sail control, is there a definitive work that explains the various blocks, sheaves, etc. and where and how each ought to be used? I hate to admit that my roller furling main sheave is held in place with a short line instead of a SS snap latch.Most of my sailing is in Buzzards Bay, if that helps any.Thanks,Bob

 

[Mike I.]

Chart

Don Guilette's Sail Trim Chart is the best way to go. A great "how-to" about sail trimming. Available from the Chandelry.

 

[F.A. Floriani]

Genoa and "fixed" blocks

Fixed blocks and a 140% genoa don't mix.For a minimal expense you should mount tracks on your gunwales, so that blocks can travel with a car. If you pull the sheet too much DOWN, the roach will be flat and the foot arched. If you pull too much BACK, then the foot will be flat and the roach arched. The correct pull is that if you imagine extending the line of the sheet on the surface of the sail, it should be exactly bisecting the angle of the clew. Or, conversely, if you draw on the sail with a marker the bisectrix of the clew (middle of the angle, 1/2 on each side,) then pull the sheet in a way that is in straight alignment with that line.You should move the block back and forth on the track until you reach that alignment. That is where the block should be locked!...Different winds, different positions.Good luck.

 

[joe]

"The Art and Science of Sails"

by Tom Whidden is a terrific resource for your questions. I highly recommend this book. Your questions regarding headsail angles and lead block positioning will be answered in detail. This book will definitely make you a better sailor.

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Thanks Joe!

My birthday/Christmas list has already started with your suggestion of Tom Whidden's book. I eat that stuff up! (See Releated link below)Trevor