Downwind with B&R rig

[rfrye1]

Hi Don, I was thinking while out on my Hunter H376 yesterday. While running (broad reach) downwind (true wind about 120-125' behind) with my B&R rig, would I be better off with my traveler to leeward and vang tight (flat sail)? In effect I am trying to get the big mainsail as far out w/o hitting the spreader (no twist).

Thanks. Bob

 

[Clark]

Excellent question Bob. I'd like to know as well. H280 owner - swept back spreaders (nm)

d

 

[Alan]

Suggestion

Install spreader patches on your main and don't worry quite so much about the main touching the spreaders. You could also apply mylar tape to the trailing edge of the spreaders to further reduce chafe.
The traveler should of course be to leeward and vang on. What other option could you use?

 

[Don Guillette]

Downwind

Bob: As Alan mentioned,the traveler should be all the way down and the boom vang should be tight. The reason for that is the boom wants to rise when it is all the way over the side. For those of you that do not have a boom vang - the mainsheet is not much help in keeping the boom low because of the pulling angle. There is no downward pulling mechanical advantage. i may not be describing this correctly but you will recognize it when you see it. The reason the traveler has to be all or most of the way down is that is the only way the sail will work on that point of sail.

On that point of sail,a preventor is a good idea.

I don't really like the sail hitting the spreaders (why chafe it up if you don't have to?)and always kept the sail short of that point. I also don't like sailing dead down wind and rarely did so. DDW is normally slower than paint drying!!