Help Up Wind

[Shep Zedaker]

In last weekend's race, My H27 (7/8 fractional, 110 jib) could not point with the race leaders (SR-21, Mobjack, Albacore, even a Catalina 22!). I had to be at least 3-4 degrees off their windward line (more like a Hobie 14 also in the race). I had the jib (stock but not blown, I rarely use it) just inches from the spreader and the main flat in 15 kts of wind. Both upper and lower tailtells on the jib seemed to be breaking together. In puffs (18-20kts), even totally luffing the main could not keep us from rounding up. Seems like I have plenty of rake in the mast (maybe too much?). What else can I do? Are there any special tricks to make this (travelerless) boat narrow its tacking angle?

 

[Jeff]

Tune

It would seem that you would need to retune your rig and rid yourself of some of the weather helm by having your mast rake reduced. You should be able to point with the boats mentioned. You did not mention how old your main is but a stretched out main will also negativly affect your pointing ability. I would start with the rig and then think about replacing the main if you want to get serious about racing. Your main is probably fine for general sailing but if you are in a competitive fleet there will be a lot of new sails out there.Good luck.