Genoa track thoughts
Track location depends on your headsail. The fixed (factory) location was for the hank-on 110 working jib. If your headsail is larger than the stock 110, the track needs to be mounted farther aft. Otherwise, the forward portion of the track will never be used and all your hard work to install it will have beeen wasted.
The track should be positioned to maximize the range of movement for the genoa car. Moving the car aft makes the sheet pull the clew of the sail aft more than it pulls down. This tightens the foot of the sail and and loosens ("opens") the leech, allowing the headsail to spill air off the top and reduce its power. Moving the car forward has the opposite effect. HINT: Increasing headsail power is an effective way to counteract the notorious weather helm of the H23 caused by the large, powerful mainsail.
As a roller-reefing headsail is reefed, the clew moves up and forward, changing the angle to the sheet block and the trim of the sail (see above). Moving the car forward preserves the angle and helps maintain trim.
Regardless of the position of the genoa car on the track, the sheet must have a clear run from the clew of the sail to the turning block and from the block to the winch. The sheet should not chafe on the turnbuckles when close-hauled. The deck is cored, so you should drill oversize mounting holes for the track and plug with thickened epoxy (which doesn't drip onto your cushions...don't ask me how I know this)
. When the epoxy cures, drill the correct size hole for the mounting bolts. If you can, get bolts that are just long enough to go through the nuts without protruding so you won't cut your scalp later when lounging belowdecks. Tape the deck before you mount the track for easy cleanup of any excess sealant that squeezes out.
Here's the deck of an H23 that was raced successfully for years (not mine). The forward track was set to sheet the stock 110 jib INSIDE the shrouds, while the aft track was set for 150 genoas and spinnakers.
