Question about weather helm on a C30

[David]

During a recent day sailing in light (10-15k) winds on my C30TR, I noticed that while on the starboard tack, the boat was perfectly balanced without a hint of weather helm, rudder amidship. While on the port tack, it took at least a quarter of a turn on the wheel to keep the boat from rounding up and costing me some speed. All sail controls were set appropriately (as far as I know) and were not significantly different from the previous tack, the boat just seemed to want to round up more. Has anyone else had this happen? P.S. I just had the rig tuned by a very well respected rigger in my area that morning. Thanks!

 

[Ron]

Weight Distribution?

How is the weight distributed on the boat? I have noticed my C-30 sails a little different on each tack. (check the mast and make sure it is even port & starboard)

 

[Brad McEachern]

Cars

Are you sure that the cars are in the same holes on the tracks? If they are not this will make a diffrece for sure. Brad

 

[Tim Dranttel]

Tuner

I'd say that if this is the first time this has cropped up and the only major thing that was done/changed on your rig then the tune is the problem. Everyone makes mistakes and even though the rigger is well respected it doesn't mean he is perfect. Give him a call and explain your problem. If he is as good as you say he should have no problem coming out and taking a look.Tim

 

[David]

Good advice

I'll just try to respond to the suggestions. Thanks for the advice. As for the cars, I know they are in the same holes or at least I've counted up from the end of the track the same number on both sides. As for the condition, it was pre-existing. It is not as noticeable now as it was before the rig was tuned. I was just curious if it was a sail trim, rig, or tuning problem. I'll let yo uknow if anything develops.

 

[Joe Ford]

Some thoughts on your problem.

Is the wheel's center spoke (king spoke) properly aligned? Check it while under power in a calm, no current waterway. Maybe it just needs readjusting.In the meantime let wheel pressure rather than position be you guide, and watch the rudder for cavitation.When I sail there is often a favored or more comfortable tack. Consider current, wave and wind direction when analyzing your sail trim. Unless they are all coming from the same direction the boat will respond differently as the point of sail changes. I rarely have the same settings on each tack. If the waves and current are coming from a different direction than the wind then the forces that affect the boat will be different on each tack. Draw it out on a piece of paper and you will see what I'm talling about.Try sailing with a flatter main next time, or move the jib faileads forward a bit to power up the headsail, and see what happens. Order the sail trim guide available through this website. I use it all the time. Good luck my friend.