In Q2 the answer is moderate tension giving moderate twist. Which would indicate that you want to dump some air from the top of the sail. Q6 the answer is a tight vang. If I underatand the purpose of the vang, having it tight will remove twist. Why are the adjustments conteracting instead of complementing each other? I thought the vang was primarily a down wind/light air tool to control twist so it wouldn't come into play to windward unless the winds were real light.
Questions 2
- Thread starter Ken Juul
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Question 2
Ken and any other mates reading this: Please forget the quiz. I am just not good at developing quizes. I hate them and can't even stand to take the DMV test. I know the correct answer but have trouble making up the other answers but did real good with "don't know"!!! The whole idea of the quiz was to determine if the person taking the test understood the operation of each sail trim control for the main and jib. The boom vang (along with the mainsheet) is used to control TWIST in the mainsail. Increasing tension on the vang REDUCES twist and decreasing tension INCREASES twist. The vang is also used to control DRAFT POSITION (which I will explain shortly) along with the cunningham or halyard, mainsheet, outhaul and mast bend. Increasing tension on any of those controls moves the DP forward (less power) and decreasing tension moves the DP aft (more power). Additionally, while sailing down wind, the vang prevents the boom from rising so it performs a couple of functions. You mentioned the boom use in very light winds. The only way a vang would help you in light winds is if it is a rigid vang and had the ability to LIFT the boom about 10 degress, which is a function a soft vang can't perform. In very light air the mistake most sailors make is trying to put some belly in the sail. The problem with that is the wind does not have sufficient force to get around the sail and stalls so the correct setup is a very flat sail. Once you get it totally flat, jack up the boom vang about 10 degress or use your topping lift to get the same result. This set up may not seem correct but the next time your out in those conditions try it and see if it works for you. If your racing in the middle of the pack in those conditions, don't even think about it - just do it and you'll move up at least 2 positions!!!
Ken and any other mates reading this: Please forget the quiz. I am just not good at developing quizes. I hate them and can't even stand to take the DMV test. I know the correct answer but have trouble making up the other answers but did real good with "don't know"!!! The whole idea of the quiz was to determine if the person taking the test understood the operation of each sail trim control for the main and jib. The boom vang (along with the mainsheet) is used to control TWIST in the mainsail. Increasing tension on the vang REDUCES twist and decreasing tension INCREASES twist. The vang is also used to control DRAFT POSITION (which I will explain shortly) along with the cunningham or halyard, mainsheet, outhaul and mast bend. Increasing tension on any of those controls moves the DP forward (less power) and decreasing tension moves the DP aft (more power). Additionally, while sailing down wind, the vang prevents the boom from rising so it performs a couple of functions. You mentioned the boom use in very light winds. The only way a vang would help you in light winds is if it is a rigid vang and had the ability to LIFT the boom about 10 degress, which is a function a soft vang can't perform. In very light air the mistake most sailors make is trying to put some belly in the sail. The problem with that is the wind does not have sufficient force to get around the sail and stalls so the correct setup is a very flat sail. Once you get it totally flat, jack up the boom vang about 10 degress or use your topping lift to get the same result. This set up may not seem correct but the next time your out in those conditions try it and see if it works for you. If your racing in the middle of the pack in those conditions, don't even think about it - just do it and you'll move up at least 2 positions!!!
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