Racing a 34 in Light Air

[Mike Cummings]

Well, for the second time in two weeks, I have been waxed with winds of 5 to 7 knots. I will point out that this is my first racing season with this boat and I do have aged sails. But we did finish second two weeks ago in winds 8 to 12 knots. I have no trouble getting the boat up to speed in winds of 8 or higher, but below that I cant.Any suggestions besides telling my wife we need to spend $4,000 on new sails.ThanksMike

 

[rik kaufman]

re hunter 34 in light air

Tell your wife you need to spend $6000 on new sails.Seriously, I have a 28.5 and the two designs are very similar. First of all assuming the boat performs well in moderate air loosen theforestay 3-4 turns. This will move the sailplan aft inducing a bit more weatherhelm and also give a bit more headstay sag powering up the jib a bit.Also if the boat is going slow (3-4 knots) get boat speed before attemptingto point. With the suboptimal keel foil due to cast iron construction, you want to have the underwater foils generating lift or you will just be sliding sidewaysslowly. Also reduce halyard tension and keep the boat slightly heeled toleeward.With the 28.5 we do quite well in light air on the Hudson River and Long Island Sound.Good Luck, Rik

 

[Jim Russell]

Feathering Prop !!!!

This will cost slightly less than new sails depending on what you buy, but will improve your light wind sailing emensely . . . .I even beat a 40 C&C not counting handicaps. <grin>Jim

 

[Richard]

Sail improvements

I had two full upper battens installed on my 1983 Hunter 34 main sail that made a great difference. This only cost about $150.00 and helps in other areas also. I recommend this to improve over-all performance. This is a 2+2 batton layout just like the new Yachts. You will like the results!