Racing information

[Bill Barnes]

I purchased my first sailboat, 36 Catalina tall rig, in the spring of 03. My primary interest has been and will continue to be club racing.I am seeking information on how to may the boat fastercrew is working hard to learn) asking for suggestions on mainsheet setup, backstay adjusters, bottom paint and so on. Also, do all 36 Catalinas have a port list? Show the mast be racked back just a little?Please help. Bill Barnes

 

[Joe Barrett]

Racing

Hey Bill, I bought a Catalina 320 in 2001 and race it alot. I added a 3 blade feathering prop which I love, not just for racing but power and control in reverse. I added a back stay adjuster made of Harken parts. Depending on wind strength use the backstay adjuster on the windward legs, helps pointing alot. It also helps you slack the rig on downwind legs. Also put an outer genoa track on to barberhaul the clew of the Genoa outboard the lifelines to open the slot on reaches. Also a couple of new 155% Genoa's, one Laminated, one Dacron to race in Cruising class. I also added a Forespar whisker pole and padeye to the mast for broad reach and running downwind. Keep the bottom clean before every race, and practice with the crew. Read books on sail trim and racing tactics. In terms of mainsheet setup I don't follow you. I think you have two cabintop winches. Keep the mainsheet and a winch handle on the windward winch. Have fun, we spell fun only one way, WIN!