First let me say that I'm new to sailing. I have a 27' Hunter with a 150 genoa. In 10 to 12K winds when I try to set the genoa it seems to over power and cause excessive healing. My genoa fair-leads are positioned all the way aft. Any advice would be appreciated.. Thanks
Setting the Genoa
- Thread starter Tom23400
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A couple of thoughts
You said the genoa fairleads are all the way aft. If that's the case, you should be able to sheet the genoa in until its foot is board-flat. If you can't do that, then it means the leads aren't far enough back. That means either that the fairlead is improperly positioned, or (more likely) the 150 you're using is too big. I know this sounds like a stu[id question, but are you sure this ia a 150 for your boat? Generally speaking, Hunters derive most of their power from the mainsail. As a result, their headsails tend to be small. The stock headsail is usually a 110 working jib, which is quite effective in the wind speeds where 80 percent of us sail, i.e., 5 kt to 12 kt. In my opinion, a genoa should not be used above 5 kt unless you're racing and even then, a 150 might be too much. Most people racing Hunters in light air around here use a 135 or 140. Larger sails have more drag and they are a pain to tack. Bottom line; I think you're over-canvassed. Try and find a stock dacron 110 jib. It shouldn't be too hard because for some reason, people like to spend money on larger or more exotic headsails and reject the perfectly good working sails that came with the boat. I really don't mind, because that's how I was able to pick up two headsails in very decent shape with the sheets included for next to nothing. By the way, sailing can be a very therapeutic pastime, but the sideward lean of a sailboat under the press of sail is "heeling", not "healing". Welcome aboard and good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
You said the genoa fairleads are all the way aft. If that's the case, you should be able to sheet the genoa in until its foot is board-flat. If you can't do that, then it means the leads aren't far enough back. That means either that the fairlead is improperly positioned, or (more likely) the 150 you're using is too big. I know this sounds like a stu[id question, but are you sure this ia a 150 for your boat? Generally speaking, Hunters derive most of their power from the mainsail. As a result, their headsails tend to be small. The stock headsail is usually a 110 working jib, which is quite effective in the wind speeds where 80 percent of us sail, i.e., 5 kt to 12 kt. In my opinion, a genoa should not be used above 5 kt unless you're racing and even then, a 150 might be too much. Most people racing Hunters in light air around here use a 135 or 140. Larger sails have more drag and they are a pain to tack. Bottom line; I think you're over-canvassed. Try and find a stock dacron 110 jib. It shouldn't be too hard because for some reason, people like to spend money on larger or more exotic headsails and reject the perfectly good working sails that came with the boat. I really don't mind, because that's how I was able to pick up two headsails in very decent shape with the sheets included for next to nothing. By the way, sailing can be a very therapeutic pastime, but the sideward lean of a sailboat under the press of sail is "heeling", not "healing". Welcome aboard and good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
I disagree
My experience is that Hunters get their power from both sails, that the mainsail is especially wimpy if rollerfurled. But that's neither here nor there to the question at hand. The boat should run find in winds of 10-12, but to get used to the heeling you might try reefing the main (at the dock, much easier and safer) and experience what that's like. Eventually you'll unreef the main when you master the controls of both sails, but better to be slower and safer for now.
My experience is that Hunters get their power from both sails, that the mainsail is especially wimpy if rollerfurled. But that's neither here nor there to the question at hand. The boat should run find in winds of 10-12, but to get used to the heeling you might try reefing the main (at the dock, much easier and safer) and experience what that's like. Eventually you'll unreef the main when you master the controls of both sails, but better to be slower and safer for now.
it is a system
I have seen lots of folks make their boat look like the pictures, all heeled over and going to windward. While that is one point of sail it is not the most common. I find that letting the sails out and letting the boat "stand up" results in a) a nicer ride and b) a faster sail. Try letting the main out then trimming the jib.
I have seen lots of folks make their boat look like the pictures, all heeled over and going to windward. While that is one point of sail it is not the most common. I find that letting the sails out and letting the boat "stand up" results in a) a nicer ride and b) a faster sail. Try letting the main out then trimming the jib.
The 1984 h27 is a masthead rigged vessel which
derives most of its driving power from the headsail. Back in the 80's the tall rigs were the "in" thing and these boats carried high aspect ratio main sails that could be practically described as tall and skinny as they sat on short booms. The 1984 h27 usually sported a headsail roller furler and carried a 150% Genoa. The fairleads consists of snatch blocks mounted on the toe rail. They can be moved all the way aft on the toe rail but usually just in front of the winches will do fine. The split fore pulpit allowed the sail to be totally flown outboard. Setting the blocks at a location that will yield a headsheet angle which will bisect the luff of the headsail will work adequately in most conditions and is a parting point for further adjustments. The h27 Cherubini was built as a tank and with its displacement of 7000 lbs dry weight could hardly be described as tender in 10 to 12 knots of true wind. I agree with Bill, picking a point of sail farther off the wind and loosening the main sail sheet will allow the boat to stand up and sail faster. The h27 will sail better at heel angles that do not exceed 25 degrees. This model did not come equiped from factory with a traveller nor a boom vang so on a stock rig sail trim capabilities are limited. The shallow keel version is further hampered in its pointing ability. Worn, blown out sails may also contribute to excessive heeling but you just have to find the riggin settings and balance combination that will allow you to sail most comfortably. Get out there and practice.
derives most of its driving power from the headsail. Back in the 80's the tall rigs were the "in" thing and these boats carried high aspect ratio main sails that could be practically described as tall and skinny as they sat on short booms. The 1984 h27 usually sported a headsail roller furler and carried a 150% Genoa. The fairleads consists of snatch blocks mounted on the toe rail. They can be moved all the way aft on the toe rail but usually just in front of the winches will do fine. The split fore pulpit allowed the sail to be totally flown outboard. Setting the blocks at a location that will yield a headsheet angle which will bisect the luff of the headsail will work adequately in most conditions and is a parting point for further adjustments. The h27 Cherubini was built as a tank and with its displacement of 7000 lbs dry weight could hardly be described as tender in 10 to 12 knots of true wind. I agree with Bill, picking a point of sail farther off the wind and loosening the main sail sheet will allow the boat to stand up and sail faster. The h27 will sail better at heel angles that do not exceed 25 degrees. This model did not come equiped from factory with a traveller nor a boom vang so on a stock rig sail trim capabilities are limited. The shallow keel version is further hampered in its pointing ability. Worn, blown out sails may also contribute to excessive heeling but you just have to find the riggin settings and balance combination that will allow you to sail most comfortably. Get out there and practice.
What did I miss?
Unless I read it incorrectly, the original question was related to excessive heel while trimming a 150 genoa with the jib fairleads all the way back. The boat was described as a "27' Hunter". Five models fit that description, which is why I said: "Generally speaking, Hunters derive most of the power from the mainsail." The Cherubini 27 appears to be the only one of the five with a masthead rig, large headsail and small, high-aspect ratio main. Regardless of rig or headsail size, the foot of the headsail should be tight if the sail is trimmed hard with the jib fairleads all the way back. Under those conditions the leech should be wide open, which is how a genoa should be trimmed to reduce heel. If the boat is still heeling excessively as Tom described, then it's probably over-canvassed. Another possibility (which Bill pointed out and which I admittedly did not consider) is that the sails (both genoa and main) may be overtrimmed. New sailors often overtrim (I know I did) and as Bill suggested, the easiest solution is to ease sheets. Heading up some more should also help. BTW, 25 degrees of heel is too much for me. I'm fastest between 10 and 15 deg. My H23 is light (2800 lb fully loaded) and all my sails are dacron. Peter H23 "Raven"
Unless I read it incorrectly, the original question was related to excessive heel while trimming a 150 genoa with the jib fairleads all the way back. The boat was described as a "27' Hunter". Five models fit that description, which is why I said: "Generally speaking, Hunters derive most of the power from the mainsail." The Cherubini 27 appears to be the only one of the five with a masthead rig, large headsail and small, high-aspect ratio main. Regardless of rig or headsail size, the foot of the headsail should be tight if the sail is trimmed hard with the jib fairleads all the way back. Under those conditions the leech should be wide open, which is how a genoa should be trimmed to reduce heel. If the boat is still heeling excessively as Tom described, then it's probably over-canvassed. Another possibility (which Bill pointed out and which I admittedly did not consider) is that the sails (both genoa and main) may be overtrimmed. New sailors often overtrim (I know I did) and as Bill suggested, the easiest solution is to ease sheets. Heading up some more should also help. BTW, 25 degrees of heel is too much for me. I'm fastest between 10 and 15 deg. My H23 is light (2800 lb fully loaded) and all my sails are dacron. Peter H23 "Raven"
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