[C320-list] Tacking Efficiently in Racing

[argates2nd at comcast.net]

Andrew & Pat, 

Thanks for these great tips. 

The Alerion 28 does have a self-tacking working jib for heavy air -- and also two high tech genny's that don't fit the jib boom -- so they beat us 85% of the time, so we are 2nd this year overall in a 6 boat class A.  The third place boat is an Irwin 38 that does well on long non-beating legs with their waterline and light weight. 

Monday and Tuesday is our club's Spring regatta and I will report back with our progress.  



If I can't improve the crew, I will contact you to sign them up for bonehead crewing and/or start drinking more. 

Rollie  #182    Charlotte Harbor, FL 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Andrew Santangelo" <andrew_santangelo at mac.com> 
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
Cc: "C320 Assn List" <c320-list at catalina320.org> 
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 12:41:30 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Tacking Efficiently in Racing 

Rollie, 

Every little bit does help (as does a folding prop - it really does   
make a difference).  But slow tacks are truly a killer as is improper   
mainsheet and headsail trim.  But here are some pointers on the   
sailing trim and team work. 

* Tacking - the key is tacking fast AND efficiently.  The instant the   
sail breaks to the other side release and bring it over as FAST as you   
can.  If you don't, as you probably discovered, it takes forever to   
winch in a loaded sail unless you have some boat bubbas. 

* Tacking, part II - do not get too fast bringing the boat around   
otherwise your crew cannot keep up with you.  Now do not get too slow   
or you will get in irons. 

When we did the above technique our tacks went from 2 minutes   
(Sheesh!) to now 20 seconds worst.  Early on I was so frustrated with   
the crew I demonstrated tacking the boat myself with the autopilot -   
did it in 18 seconds. 

* Mainsail trim - this is really important on this boat especially in   
gusty and windy conditions.  You need a crew member who is good at   
reading the wind and waves and adjusting the sail without a comment   
from the helms person.  This is critical.  One or two weather helm   
incidents and that is the race. 

One other pointer to consider - exercise.  My crew on occasion would   
have some members in their upper 50s and it was a challenge - tacking,   
sail trim, everything.  However one lady on my crew (58) over the   
winter lifted weights and exercised.  The change was profound.  She   
was almost a boat bubba!  She was definitely stronger than the old men   
on the boat. Yes you can exercise as you get older and still work a   
boat. 

Some other tips to consider (low cost): 
* Go with non-stretch racing sheets and halyards.  Less stretch, the   
quicker you stabilize at one speed that is slightly higher. 
* Constantly trim and look at the wind, waves and boat.  This makes a   
huge difference.  My first year of racing I went from beyond dead last   
(if there is a position) and lower third of fleet doing this - with   
original sails and three blade fixed prop.  I found the cruiser   
mentality of setting sails and relaxing did not work. 
* Learn the feel of your boat - time and experience.  That is why I   
nervous moving up to a bigger boat now - I know my boat inside and   
out.  I know what makes her tick.  This is also very good for cruising. 

Little more costly options: 
* I went to the Autoprop folding prop and it did wonders for both   
racing and cruising.  I reach hull speed with lower RPMS (saving   
fuel), no prop walk, lots of power in bad weather - and faster under   
sail.  This moved me up to the upper division of the fleet with the   
other minor adds from above. 

Very costly if you want the flag badly: 
* Fin keel 
* Racing sails 
* Hydraulic Backstay 
* Spinnaker Gear (uh - hold off on this with an old crew.  Heck a   
young crew almost sunk my boat , so to speak, with a spinnaker the   
first time).  For the buoy races we do not use the Spinnaker too much   
loss of time with an untrained beginner crew.  We do use the Spinnaker   
for big long distance races - and do win or place. 

I hope this helps.  Keys - think efficiently on a tack, let the wind   
help you bring the sail over, and bring the sheet in quickly while it   
is unloaded. 

BTW - tacks on my J22 are under 5 seconds - but that is a little sail! 

Best Regards, 
Andrew 
C320 "Dawn Treader" 
#333 



----- Forwarded Message ----- 
From: "pat reynolds" <lorasalum at yahoo.com> 
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2009 10:22:50 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Tacking Efficiently in Racing 


Rollie, 

A 155 is a load to trim quickly and efficiently when the wind picks up.  With the age of your crew its all wishful thinking.  I know, I am at the top range of your crew.  First thing is to look around for a person around 25 with biceps to match.  It doesn't matter if they have sailed before.  Failing that, make sure the one releasing the lazy sheet immediately helps tail the new working sheet.  65 divided 2 is an average age of 32.5 

The Alerion 28 has a self tacking headsail if I remember and it has less sail area than your genoa. 

 Pat R. 

On Mar 19, 2009, at 5:44 PM, argates2nd at comcast.net wrote: 

> We club race an Olympic course with a crew of 4 or 5.  Our new   
> dacron 155 Genny is a handful for guys aged 65-72 to handle in wind   
> above 10-12mph. 
> 
> Last Monday, an Alerion 28 with high tech sails, which gives us   
> about 2 minutes per hour, beat us and won by 63 seconds corrected.   
> If we had tacked more efficiently, it would have made the difference. 
> 
> One of our crew handles the traveler at the start of the tack, one   
> lets off the genny sheet, and one does the work pulling and then   
> winching the new working sheet. 
> 
> What tips do you have for better teamwork while tacking -- (besides   
> a folding prop to replace our 2 bladed fixed prop)? 
> 
> Rollie     #182 (wing keel)    Charlotte Harbor, FL