[C320-list] Backstay adjuster.

[DennyBrowne@Verizon.net]

Mine is exactly like the one pictured on the website, but the block and
tackle lead to the starboard side instead of port. It's at least ten years
old, and I've replaced the double braid line on the block and tackle, but
the spectra line leading up and over the bridle seems fine. I've been racing
A Cappella pretty successfully this year, but I have

1 - replaced the prop with a Martec two blade folder. This had the greatest
impact on our results, next to:

2 - added new Quantum Dacron loose foot racing main and full hoist
(non-furling) 155 genoa. I use the outhaul aggressively to change the shape
of the main in the lower third. That seems to matter.

3 - replaced the furling gear with a Shaeffer Tuff Luff foil. This
eliminates considerable weight aloft, and enables the longest possible luff
on the headsail.

4 - took the anchor package off the bow and stowed the whole thing below the
dining table. Eliminates hobby horsing.

The backstay seems to matter, and I actually ease it in the tacks to power
up the main a little, then gradually pull it back on as we go to final trim
on the headsail. But I can't imagine it matters as much as 1-4 above. Crew
weight seems to matter, as the boat likes to be sailed flat. We race against
another C320, Midnight Run, who is a very good sailor. We're quite proud to
have beaten him from time to time, but he's more experienced and told the
Quantum Sailmaker that he didn't like losing to us, so he bought better
sails than ours!

Denny Browne
Denny.Browne at Me.com
310-408-9591

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Amiraults
Family
Sent: Thursday, October 24, 2013 1:22 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Backstay adjuster.

Mr. Morrison & Browne:

Is the backstay adjustor you are writing about the strangler type which
compresses the split portion of the backstay; of block and line anchored to
one of the backstay chain plates as shown in photos available on the
website? I race my wing keel (poorly) and the promise of improved upwind
performance makes me wonder if planning to have one ready for spring
installation would be a worthwhile upgrade.

Brian Amirault

2001 #797 Waltzing Bear, too