[C320-list] C320 genoa car track

[wdoc1 at aol.com]

Thank you guys!
This is a used racing genoa I picked up last year and had re-cut over the winter, using a reputable sail maker in Annapolis. Maybe not the best investment? Prior to last night's experiment we couldn't get the proper shape regardless of car position....with the sheet led aft last night and someone pushing it down to ~18" off the deck, the sail shape was better and we were able to point higher with better boat speed. Sheeting angle to the aft turning block is definitely too extreme, and this was simply a trial run. Thinking of rigging a low friction ring "tweaker/barber hauler" to the garhauer car? 
When close hauled/properly trimmed, is your 155 completely inside the lifelines?
BillDiversion #714



-----Original Message-----
From: John Stetson via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Cc: John Stetson <jbstetson721 at gmail.com>
Sent: Thu, Jun 8, 2023 5:11 pm
Subject: Re: [C320-list] C320 genoa car track

I would have to agree with the comments by Surprise.  Our 155 is in its 4th
year and the Garhauer genoa car system is in its 3rd, both long enough to
work out the best position, etc.  We find that we routinely have the car
just forward of the 5th or 6th hole when close hauled, depending on the
wind speed.  If it is any further aft we end up with excessive twist and a
loss of power as well as general performance.  We sheet to 2 to 4" off the
tip of the upper spreader depending on wind speed, move the car forward
when off the wind, and have never used the aft turning block as it results
in too much friction when tacking.  We race J&M weekly and on many
weekends, and are very pleased with the power and pointing with the genoa
and car system.  .

John Stetson
Morning Star...Again
Hull #578
Shelburne, VT


On Thu, Jun 8, 2023 at 2:27 PM surprise thompson87.com via C320-list <
c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

> Is it possible your 155 is old and blown out?  Is it the stock sail?
> Those tended to not hold their shape for more than a few years. The turning
> block aft of the winches is awfully far back and you should not be getting
> decent sail shape in that position. (And how do you even use that in
> anything other than super light air since it can’t have a fair lead?) I
> Sail with a 145 and find the optimal position upwind in any decent air is
> about even with the back of the side windows. That’s around 5 holes
> counting from the back of the track. I haven’t owned the stock 155 for
> years, but when I did I got decent sail shape in the aft hole position even
> though the sail was blown out after just a few years of use. Buying a new
> high quality Genoa was like getting a new boat in terms of reduced weather
> helm, better pointing, and boat speed.
>
> Another thought: If the sail is decent is it possible your mast is raked
> too far forward? That would move the optimal lead angle aft.
>
> > On Jun 8, 2023, at 6:26 AM, Bill & Kay- Diversion via C320-list <
> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> >
> > Hello Shipmates-
> > Upgraded to the Garhauer genoa car system last year...works great for
> our 130% sail, but find that even with the car moved all the way aft, the
> sheeting angle and sail shape for the 155% genoa is not optimal.
> > While racing last night we tried running the sheet directly to the foot
> block aft of the winch as a temporary measure, and found the sail
> shape/boat speed to be vastly improved.
> > Has anyone extended the track further aft or found a different way to
> rig the sheets for a larger genoa?
> > Thank you in advance- always learning!
> > Bill McConnellC320 #714 Diversion
>