Mainsail Centre Sheeting

Originally posted by Guest#260 Actually, the hull shape of the 12 & the Merlin are pretty poor for roll tacking as they tend to scoop water over the side as they are so wide.

Well it needs fine judgement on exactly how far you can heel, but the width gives you lovely leverage for a good vigourous roll. Believe me, you can propel a Merlin very nicely up the beat by roll-tacking.

For a Topper CM ceraintly works better, especally in strong winds. Quicker to sheet in, can actaully hike and work the waves properly, face forward when tacking/gybing etc.

The N12 is a fairly short boat, so these considerations are more relevant than in say a Dutchman or an Osprey. I do wonder about the Europe or RS300, where transom drag is an issue. I often struggled to keep the 300 moving through a tack, where my old China Doll (N12) was no problem. One of my clubmates built a 12 with centre sheeting, but converted back after a season; if you wanted to beat him, you just had to get into a tacking duel!

As far as the Laser style arrangement, I think the RS800 trialled it, and found significantly reduced sheet loads, making it easier for women and smaller or younger people,& I think they allowed it as an option.

I'm told some Europeans think we're strange, with our transom sheeted boats!

N12's are really good at roll tacking - the majority run aft sheeting. A few have experimented with transom main run along the boom and sheeted directly and some have experimented with purely central sheeting.
The ones with boom sheeting are noticeably slower tacking as the technique just isn't as smooth and you end up further back in the boat digging the transom in. I'm sure in a longer boat like and Albacore or Merlin it isnt so bad but the same effect will probably be noticed.
On the other hand, going from a centre sheeting Moth to a transom main sheeted from the boom, my tacking is much better now for the same reason - I can stay further forwards.

As for the topper, presumably not getting enough leech tension through the boom sheeting system - half the purchase wont be pulling down directly on the end of the boom.

my kiddlys sailed Toppers through transition from aft to centre sheetin , there was a marked difference in their performance and ability to sail the boat in strong winds and overall  they felt much happier in the setup ,imho a good move. Biggest difference was for my youngest  and smallest @ <8 St became competitive too in stronger winds.