Starboard Kite Launches
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3058
Printed Date: 18 Aug 25 at 10:25pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Starboard Kite Launches
Posted By: MpHarris
Subject: Starboard Kite Launches
Date Posted: 09 Jun 07 at 11:16am
|
Recently bought a cherub with an off centre kite hole, it launches really well off a starboard tack but can't launch or retrieve on a port tack without huge amounts of heaving it round the forestay. Just wondering if anyone knows of a way to launch or retrieve on port? I'm guessing its more techinique than the boat but can't get my head around it. Still, twin wiring in a 12ft boat with most of it out of the water is always stunning. ------------- Cherub 2663 "Sweet Dreams" RS400 451 "IceBerg" |
Replies:
Posted By: Isis
Date Posted: 09 Jun 07 at 11:37am
|
Some boats with offset hatches seem to be able to manage it without any real problem, others really struggle... It really depends on the size and position of the hatch and the cut of the kite I think. Ive always had issues with it whatever boat im sailing (rubbish technique) so I generaly just try to plan to be able to hoist and drop on the correct side... Stu hovers around the forum so im sure he'll be able to tell you if theres any particular trick with Sweet Dreams. Glad you seem to be enjoying her though... Hope to see you at the nationals? Ben ------------- |
Posted By: Strawberry
Date Posted: 09 Jun 07 at 12:00pm
|
I learnt this technique on Shiny Beast just the over weekend. Here is the technique broken down: -drop the kite sheet to let the the kite collapse -pull the slack out the downhaul until the patch is just past the forestay -then blow the halyard -then work the downhaul like your race depends on it The really important bit is to not release the halyard until you can clearly see the patch is definately past the front of the jib. ------------- Cherub 2649 "Dangerous Strawberry |
Posted By: timnoyce
Date Posted: 09 Jun 07 at 2:54pm
|
Also really bear off onto a run if at all possible to get as much pressure off the kite as you can. I agree with Stuberry, taking the slack out of the downhaul is essential as it helps to control some of the excess kite. Even 15sqm like you have on Sweet Dreams is an awful lot in a 12 foot boat when it goes wrong!
------------- http://www.facebook.com/bearfootdesign - BEARFOOT DESIGN Cherub 2648 - Comfortably Numb |
Posted By: Strawberry
Date Posted: 09 Jun 07 at 3:41pm
|
Just realised I've been a bit special and not read your question properly, you're talking about launches not drops. The technique here is to pass the helm the starboard kite sheet so he can pull the spinnaker around the jib as you're pulling the kite up. ------------- Cherub 2649 "Dangerous Strawberry |
Posted By: I luv Wight
Date Posted: 09 Jun 07 at 6:09pm
|
With the hole offset to port - which is best for port hand buoy nationals type racing, the easy launches are on starboard, and the drops on port. I always tried to plan the hoist and drop ( on the shiny beast ) to be on the easy sides. - even if we got stbd roundings.
As stu says, port drop - pull the downhaul tight, get the patch on the right side, then release and pull like f***! A leeward stbd drop always ends up with the kite in the water. If the hoist is on the wrong side (port windward hoist ) at nationals w/l it often paid to gybe and hoist so the kite went up easily. - and then everyone else goes the other way so clear wind. ------------- " rel="nofollow - http://www.bloodaxeboats.co.uk" rel="nofollow - http://www.bloodaxeboats.co.uk Andy P foiling Int Moth GBR3467 Freedom 21 Codling |
Posted By: Calum_Reid
Date Posted: 09 Jun 07 at 10:19pm
|
Just gotta get really deep. ------------- 
|
Posted By: MpHarris
Date Posted: 10 Jun 07 at 8:46am
|
Thats cool, i shall give it a try hopefully today. Not sure if i'll make the nationals, starting a new job and sadly, can't take holidays in the first month. Thanks for your help, i shall no doubt come back with some more questions later. Matt Harris ------------- Cherub 2663 "Sweet Dreams" RS400 451 "IceBerg" |
Posted By: stuarthop
Date Posted: 10 Jun 07 at 9:40pm
matt the secret to launches and drops in sweetdreams is to make sure you hoist on a dead run and drop on a dead run i never had any troubles doing it this way  ------------- |