New Posts New Posts RSS Feed: Playing the main
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login

Playing the main
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <123
Author
  Share Topic Share Topic  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
PhilHigh View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 17 Jan 09
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 8 		Post Options Post Options   Quote PhilHigh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Playing the main
    Posted: 04 Feb 13 at 10:49am

In a strong breeze we have found its very important to make sure you don't over sheet the Jib upwind.  This is very easily done in the 500 due to the fixed poisition of the Jib Cleats.  If its to tight the boat struggles in the gusts, if the jib is correct the boat flow and you need to play a lot less mainsheet to control it.  The difference is often only an inch or so out on the jib sheets. 

Back to Top
ifoxwell View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 05 Jan 06
Location: Hoo
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 669 		Post Options Post Options   Quote ifoxwell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Feb 13 at 10:48am
For me it sums up the frustration of sailing a SMOD. Simple changes would make the sailing experience much more enjoyable but when your stuck with the off the shelf equipment you have to compromise your sailing technique to deal with the inadequacies of the design.

Not adding anything to the above I guess just venting and its not targeted at the 500 itself just the whole concept of not letting people tinker with designs for the benefit of all.

Sorry

Ian
RS300
Back to Top
RichTea View Drop Down
Far too distracted from work
Far too distracted from work


Joined: 22 Jan 13
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 207 		Post Options Post Options   Quote RichTea Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Feb 13 at 9:27am
I am not a fan of wrapping the main around the hand. It is a habit young sailors do when learning. You are not able to dump the main quick enough when needed and could end up bruising your hand.


Edited by RichTea - 04 Feb 13 at 12:27pm
Back to Top
NickM View Drop Down
Far too distracted from work
Far too distracted from work


Joined: 27 May 09
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 328 		Post Options Post Options   Quote NickM Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Feb 13 at 9:27pm
This is probably completely the wrong technique but on a Contender yonks ago this worked for me.  After the gust has passed, crack off a bit so you are not spilling so much wind and at the same time sheet in by taking coils of rope around your hand in a continuous movement and slowly harden up.  When you are back on track, cleat the sheet briefly to shakie out the unwanted coils. Oh, and wear gloves.
Back to Top
JimC View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 17 May 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6661 		Post Options Post Options   Quote JimC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Feb 13 at 9:21pm
Are you allowed to give the crew the mainsheet? Its by far the best way to play if the class rules don't stop you.

Edited by JimC - 03 Feb 13 at 9:25pm
Back to Top
Quagers View Drop Down
Far too distracted from work
Far too distracted from work
Avatar

Joined: 24 Oct 06
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 279 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Quagers Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Feb 13 at 9:18pm
Lots of Vang as suggest above. Also try to anticipate the gusts rather than reacting by having your crew look upwind and call them, should make the ride smoother.
Back to Top
Do Different View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more


Joined: 26 Jan 12
Location: North
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1312 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Do Different Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Feb 13 at 7:46pm
Never sailed an RS500. But my 2 pennies worth from a few others classes would be. Set your mast rake back (if you can in a 500), raise the board a little to move the centre of resistance aft and up and sail a bit freer and faster. Plenty of vang helps to make sheet loads easier in big winds because then main sheet only has to pull the boom in to change the angle of attack and not down to close the leech. 
Back to Top
Mister Nick View Drop Down
Far too distracted from work
Far too distracted from work
Avatar

Joined: 01 Aug 09
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 389 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Mister Nick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Feb 13 at 5:41pm
I helm an RS500 and when it's windy (20 knots+) and gusty, I really struggle to play the main quickly enough to keep the boat upright. I find that when a big gust hits and I have to ease the main quite a lot,  I just can't pull it back in fast enough to prevent the crew getting dunked. I just find the boat heeling backwards and forwards all over the place. My hands get absolutely knackered and it just makes the boat so hard to sail. It's only going upwind where it's a problem, everywhere else I'm alright. 

I've tried changing the vang, outhaul and cunningham settings and that's helped but it hasn't solved the issue. I've also started bearing away a degree or so when I sheet back on after a gust has come through to get the boat going again, which seems to work but I'm not sure if that's the best/easiest way to do it? I haven't had this problem with any other boat that I've sailed.

Has anyone got any tips? Thanks! :)




Edited by Mister Nick - 03 Feb 13 at 6:13pm
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <123

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.665y
Copyright ©2001-2010 Web Wiz
Change your personal settings, or read our privacy policy