Raking Rigs

http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?showtopic=103845

But raking the rig back works even when you keep the rig tension on, so it can't just be losing power because of slack shrouds.

It works for boats with jibs, and those without, and really I've never seen a convincing argument for it that hasn't been shot down by others, with their own slightly unconvincing argument. Best I've come up with is "its complicated, I don't understand it, but it works".

Does the Contender keep the rig tension on? They are the classic raking rig singlehander. I've always assumed it did, because of the trapeze, but have never studied the boat.

Raking the rig has multiple effects. From increasing mast bend in the majority of boats to opening the slot, allowing the top of the main to blade off etc. many of these can be achieved in isolation, but as you do you drag the centre of effort forward. In the majority of boats we sail this leads to a very lurching response to gusts which is inefficient, and requires more rudder corrections.
Raking the rig allows the boat to come back into balance. It will also increase other benefits such as opening the slot more.
Next time you go out in a breeze, if you have the ability to rake, de power as much as you can by pulling the usual controls. Then sail up wind and adjust the rake till you feel comfortable. Then adjust the centre board, and see if you need to adjust again, on single handers with stayed rigs it has a big effect.
On two sailed boats also pay a lot of attention to the slot. If you get into that main flogging situation, and others arn't or you want to be first to regain control, ease the jib, and flow will be restored. This is a good indicator to either go for more rake or move jib cars back.
This fine tuning is effectively what the good guys are doing when they are doing that practice beat, as well as keeping an eye on winds shifts.
Last thing to remember is if the wind strength changes, re adjust everything. You will then end up sailing the boat rather than fighting it.
Rig tension depends on the boat and rig. You can induce a lot of mast bend further up by keeping it on, but some rigs need less, as it allows more lateral bend at the top.

Andy (wish I was fit enough to do that practice beat. Am one of those who drops off after first lap against the top guys looking a bit too red)

Edited by andymck - 02 Nov 13 at 11:47am

I think that the main effect of raking the rig is the mast bend effect. For every 1/2 hole that we rake the mast back ( equivalent to ~2" of mast tip movement)  we get ~7mm more of mast bend. So if you drop the rig back 4" at the tip, by dropping the shrouds 1 full hole you can get 15mm more prebend. If you want to know how this effects the mainsail shape this will take 1.5% camber out of the sail which has a significant flattening and depowering effect when its breezy and you need the sail as flat as you can.