Trim etc

Posted By: Craig D, Suncat, "Cattitude", Finger Lakes
Date: 7/17/08 6:22a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Went sailing last night with gusts to about 25 (Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI)

All of the above! Also may want to check how you have your sails adjusted. IE, Leech tension(downhaul),Outhauls(boom and gaff), leech(leechline) and peak halyard. What works in light air will not work well in heavy air and vice versa. Experimentation is the only way to find what works best in various conditions in a given boat. Generally the rule is flatter sail in higher winds, fuller sail in light winds. I am amazed at how just a little(1"-2") adjustment in the peak halyard can make such a big difference in the set of the sail! Do you have leech flutter in higher gusts? The leechline is an often overlooked adjustment. Another possibility you may want to check is the rake of your mast. Adjustment fore and aft changes the center of effort. How far in are the turnbuckles on your stays? If they need to be fully shortened in order to have sufficient forestay tension, that would be a clue. If your headstay has stretched your mast may be raked aft and contributing to excess weather helm. When I got my boat (new) I noticed a forward rake to the mast with turnbuckles fully extended and talked to Rich at the factory. He advised leaving as is unless the forestay was not tight enough(forestay lever should need moderate pressure to close)since the forestay will stretch over time. I have noticed that some folks here pin the boom gooseneck above the mast hinge which is ok but limits the amount of luff tension adjustment to what you can get by tightening the throat halyard. The guys are right, your boat is trying to tell you something! It has been said many times that: "Catboats are easy to sail but difficult to sail well". I have found that to be very true. I have been sailing for 40+ years but learning to sail my Suncat well continues to be an enjoyable challenge and I have much to learn! I would liken sailing a catboat to riding a a fine horse. Both require a firm but gentle touch and a connection with the horse/boat by the rider/sailor to be truly proficient. These can be very subtle boats! Experiment and have fun!