Good comments from everyone. I raced sloops

Posted By: Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI
Date: 7/17/08 12:27p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Full sail in gusts to 25, that should build confidence! (Carl, Horizon Cat/Picnic Cat, Central Texas)

for many years, and I've always sailed small boats, so I'm used to keeping a boat on its feet and making it go. The Sun Cat is very stable compared to a lot of boats I've sailed, so I don't worry much. And I'm very lucky, my wife enjoys sailing, doesn't mind heeling, and trusts me completely. But I agree, I think I'll reef a little sooner. I didn't this time because the wind was pretty inconsistent. And I hadn't practiced. We had a nice race at the Pearson Ensign nationals in Newport one year when we reefed just before the starting gun. No one else did, and we had a 1/4 mile lead at the first mark - shows how much you blow off to leeward if you're overpowered. The sail trim looked pretty good, by the way - no wrinkles, no fluttering. The only problem may have been too much bag. The existing setup doesn't allow for easy tensioning of the foot - I need to add a block and cleat. By the way, it seems that the splice on the throat halyard hangs up in the block on the mast, making it hard to get the sail up as high as it might go. If it were a little higher, I could get the luff tension (downhaul) working better. Anyone see a problem with just changing the halyard connection at the throat to a bowline instead of a splice? It would give me about 6" more loft. Enjoy! Dave