Which controls
Which controls does my boat need and why. I have prioritised
each system as this made it easier to decide where to place systems in the boat
and identify areas I could reduce the complexity.
- Main and Jib sheet
- Kicker
- Jib halyard
- Outhaul
- Cunningham
- Ram
- Pre-bend
- Shroud length
The main and jib sheet go without saying as the most important control. while
sailing you will spend as much as 90% of your time adjusting them. They must
work efficiently and sit in and easy to access position. Everything else must
run clear of the range of movement caused by the sails.
The
jib halyard is very high up the list as I use this as the primary mast bend and
power control. The outhaul and Cunningham are used often through out the
racecourse. The pre-bend is near the bottom of the list. The shroud length
adjustment is last on the list, this might surprise some readers, but for a very
good reason. The boat will be taken to the internationals at which shroud length
adjustment is not permitted while racing. If the boat was only to be used for UK
racing I would place the shroud length at 7.
When thinking about changing the rigging try to consider how you would like
every control. When that is done decide which you can afford or need to do and
do only those. By planning for every control you will ensure that blocks are
placed in logical positions and sufficiently strong for next winter when you will
change the remaining systems.
Next: Where to site controls
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