Mainsail trim

Fred Chadsey · Post by **Fred Chadsey** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 12:17 pm

I'd like to see a member discussion on Vang/Sheeting vs Traveler/sheeting for mainsail trim. My preference is Vang Sheeting for the following reason: the mainsail shape never changes w/ main sheet is let off in gusts or minor adjustment ( When we set the shape of the mainsail it's after headsail car position is established, then vang is set paralleling shape in both sails. Most of time top batten is parallel to boom ). I have a mainsail trimmer (he's good) who keeps the boat on it's feet and driving w/ the sheet only. I concentrate on helming and keeping Kaotic in the grove ( I don't have to drop or pull the traveler ). My crew won't even let me to look around at other boats (lol). My job is simple to sail fast & high. PS I'm 76 yrs old so I probably wouldn't do a good job @ traveling.

Like to hear from someone who supports traveler/sheeting

dave · Post by **dave** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 12:58 pm

Different strokes for different folks. Vang sheeting works if that's what you want to do but I disagree that the main trim stays the same. Even with a fairly beefy boom like on the 7.9 the boom still bends some under high leech loads, which means that when you have the mainsheet and vang really tight and ease the main, the leech WILL open some. I use the traveler for angle of attack and way more vang tension than anyone else that I've personally sailed against and do the sheet/ backstay/traveler myself. If that's not an option for others then what ever gets them upwind the best [more than one leg................ stamina!!] is probably what they should do. The 7.9 has a very long traveler [unlike the J24, which is almost useless in moderate+ winds] so, I use it!!

Fred Chadsey · Post by **Fred Chadsey** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 3:43 pm

Dave, you're a better man than me, when I attempt to control other trim handling, I loose a 1/2 boat lenght just reaching and adjusting. Aaah, but you do use vang as I do you just prefer to correct weather helm w/ traveler yourself. My mainsail trimmer watches my tiller constantly to see if I have weather helm and controls the angle of heel. I differ w/ your comment that the leach looses shape when sheeted out, at least the way my mainsail is cut it's not detectable. I will travel up in light air and down sometimes in 20+ kts. Who cuts your sails Doyle ? Fairwinds Fred

dave · Post by **dave** » Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:55 am

Fred, I make my own sails, and since you asked [I'm not trying to sell anything mr. moderator], I cut my mains with level boom height, which means that the roach is more pronounced. Sails with a larger roach [cats are a good example] are much more sensitive to leech tension, and if you are paying close attention, you can see the difference.

Also, YOU are da man! I only hope that I'm can still compete at 76!!

I'm 53 and think nothing of riding my bike [in the hills!] over 60 miles, so I'm trying to stay in shape. Truth be told, I believe that crew aggravations will put a damper on my sailing [already has] long before health issues, but life ain't fair, and any of us may be gone a minute from now, next week or who knows...............................................................................