[C38] starboard vs port performance

[Rick Swensson]

May the gods of luck, science, art and humor be with you Bob.

Show 'em how great our 38's are!

Rick Swensson
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bob Porter 
  To: Catalina 38 Listserve 
  Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2009 2:50 AM
  Subject: Re: [C38] starboard vs port performance


  Now lets make this really interesting.

  If your boat sails the same speed on both tacks, there is probably something wrong.

  Wind shear.  It is unlikely that the wind you sail in is laminar. That is from exactly the same direction from the top of the mast to the deck. More likely, there is a shear where it rotates clockwise or counter clockwise from top to bottom. Depending on how you set your sails, one tack should be faster.

  Wave angle. If your wind is anything but extremely constant, the wave angle should change. If you head more directly into the waves on one tack, it should be slower.

  I love sailing! It is so much of a science, it becomes an art.

  Wish us luck in the Port Huron to Mac race. While we did the Chicago Mac 3 times and got a first, third & second in a 23 boat fleet. We have yet to flag in the Port Huron/Mac after more starts. I think it has something to do with wind shear & wave angle.

  Bob Porter
  Hiawatha 
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Rick Swensson 
    To: Catalina 38 Listserve 
    Sent: Wednesday, June 03, 2009 4:39 PM
    Subject: Re: [C38] starboard vs port performance


    Welcome to the club, Steve.  On Rascal we had the same problem.  It was due to a discrepancy in the top spreader angle.  With these tall rigs its important to have everything a squared up as possible.  Once that was fixed we now run pretty much the same port or starboard tack.

    As you can see from the other replies to your question there are a lot of variables!  And remember, our boats sail a little faster if healed so maybe your weight differential is part of the problem (the heavier side should go faster and hence point higher).

    Best of luck.  And you are so right about the kick in the @@@@xxxx from the spinnaker.

    Rick Swensson
    "Rascal"; Hull # 182
    Newport Beach, CA
      ----- Original Message ----- 
      From: Steve Smolinske 
      To: Catalina 38 Listserve 
      Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 10:07 PM
      Subject: [C38] starboard vs port performance


      Hello all, 

      hoping you more experienced Cat 38 racers can help me out. But first I have to say Wow flying a spinnaker on our boats is a kick in the #$$!  We were last off the line with a crew excluding myself and bowman who had never even touched a spinnaker, so by the time we walked them through the deployment we were a good 500 yards back of 8 boats and in last place, within 20 minutes we were out in front by the same distance.   The story isnt so good after that due to bad calls at the helm so Ill stop there, but was that ever fun just walking past them with so little effort.   

      We noticed that on port tack we were much faster by about a knot, sheets led to the same spot, trim looked good, but nothing seemed to help on starboard.   Im wondering is it because of the weight of the batteries, galley and head all on port that help to bring down that side a little more when on a port tack?  Apparent was about 13, could it have been wave direction?  Our boat sitting at the dock does have a slight list to port.   As always thanks for the help.  

      Steve
      Peregrine #312
      Seattle



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