[C38] Traveller adjustment when close hauled

[Les]

On our boats, the movement of the traveler will also allow the boom to
rise or be pulled down tight.  This is due to the difference in the arc
of the traveler vs the combined arcs of the sheet to the two tie downs
on the deck, and depends on how tight you have the vang set.  Also if
the sail is older, it will bag a bit more and require a higher boom
setting.  You have to remember that the wind the sail sees is the
apparent wind, so it can have good flow a bit higher on the boat than
just centerline.

	In sum, tightening the vang, tightening the sheet, and then trimming
the vang will allow you to get a flatter shape, and handle more wind
with less drive.  To feed or fill the sail more, loose the vang, and
slack the sheet then pull the traveler above centerline.  On JACE,
having the vang moderate, the sheet fairly tight (about 30 pounds torque
on the winch handle) and the traveler at about 8" above centerline is
good for 8-10 knots of wind.  I have a flat cut main with no shelf
(custom for me).  If you have a standard main, you will want to haul out
on the outhaul to flatten the foot of the sail, until the shelf is
closed.  At least that is my experience.  I am not a racer, but I get a
fair turn of speed out of JACE in this manner.  One of the racers can
give you finer points on trim if that is your bent.

	We have also found that in less than 6 or so knots wind, that furling
the jib a bit, to reduce the droop will actually give us a bit more
speed upwind or any point forward of the beam.  As the wind moves aft,
we can use more of the jib until it is less than two points off the
stern, then again, furling a bit will prevent slap and droop somewhat
and yield a bit higher average speed.
  In really light air downwind, a whisker pole will help to prevent slap
and give you more reliable drive, but we are not picky, so never use
one.

	Just my opinion.
Regards,
Les Howell

On Tue, 2007-07-03 at 21:08 -0400, Charles wrote:
> Note:  Cliff sent this to me and I am passing it on to the group for a 
> great discussion!  cf
> 
> Cliff wrote:
> Being the new owners of '83, #259 Catalina 38, our recent
> sailing experiences have us pondering a question for other more
> "experienced" 38 owners.  To trim the mainsail correctly to weather,
> we have to travel it up well beyond center.  Is this a familiar
> condition for other owners?
> 
> Cliff Hunter
> Portland, OR
> 
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