[Rhodes22-list] Re: Fully Battened Mainsail From JSI W/O Modifying The Masthead

Christine Allison rhodes22-list@rhodes22.org
Tue, 27 Aug 2002 09:25:36 -0400


> The same amount of reduction in backstay/leech interference can be
achieved
> by reducing the luff length on the mainsail, thus lowering the height
> achieved at maximum mainsail hoist on the mast.
>
 Thanks for the great response to my question.  Since I sail in a relatively
windy area (New York Harbor)  I do not require every square inch of sail
area possible. Therefore I would go for the reduced luff length.

I cant say I agree with your opinions respecting draft control, EXCEPT as
they apply to the Rhodes 22.  My last boat (Albin 28 Cumulus) had a very
bendy fractional rig.  I found that the best way to flatten the sail was via
bending the mast and tensioning the Cunningham.  I had a 4 part tackle on
the downhaul and a three part on the Cunningham so I was able to get all the
tension I needed on either control.

I don't know how much you can bend your mast and I haven't even tried to on
my boat.  I think that a Cunningham is most effective if the leech can be
significantly untensioned via mast bending.  With a less bendy mast probably
a powerful downhaul is more effective. a while back I posted a message
respecting effectively moving the draft forward in my decrepit main via
downhauling it.  Therefore my experience agrees with yours (except I did not
bend my mast.)

This same sail has a Cunningham grommett, I have a small three part tackle.
Out of curiosity I can hook it up this weekend and see how the sail
responds.

Richard Smith