[Rhodes22-list] Wally's dilemma on sails

[Rik Sandberg]

Wally,

Here's a little "first hand" pointing expeience. Our Rhodes had a 175. When we 
and the others Rhodies were in KY, we had a race, just between us. I had 
pulled out quite a lead with my 175 in the lighter breezes we had early in 
the race. As we got closer to the finish, the breeze picked up. I did not 
furl our 175 much, three or four wraps on the furler tops, I also stayed with 
sheeting outside the shrouds.. Anne, on the other hand, has a 150 if I am not 
mistaken. As the breeze got stronger toward the end of the race, she furled 
her 150 a bit and sheeted it inside the shrouds. She damned near beat me, 
because she was pointing better than I was. The pointing difference was 
fairly dramatic. I have to admit that I did make one extra tack because of 
under estimating my tacking angle to the commitee boat and that cost me some 
ground, but still, Anne sailed a much closer angle to the wind than I could 
at the end of that race.

Rik


On Sun, Mar 14 2004 09:53 am, Wally Buck wrote:
> Ed,
>
> Thanks for taking a shot at posting the real basic question but you got it
> totally wrong. :-)
>
> The question is/was; what sail provides the best blend of speed and
> pointing ability in 8 - 12 knots?  It is a multiple-choice question and the
> captain is not one of the answers offered. I am not trying to figure out
> who is the better sailor. I do agree that the skipper's skill is an
> important component but bringing that into this equation is bad math. I am
> seeking feedback on sails not sailors. I didn't ask could a beginner with a
> 175 beat a pro with a 155 or anything like that.
>
> Bill and Rummy said they loved their 175s, I believe them. I asked them
> when they furled. The thread then moved on to the point that Rummy and Bill
> claimed they don't furl sails in a 20 knot wind let alone in 12 knot. Bill
> clarified that he did furl his main. Roger added his insight and I thought
> it made sense based on what I have experienced in my boat.
>
> I have agreed that a 175 sail is faster in certain wind speeds. I don't
> agree that it is best in 20 knots. I am not seeking a sail for 20 knots
> though. My 125 has that covered. I don't need a better headsail running
> with the wind my spinnaker has that covered.
>
> One point (pun intended) that is not being mentioned in this conversation
> is pointing ability. My main concern about the 175 is that I will sail
> along quite smartly from riverbank to riverbank and not make any headway. I
> don't find that relaxing or fun. Neither Bill not Rummy provided any feed
> back about pointing. Bill said he could make it around a triangular course.
> I wish we raced in a triangle but we only have two marks. We race dead into
> the wind than back down wind. So is a 175 a good sail for this when it is
> blowing 8-12? I am thinking once this big things gets furled down sail
> shape will suffer.
>
> One thing I have noticed is that every one that races even a little bit
> liked the 155, those that don't race seem to like the 170. I said all along
> that I have an open mind but the logic seems to steer me towards a 155 as
> the better sail for the conditions I asked about. I appreciate posts from
> all.
>
> I hope this clarifies.
>
> Wally
>
>
>
> From: "kroposki" <kroposki at innova.net>
>
> >Reply-To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> >To: "'The Rhodes 22 mail list'" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> >Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Wally's dilemma on sails
> >Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2004 08:32:16 -0500
> >
> >
> >Wally,
> >
> >      I just got back to my computer and have not read all the post about
> >which sail you are leaning to.  Saturday I had a unique experience with
> >a new Rhodie and I will let him tell the story when he gets back.
> >
> >      The real basic question is whether you sail to relax or do you want
> >to race (compete).  If you want to relax and enjoy, the 175 Genny can be
> >reasonably adjusted for most sailable wind conditions.  But if you want
> >maximum control then you need different sails.  Not just a choice of 110
> >or 150.
> >
> >      I believe that Saturday, Keith Burhardt(sp?) demonstrated that with
> >attention to detail, you could adjust the 175 to achieve near maximum
> >potential at any point of sail.  Just ask him, he will be back on the
> >list probably later in the week.
> >
> >      Some of the questions and issues presented in the discussion of
> >your question are (1) skill of the captain (number 1!), and (2) plain
> >old individual differences.  Some people like tea without sugar, some
> >with, some with lemon, some with cream.
> >
> >      From what I have seen is that someone skillful with adjusting the
> >175 would push someone with different sails.  The 175 might not win, but
> >then again, it might.  It is the same issues as a standard main against
> >the IMF.  The real issue is how skillful is the user of each.  I think
> >that with his sail configuration that Rummy would push Roger to working
> >to win.  But then again, Roger might not win.  They are both very
> >skillful with the paint brushes that they have.
> >
> >                         Ed K
> >
> >
> >
> >__________________________________________________
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>
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