General Category - Pearson Owners and Enthusiasts > Boat Handling
Racing Tips
selene:
Good advice, thanks.
So winds in lighter winds (say up to 20 knots), the P323 isn't at her best; she is particularly weak pointing. IMHO the shallow keel, and relatively large windage are the main causes. I have the sails all fairly tight (drum-tight does not seem to work well), traveler all the way to windward, outhaul tight, for best effect; even so I point slightly off the wind to keep speed up. I once was in the laughable position of heading very close to the wind, sails full and drawing (not in irons or pinching), yet totally stationary!! I guess the 0.7knot current was too much....
However, the P323 seems competitive reaching or running, and in heavier winds/seas.
So as Richard says, we do better in heavier seas. So what sailplan do people suggest when winds over 20knots, for optimal control/performance?
Up to 20 knots, I am okay with single reef, and full working jib (100%) - and (as mentioned) the traveler is key. Over 20knots, I have played with reducing the jib - up to 25% seems okay. Second reef depowers a bit, but not as much as I expected. But she feels overpowered/heavy, even when balanced (minimal weatherhelm).
So I would be interested in hearing from people on optimal sail plans 25knots up.....
selene:
FWIW, latest sailing tip - this one is more of a noob mistake, I think - the jib cars need to be a long way forwards, especially in lighter wind conditions.
I generally use a working jib (100%), and that puppy has 100sq ft more sail than the main. So although I have been working hard over summer to get the main as tuned as possible, I neglected the jib. That's a big, powerful sail in the P323! Ignoring advice from a number of 'old salts' I tried moving the car further forwards, and got a nicer shape in the sail and more power.
So most of you reading this are probably shaking their sage heads, and saying "duh". But just in case it helps somebody, try moving those cars....
Captain Bri:
I have limited sailing time on my P323 so I can't add specifics, but my background is racing in one design keelboats. I enjoy building a crew and sailing fast, or at least efficiently. The good news I read in this thread is that the P323 excels in heavy air - just want I was looking for in a cruising boat.
Jib Lead Topic:
-- Install 3 sets of telltales 8"-12" aft of the leading edge (luff). The driver and jib trimmer should work together to keep them flying - plenty of communication here, we don't want quiet crew. Make small adjustments at a time, and on a light air day keep the sheet uncleated. Install telltale windows if possible so you can see the leeward side.
-- Jib Lead Forward gives you more camber (ie: power) in the sail shape and closes the leech. Be carefull not to allow the leech to hook inwards - you want a nice flat exit profile on the leech. Remember the air leaving your jib leech is helping to provide lift to the main so you don't want to create turbulence here. This is the light air position, or low gear for more power.
-- Jib Lead Aft flattens the sail with less camber and opens up the leech (more twist). This leech profile will spill air when the wind picks and is effectively high gear. Head up in the puffs and down in the lulls.
-- Baseline Jib Lead position is determined with the boat sailing close hauled and a balanced helm. Head up slowly and watch for the luff to break (backwind) evenly from top to bottom of the sail. To determine the break watch the telltales and luff of the sail. If they break at the top first move the leads forward, if they break at the bottom first move them aft. Some boats work better if they break slightly in favor of the top, not sure about the P323. A trick to remember this: "bottom back". This can be done numerous times between races and as conditions change. Always be sure the leads are in the same position, move the "lazy sheet" lead, tack, then move the other to match positions so you don't forget.
Remember to trim main and jib in concert maintaining an even leech profile by looking up the slot. Find a happy medium with the slot, not too open or closed. The main will be trimmed in slightly closer to centerline due to the benefit provided by the headsail.
I could go on but instead... at your convenience take a look at my Top Ten lists for "Sail Trim" and "Race Crew". They are in no particular order by the way. Good Luck and keep up the great discussion. 8)
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[*] Previous page
Go to full version