position of the cars

[Richard O'Brien]

I just received Roger's M video, and am studying it to understand how the use all their sails. presuming they are pretty good mac sailors. I've noticed that they always leave the genoa cars in the most forward position: 1. Even when they're using them to fly the big chute 2. Even when they were racing. I couldn't see the jib car placements, as well...Probably, because I don't have one! They always seem to trim pretty close to the rail. Can anyone clue me in to why they chose the forward position cars. Are they lazy? Is this the best position usually? Thanks, I'm trying to get a handle on these things befor the ice melt next week.

[Tom Spohn]

Check out this site for some good info:

http://www.sailingusa.info/sail_shape.htm

Moving the cars forward reduces the amount of twist which helps to power up the sail. Normally this will increase speed. At a certain point you will want to move the cars aft to spill some of the wind to reduce speed. This usually occurs at high angles of lean or when the admiral politely requests it

[Richard O'Brien]

Thank You Tom. the U.S. Sailing site is much clearer than the book I'm reading. It seems to me I was previously advised that the safest way to sail in high wind is a fairly flat mainsail, and gen. Now I have to consider spilling out the top, loosening the vang and moving the cars aft. I certainly wouldn't want to "suddenly" spill all my air, losing all my speed. i suppose you can sail on a reach with a consistent "spill" keeping your heel constantly under 20-24 degrees? This is going to be fun, and take a lot of practice.

[Tom Spohn]

Keep in mind you will probably have to adjust the cars and vang when the boat is pointing into the wind and sails luffing. These adjustments are a bit difficult when underway in a good wind. I use a portable wind meter before setting out. For winds up to 10 knots I adjust sails for max power. Ease off for winds 10 to 15, and above 15 I reef. For gusty conditions just let out the sheets and let the sails luff for a second or so till the gust is past--trying to keep the boat at a consistent lean angle. In some gusty conditions--especially where the wind is mostly light with occasional gusts I like to head up (turn into the wind) during the gust, which keeps the boat on its feet and helps to pick up some speed. Yes, this is an amazing amount of fun.