Newell wrote: ↑Thu Apr 29, 2021 9:47 am
I race Fast Sunday 96X every 3rd Saturday each month South Bay San Diego. Last race sustained winds 11-14 knots hit speeds up to 6.4 knots and long periods over 6. This was with new 150 hanked Genoa, Toughskin, it's taller than any furled genny. 15 boats racing, I'm 3rd smallest, started 1st finished last
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Too much sail for conditions, To prevent roundups and hold course my wheel was 180 d turned into the wind, which slows the boat dragging the rudders. Steerig gear broke on the next outing, at least it made it 25 years, replacing with a better unit at present.
Newell
If you are sailing for long stretches above 6 knots in an X, you probably know the following...
Couple of quick suggestions.
But first, please clarify; if you were worried about roundup, why were you turning into the wind?
Turning helm into the wind, indicates you have too much headsail pressure. Mast may be raked forward, or Genoa sheet too tight.
Turning helm off wind indicates too much main pressure, or mast raked aft. Loosen main sheet to balance helm.
Only slight helm should be required to hold course when you have the sails trimmed properly.
Check your mast rake. If the mast isn't raked improperly, use the sheets to balance the rig where you aren't having to apply a lot of rudder to maintain course.
Rumor has it that the X and M boats sail better at lower angles of heel. So, if your rub rail is wet, try easing the sheets a tad.
There is a lot more to sail trimming, i.e. twist, etc; that can be explained on YouTube by better technicians, but these are basics that I hope you (or others) may find helpful.
Your analysis is certainly correct. If the rudders are at a severe angle compared to boat travel direction, you're braking.