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Old 25-02-2015, 04:39   #1
RDW
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Sail trim

I need to read and study a real good book on sail trim. I have had a boat since 2008 but I am not as sharp as I should be. I also do not know enough to know when someone is full of it. I may do the World ARC so I need to sharpen up on down wind sailing and rigging for down wind.
Suggestions?
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Old 25-02-2015, 05:20   #2
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Re: Sail trim

I keep a copy of this on the boat (even though it doesn't have much on cruising cats and is a bit dated) but I still refer to it frequently. It should be a terrific reference to any mono sailor, IMHO.

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sail-Trim.../dp/1574091190

A good way to learn sail trim is to race. Get a crew spot on a boat and you'll learn a lot.

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Old 25-02-2015, 06:27   #3
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Re: Sail trim

I took a North Sails class that was really great. They also have a good website describing sail trim although nothing really available on downwind sailing.

North Sails: Mainsail Trim - Introduction
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Old 27-02-2015, 09:21   #4
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Re: Sail trim

I've read a number of books and countless articles on the subject. Book I always recommend to those who are interested is:

Illustrated Sail & Rig Tuning by Ivar Dedekam.

Available on Amazon.com
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Old 27-02-2015, 09:56   #5
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Re: Sail trim

I used to have a book "Sail Trim for Cruisers". I liked it because it was short to the point with pictures.
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Old 27-02-2015, 10:10   #6
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Re: Sail trim

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Originally Posted by sailorboy1 View Post
I used to have a book "Sail Trim for Cruisers". I liked it because it was short to the point with pictures.
Sail Trim for Cruisers! That's awesome...................gessus.

I did get a good lesson in Pensacola though watching a cruiser. He was headed out the pass and he just let his jib flap around for about 30 minutes until he turn South to head out the pass.

Then the jib filled and I believe he stayed on that course for days...................I know he did until he was outta sight.

If your not racing, for downwind just open the barn doors all the way and then relax.
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Old 27-02-2015, 13:58   #7
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Re: Sail trim

Quote:
Originally Posted by OldFrog75 View Post
I've read a number of books and countless articles on the subject. Book I always recommend to those who are interested is:

Illustrated Sail & Rig Tuning by Ivar Dedekam.

Available on Amazon.com
x100. I found their Illustrated series book are very good. I have most of their books. Good easy read and learn.

http://www.amazon.com/Sail-Rig-Tunin...%26+Rig+Tuning
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Old 27-02-2015, 14:21   #8
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Re: Sail trim

There is a shed load of sail trim tutorials on Youtube.
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Old 28-02-2015, 04:14   #9
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Re: Sail trim

Your sail inventory will also dictate the rigging needed when going down wind. I believe this to be the most difficult points of sail as you must keep constant watch to wind shifts, boat motion, back winding the main, and sailing by the lee which can cause uncontrollable gybes. You will only "read" so much. DOING is what will teach you. Do you still have the Morris 46? Wonderful boats and should be equipped with all necessary rigging. Certainly a local sail maker will be able to help you, or mostly any sailor who has raced or a cruising sailor. You need to find someone local to go over the boat and go sailing with you.
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Old 28-02-2015, 11:13   #10
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Re: Sail trim

I love DDW sailing, and have done thousands of miles, but it was almost all with a windvane steering. If I had to hand steer, or have a crew that I wasnt very sure of, then DDW would be much more worrysome. An auto pilot with a wind sensor would work , but I look at them as somewhat less reliable than a windvane and if you have an electrical problem, they are useless. Vangs, preventers, and as good a set up as you can get for your poles, will make life so much easier. Much will depend on the size of your crew, and their experience. I am a mom and pop type cruiser, but if your are serious about racing RTW, then I would suggest crewing on as many large racing boats as you can before you start outfitting yours for racing. My last boat was 44 foot , 30000 lbs, and the Aries steered it fine in 30+ winds DDW. Best of Luck. ____Grant.
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Old 28-02-2015, 11:55   #11
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Re: Sail trim

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Originally Posted by D.D. View Post
I believe this to be the most difficult points of sail as you must keep constant watch to wind shifts, boat motion, back winding the main, and sailing by the lee which can cause uncontrollable gybes.
I really depends on how you setting up you boat and the location. DDW can be easy and boring, can you image sailing 20 days DDW?

Crew: Captain, good morningggg, are we there yet?
Me sitting down play with my fingers: No, not yet, but another in paradise.
Crew: What direction are we going?
Me: West
Crew: Where is the wind
Me: Same as two weeks ago. Behind us at 15 plus minus

Oh yeah, Hydrovane is good
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Old 01-03-2015, 06:47   #12
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Re: Sail trim

"Sail Power: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SAILS AND SAIL HANDLING"
by Wallace Ross & Carl Chapman
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Old 02-03-2015, 12:03   #13
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Re: Sail trim

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"Sail Power: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SAILS AND SAIL HANDLING"
by Wallace Ross & Carl Chapman
+1 This is an outstanding book and covers a-lot of topics.
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Old 09-03-2015, 07:28   #14
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Re: Sail trim

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Hulls View Post
I keep a copy of this on the boat (even though it doesn't have much on cruising cats and is a bit dated) but I still refer to it frequently. It should be a terrific reference to any mono sailor, IMHO.

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sail-Trim.../dp/1574091190

A good way to learn sail trim is to race. Get a crew spot on a boat and you'll learn a lot.

Dave
This is a good book. I am about 2/3 thru it but will go back and study. It was inexpensive on Amazon.
Thanks for the recommendation.
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Old 09-03-2015, 07:51   #15
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Re: Sail trim

We could do DDW coming back from the Bahamas to central Florida, but I prefer to take it off the quarter. Two days of sailing, mostly in the Gulf Stream, wind and waves from aft, CPT Autopilot doing the hard work.....

Wallace Ross is good reading but a bit long for a casual sailor.
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