Sail Trim

[windsurfer69]

I recently crewed on a C&C 34. We were sailing on port tack and I adjusted the main and genoa to best condition. Before tacking i set the jib lead car on starboard in the same location as port but after tacking the top of the genoa was very loose and luffing. I moved the car foreward more than 18 inches before I got the top of the sail to behave. Nothing was changed on the main and the traveller was on or near the center line. Has anyone experienced this lack of symmetry before?

[StuM]

First things, I'd look at:

Are the port and stdb shroud tensions balanced? Is the mast vertical?

[zedpassway]

You were towing a dinghy, were you?

Towing can raise heaven with sail trim.

[lifeofreilly57]

Sounds like the rig wasn't properly tuned. Is the masthead centered? Does the mast have the proper amount of initial take? Is the mast properly in column? Are the shrouds properly tensioned? If the rig is not properly tuned you might see the issues you're experiencing. Used to own a C&C 38. Made templates for the keel from blueprints, made sure it was matched side to side. Loosened the entire rig and set it up to original specs, centered, raked and properly tensioned, the results were amazing, it tacked more easily, went to wind like a racehorse and had an overlall balanced feel two finger steering. I helped a friend with his bene which had a similar issue (40.7) and was stunned to find the keel 2 inches out of symetry from side to side you could actually see the off center twist in the keel when sighting it end to end while on the hard. Like that from the factory, so don't take anything for granted. Don't think you'll find that much of a discrepancy on the C&C unless it's hit something hard in the past. My guess is the rig is out of whack.

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[lifeofreilly57]

Rake, not "take" , initial rake

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[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, windsurfer.

[OldFrog75]

I sail charter boats so my answer is, "all the time." I agree with the assessment that the rigging isn't properly tuned and balanced. I routinely get onboard boats that seem to have a favored tack - starboard or port - when going to windward.