Theories and Rigging
I had a talk with a couple of people, John and Steve, regarding my theory. They both told me that it is quite right. I am quite heavy, so I don’t need to de-power my sail as much as someone lighter than me. A baggy sail gives more speed, so it does make sense.
As for the fact that with a baggy sail you can’t point as high, Steve said, that it’s better not to point as high but move than not moving at all. This makes my worry less about the disadvantages of my theory. I hope I can test it on Sunday.
This morning, before going to the office, I paid a visit to the friendly chaps at the Welsh Harp Boat Centre, “The Boat Shop” as known by the club members, to buy some stuff. I bought two blocks and two pieces of string to make cunningham based on the XD cunningham design. I will be able to use it on a Laser whether it has the old or new fittings.
Since all club boats have XD kickers I would like to have XD cunningham and outhaul. The XD outhaul is much different than the old one and I cannot use it on a boat with the old fittings, so I have to find a way to improve the old design. The guys at Rooster Sailing have made an improved outhaul for the old system, so if I won’t manage to find a solution myself, I will have to buy it from them.
I also bought from an Ebay trader a clew strap. Traditionally a clew strap was a piece of string, but recently new materials like velcro have revolutionised sailing! Just kidding, it’s just a tape of fabric that is supposed to slide on the boom easier than a piece of rope and it has velcro which is better to put and adjust than a reef-knot. I have found out that a reef-knot, if not done properly, can loosen up during racing. I hope it will arrive by Sunday.
So, on Sunday I am racing with improved rigging.