sailingdeacon
Member III
I often race my '87 E34 - even with its shoal draft. I now have a 100% high aspect blade headsail and am even using it for cruising in expected strong winds. But even when the inboard lead is at its most forward position the tell tales at the top indicate I need to move the lead forward. Presently the sheet is barely inboard of the aft shroud After much experimenting it is clear that the lead must go forward by about a foot +/-. So I am getting ready to drill holes for a two foot extension of the inboard track which puts the lead as far forward as the forward shroud (if needed). for certain off the wind, I have to move the clew to the outboard... currently to a block attached to a stanchion.
A local sail maker and racer said the computer says the lead should be 33" out from the mast. Where I am placing the track is 43". It is impossible to put the track on the cabin top due to not being able to access it from the cabin vinyl interior.
I am planning to bolt it every 4" using large fender washers as backup.
Am I only partially solving my racing problem? Must the lead be on the cabin top (nearer to 33" from the mast) to really make a difference? I am betting that moving it forward will tighten up the upper part of the sail (on the wind) and will make difference while racing.
A local sail maker and racer said the computer says the lead should be 33" out from the mast. Where I am placing the track is 43". It is impossible to put the track on the cabin top due to not being able to access it from the cabin vinyl interior.
I am planning to bolt it every 4" using large fender washers as backup.
Am I only partially solving my racing problem? Must the lead be on the cabin top (nearer to 33" from the mast) to really make a difference? I am betting that moving it forward will tighten up the upper part of the sail (on the wind) and will make difference while racing.