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Tuning tips from one of the worlds greatest sailors, Ken Read at the Newport Model Boat Club Dragonflite 95 Spring Clinic 2024
`(Good to see he has studied the tuning tips from our 2023 Global Champion, Craig Richards)
VIDEO Synopsis
For a simple one design boat, who would have thought there was so much to think about.
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Measure the rake multiple times a week.
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Rig and setup the boat at home away from any wind to make sure balance is right
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A rig average rake 1135. Set the backstay before measuring the rake
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Use a rig stick
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Set the mast right back at deck level.
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Keep the backstay the same and tighten the jib luff bowsie slightly as wind builds. Moves rake from 1135 to 1132. Only 3mm.
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In light weather ease backstay 2-3mm
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Mainsheet bridle - glue in place so ring is level with boom eye. Makes sure it is centred
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Jib sheet eye on boom is well forward of deck sheet eye.
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Main boom out just under 90. Jib boom at 90 degrees. On a windy day sheet in slightly
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Main halyard. Use a single line so it can swivel and set just below silver band so the sail can pivot
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Use cord instead of the metal sail ties
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Making changes. Do down wind and behind yourself. Static loads are so much higher on shore than on the water.
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Learn where the max bend is on the backstay and mark as a reference.
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When on the water if you have heavy weather or lee helm you have not got the original set up right. If you change the rake you have to change the topping lift.
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2marks on topping lift, 2 marks on headstay and 1 mark on the backstay. With these marks setup is quick and easy.
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Jib tack. Get as close to the deck as possible
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Jib cunningham - never used because the sails are board flat.
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Deck measurements
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3 marks on the deck for sheet locations. The marks run down the boom. Make a mark with the boom and then draw 3 1 inch lines on starboard side with a ruler in line with mark to jib tack. Set up consistently to those marks. Use for course tune to get rid of weather or lee helm and a repeat reference if boat is fast.
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Foot measurement. Use fingers. 1 to 1.5 fingers. Measure and check with your fingers
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Check vang sailing downwind on the water.
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Taping a hatch. Start at the back and work forward so you create a water ramp.
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It is possible to roll gybe the boat.
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Jib weight pushed right in to avoid getting hooked up in a crash.
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Tacking in a breeze, you have to let the sheets out.
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High mode fast mode - Ken just uses the throttle