A few comments on jibing got me thinking about use of topping lift and sailing by the lee – but my questions seemed to stray from the jibing topic, so this new topic.
One comment noted that a better angle for sailing dead downwind would be for the main to be about 30 degrees past 90 degrees, but that our Nonsuch main will (should?) only be let out to about 90 degrees (if your mainsheet is that long). Another talked about use of topping lift for any point of sail other than close-hauled, and another comment suggested adding about 6" of topping lift when headed downwind,. And that also got me thinking about sailing by the lee in a Nonsuch.
So a few questions:
Is it possible, practical or advised, to let the boom out beyond 90 degrees? (I haven’t tried it.) Is the limiting factor the choker hangers?
How does adding topping lift help? When jibing, what (if anything) do you do with the topping lift (keep it raised or loosen?)
When using topping lift for sail control (to open the leech) what are you looking for to know you’ve reached the optimal sail trim – telltalles, draft lines? I’'ve tried using topping lift a bit when winds are very light, and I can see the leech folding in, but I’m never quite sure when it’s enough or too much. Have not tried using topping lift in breezes over 7 knots.
When racing, on the downwind leg, I often find myself sailing by the lee – apparent wind angle of as little as 110 degrees before the main will jibe itself. It feels like the speed is quite good when doing so but would be interested in observations and experience on sailing by the lee, and how to optimize (with or without topping lift). .
Tony Martin
Sheba, 212, Nonsuch 30C
Nyack Boat Club, Nyack, NY
The choker is the limiting factor and the fixed cheek block on the mast. You can go a bit further on the port gybe than the starboard due to the choker pennant riding up over the side of the cheek block on the mas when on starboard. Harken flip-flop blocks #2678, #1987 or #3122 would reduce chafe. 26C 33 and my 26C 1 with standing gaff rigs will have an arc of 240 degrees by next summer.
To answer
#1 - Yes, up to 100 to 110 degrees depending on the the side the boom is on. It is not advisable with the wishbone rig to go much further than that due to wear on the choker pennant and the hanger lines wrapping around the mast. These limit the rig and is one reason why we have developed the standing gaff rig. (see photos).
Yes, it is beneficial to be able to sail downwind with the boom greater than 90 degrees. The optimum is around 120 degrees. Airflow is not stalled as it is when the boom is at 90 degrees. You will have more control and less yaw.
#2 & #3- In light airs using the topping lift helps. The amount you use depends on the cut of the sail, the type of battens being used and if the boom has a heavy s/s cressman boom extension needed for a bimini.
#4 Sailing dead downwind with the boom at 110 degrees is better than having it at 90 degrees. Sailing by the lee is fine as long as you pay attention and not caught off-guard by a wind sheer. This is a problem we face with high rise buildings on our waterfront.
One other interesting thing about sailing by the lee is to take advantage of that feature and stay on starboard when other boats have to gybe. You now have rights over the other racers.
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
