odegaard
cAPTN oDIE
Notice that there is a Class rule that allows running the halyard down on either side of the sail. For the un-initiated this is a method to depower the sail by flattening out the front of the sail. By running the halyard down the port side of the sail, the sail LE is disturbed and flattened when on Stbd tack--just like on port tack when the sail hits the mast. Nice thing that this can be done while on the water, by just moving the halyard fwd and around the tack and under the boom. I have used this rig several times in winds over 20 and the boat points higher than overpowered competition and it is easier to sail her flat. Also, there is no significant change in sail power on a reach or run.
This summer I hope to experiment with moving the port side halyard tie back to the 1st boom block bail (strap); tieing a clove hitch and then using the tail as a long/effective vang. Hopefully with this arrangement there should be less resulting weather helm since more of the sail (further aft) will be flattened--also, the more you sheet, the flatter the sail gets. Flat sails= less healing=less leeway=better VMG. Our Sunfish lateen rig may seem funny and non-traditional to some folk, but it sure is versitile and easy to de-power in a blow!
This summer I hope to experiment with moving the port side halyard tie back to the 1st boom block bail (strap); tieing a clove hitch and then using the tail as a long/effective vang. Hopefully with this arrangement there should be less resulting weather helm since more of the sail (further aft) will be flattened--also, the more you sheet, the flatter the sail gets. Flat sails= less healing=less leeway=better VMG. Our Sunfish lateen rig may seem funny and non-traditional to some folk, but it sure is versitile and easy to de-power in a blow!