| |
|
0-8
knots |
8-16
knots |
16-24
knots |
| Mast Rake |
Determines the balance of the dinghy.
If you rake your mast aft, you will achieve that your dinghy will
have better pointing abilities. If you rake your mast forward
you will ease the rudder pressure. The trim of the mast is very
much individual. |
278-280 cm |
280-284 cm |
282-286 cm |
| Mainsheet |
Using the mainsheet in an Optimist
is like changing gears in a race car. The angle of attack between
the sail and the wind is changed and you can control pointing
ability and speed by easing and trimming the mainsheet. Remeber
always to adjust the tension on your sheet according to the
conditions. It is a good idea to tackle a little, white string
into the mainsheet, just where the sheet exits the ratchet or
at the block on the boom. This will make it easier to find the
right trim fast. It will give you a reference point after fix
tacking. It can be very difficult to see how the amount of sheet
tension affects the draft of the sail and the leech, when you're
in the dinghy. |
1 |
2-3 |
3 |
| Sprit |
The sprit influences the leech tension.
If you tighten your sprit, the sail will close and if the sprit
is trimmed loosely the sail will open. It is important to avoid
too much tension on the sprit. Remember to adjust your sprit when
starting the downwind legs. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
| Preventer |
The luff tension is
adjusted with the preventer, which also regulates the angle of
attack. A loose luff moves the depth of the sail aft and decreases
the angle of attack while a tightened luff moves the depth forward. |
1-3 |
0-2 |
0-1 |
| Kicking-strap |
The kicker is used together with
the preventer to control the angle of attack. Furthermore the
leech is affected by the kicker. A tight set downhaul will pull
the draft forward and down in the sail, hence opening the leech. |
0 |
1-2 |
3 |
| Outhaul |
Controls the depth in the foot of
the sail. You decide how much you want to use of the designed
depht. It is important not to ease the outhaul too much, because
the leecj will close too much at the bottom batten. |
2-6 cm
(8" - 2.4") |
3-8 cm
(1.2" - 3.15") |
0-3 cm
(0"-1.2") |
| Your
position in the boat |
Is an extremely
important trim option. By moving the weight forward and aft in
the boat you can achieve changes in the boat balance. |
Position all
the way in the boat, sitting in the coaming |
Fixed in hiking
straps, shoulders out, weight aft |
All out hanging,
further back in the boat, fixed in straps |
North OPTIMIST
Tuning Guide