Note: The term "inner, outer groove" depends on which tack the boat is on.
|
Editor's Note: Stay in front this season with Harken's Carbo Racing Foil. Built of high-strength, impact-resistant engineering resins that are much tougher than commodity plastics, the foil's super-smooth twin sail grooves let the bowman set, douse and change headsails fast to gain that competitive edge.
A leap forward
Headsail changes are a breeze when you use a Carbo Racing Foil.
Knowing how to set, douse, and execute a good headsail change will allow you to take advantage of fluctuating conditions and keep your boat moving fast.
In the old days, changing headsails was a bowman's nightmare. When the call came, the bowman raced to the foredeck and began the intricate dance of muscling the sail to the deck, while simultaneously grasping the hanks and tugging the triggers from the forestay. The new sail was readied and the bowman frantically changed the halyards and clipped hanks while watching other boats gallop past.
Today, Harken's Carbo Racing Foil allows headsail changes to be efficiently executed with a minimum of work (and the added bonus of reduced time on the bow). Prepare for the change before you hoist your jib on your way to the racecourse.
Harken Carbo Racing Foils are standard on the Bénéteau First 34.7.
Photo:
Laurent Vidal |
the Hoist
Prepare for the hoist by securing the headsail on the foredeck with the tack secured to the bow horns and the sheets tied to the clew. Label the corners of the sail to make I.D. easy. Make sure the luff of the sail is not twisted by following the luff tape from the tack to the head of the sail.
Determine which halyard you plan to use—port, center, or starboard. Then select the foil groove that corresponds with that halyard. For example, if you plan to use the center genoa halyard, select the port foil groove. On most boats, the port halyard is kept open for the spinnaker.
Attach the halyard to the head of the sail and slide the head through the prefeeder before inserting the head into the port or starboard groove. Tension the halyard so the head of the sail is several inches above the feeder. When everything is correctly attached, the sail can be swiftly hoisted.
Harken Carbo Racing Foil on Capricorno, built by Concordia Yachts.
Photo: Elliot Hoyem |
Racing around the buoys
If you're planning to sail a course race, choose the groove/halyard that
doesn't interfere with other operations on the boat and works best for your crew and winch configuration. For example, if you're tensioning the main halyard on the port winch, use the starboard groove and halyard to hoist the headsail.
Distance Sailing
However, if the course involves distance sailing and it looks like you'll be on one tack most of the way, plan ahead and choose the port or starboard foil groove and halyard combination that allows a headsail change with the new sail set to windward. When you decide it's time for a sail change, you'll be able to keep an appropriate headsail powering the boat and avoid losing precious minutes making a bare-headed sail change. Note: It's highly desirable to keep the halyards clear and not crossed. Make certain you check the halyards before attaching them to the sail.
Harken Carbo Racing Foils are standard on the X-35.
Photo:
Courtesy of X-Yachts |
sail changes— Preparation
is Everything
When it comes to headsail changes, preparation is everything. First, make sure your halyards are clear. When the new sail is positioned inside the old sail with the halyard attached, lead the luff tape through the prefeeder and into the inner groove. Lead the new leeward jib sheet to an appropriately-sized winch. Trim the new sail as soon as it is hoisted. Then drop the old headsail and lead the windward jib sheet aft to the winch so you can tack at any time.
options
You're over or under-powered and conditions warrant an immediate headsail change, you might realize you have set your headsail on the windward or inner groove. If your headsail and the groove/halyard combination are open to leeward of the current sail, you have options. You can ready the sail by leading the head of the new sail under the foot and into the prefeeder and the groove. Since it's harder to hoist a sail that might tangle under the foot of a sheeted jib, you can look for a good tactical moment and hoist the sail while you are tacking. Make sure you attach the windward jib sheet to the new sail on the new leeward side so you can trim the jib immediately.
Article reprinted with permission of Susie Rieck—sailing instructor and trimaran sailor.
Links:
Harken Product Features: Harken Carbo racing foil: details make the difference
Product Brochure: Carbo Racing Foil
Harken Dealers
