Cherub Systems

[ross_burkin]

There is nothing to stop you using differnt rigs, as long as they are within the rules (for racing anyway). 15.5m upwind and 21m downwind. Most people just have one as having 2 sets is expensive and having a well set up rig with a decent set of sails, you should be able to depower is all nicely anyway.

[ghislain_devouthon]

I am really happy to see how much chat these questions are generating and can't wait to get my boat building project under way!!!

So, now for another question:

Do folks have one or two sets of sails? One for the light and one for the breeze? I spent some time looking at photos and there seems to be a fair range in the gear. The big square top main looks great for the light and medium breezes but what about when that extra sail is reduced to inverting and drag?

I figure that this is the right line to follow as we have just finished going over the running rigging.

Go for it!
Craig

Usually,

people do have a single set of sails across the wind range.

However it's better to have 2 sets not to destroy your premium set.


Ghislain

[JimC]

what about when that extra sail is reduced to inverting and drag?

It probably means you have't got enough downhaul on! In the extreme you should be aiming to put on so much downhaul that the topmast bends enough to completely use up the luff round up there and leave the sail flat as a board so that it just feathers rather than inverts. Much less drag, plus provides a useful end plate effect on that part of the sail that is still driving.