Ok after being told I needed heaps more downhaul in 10 -17kts with this sail I tried the new settings in a gusty 8 - 15kts but used negative outhaul. No longer front hand heavy but the cams weren't rotating properly
I'd jerk it after a gybe to rotate them and I thought they were ok but then in a gust one would pop then another etc.. previous owner says miles too much downhaul & too little outhaul and he's a much better sailor than me and heavier . I thought I'd get some more feedback.
James it looks even better when Byron rigs it!
The leech looks are wrinkly and loose like there is too much DH, if you stand it up and snap it back and forth I'd bet the whole leech is twisting off.
Are you using the right mast for it? It can make a huge difference when it comes to cam rotation. I have seen it myself where enough downhaul to make the cams rotate smoothly means the rest of the sail has too much downhaul.
Other than the loose leech, I think the shape of the sail looks okay.
Not sure we can say much from the pics as on none of these the cambers are rotated the all way, so the shape of the sail is difficult to judge.
The leach looks good to me. You should test it at a few down haul settings until you find that nice point where you get comfort and power.
It's quite common for cams to require a good tug to rotate them. Some even require a kick. If all it takes is a firm tug its probably working as designed.
Do you have the right mast. If I recall correctly Sailworks take a 12% c/c mast. If its a Pryde mast then you would expect cam rotation to be difficult. If it is then a heap of outhaul might make it behave.
I think have too much downhaul.
There is too much tension in the luff at the area around the boom. If you have look at the where the downhaul is attached you will see it probably runs towards the back of the luff pocket at the back of the cam, this is keeping the leading edge flat, making the cams difficult to rotate. (I am just guessing for you sail, but that's how it is on other race sails). This is most apparent in this photo.
The leach looks also too lose for me at the very top.
Just 1cm less might be all that needed, or perhaps two. But pay attention to the curve at the leading edge as well as the twist at the top of the sail.
My 2 cents.
I bought Bryons 100% carbon mast and the sail rotates beautifully lightly with less downhaul so the mast isn't the issue. I think racer X is right. Thats what I thought as the cams just look so flat.
Bryon says less downhaul & more outhaul + try the mast foot a bit further forward.
I think I'll compromise & give it a bit more than what he suggested at first but not as radical as this.Also use a smaller fin and a bit of outhaul.
Rob 11 - Thats the problem thats practically as good as it gets with that downhaul setting..
I thought being a lightweight I'd need more downhaul to control a big sail but Byron says weight isn't the issue and it makes sense I suppose.A 50kg person using it will need a fair bit of downhaul for control but a 120kg person would be using it in much more wind so they'd need a lot so it twists off too..?? Does that logic make sense?
That's maximum downhaul & minimum outhaul! For sure.
Good for blasting deep downwind! (a very valid sail setting)
That will give you heaps of power down low in the sail. So yeah, you wont' be getting pulled forward as much and no good for forward loops. ; )
For a medium setting reduce the downhaul until the second panel down is floppy up to the middle of the panel, 12/ way. In your photos it's about 3/4. I'm going to guess medium outhaul for that sail = +2cm.
From there play around based on the conditions. Personally I set the downhaul according to windstrength and sail size, and then adjust outhaul on a sandbank if required.
I recommend the North adjustable downhaul mast extension thingies (surprise). Get the correct one though, mine was more for wave sails and struggled on my 7.2m (I've since stopped using it as I broke rope, can't be bothered). It really is great for tweaking and experimenting. I've read of people adjusting downhaul while sailing!
this is something i picked up from another thread, but if you find a good downhaul and outhaul setting but are still having issues in regards to cam rotation try more/less batten tension to help with the rotation.
Oh yeah, the sailworks website carries all the model's and previous years models rigging guides. Amazing how many people think they know how to rig a sail better than the guys who designed it.
...well sometimes the measurements seem to be taken while cutting the grass on maui. that and sails stretch.
After having a little bit of trouble with the Cam rotation, on my own 11M after overdoing the down haul, the last few months. I finally got a setting were the cams are little stiff but rotate smoothly and the sails looks and works well.
Anyway was racing on Sunday, had to rig in a hurry because I was not prepared, and I foolishly added another 1cm of down haul, same extension length, just pulled the pulley right down to the bottom rather level with my imaginary zero position.
That 1cm was enough for the bottom cam, to stick very nicely!
I used it at the weekend and sprayed the rollers with silicone and used less downhaul.Rotated well. Comfortable on one tack , needed a lot of front arm with other. I might move the lines further forward on that one as it was the tack I was trying to get more upwind on.
