Before you launch for the first time please take the time to read this.
It has become clear to me that I've done a poor job of explaining the
relativity control "set-up" procedures that you all need to know before going
sailing. So here goes:
This will be added to the "How To Sail" page on the site.
The outcome of this exercise will be to put permanent marks on your
relativity controls (as they exit the cleats) so that you can set the system up
before leaving the dock or shore. Failure to do so will lead to a boat that
simply doesn't want to tack easily or, worse yet, a boat that will go head to
wind
every time the main fills regardless of your efforts to bear off.
Start by adjusting your transom bridle so that the top of the loop is 37
inches above the top of the transom bar. Make sure that it is centered. With
the mainsheet tied to the loop, pull it in tight and cleat it. Now adjust
your relativity blocks (just aft of the launcher cheek blocks on the
relativity
control line) so that they are six inches aft of the cheek blocks. Cut any
excess line off of the control line. Leave about 8 inches outside of the
cleats on each side. Route your jib sheet through the system and tie it off
on
the becket block so that the jib clip is nearly tight against the exit block
on the jib traveler (about 2 inches of line above the block). Now make
permanent marks on the relativity control with a permanent marker on each side
just as they enter the cleat. Saturate the line for about an inch and all the
way around so the mark will last and is easily seen. Mark the cleat at this
point as well.
Before going sailing each time, set your relativity controls to these marks
or a little tighter if you're launching from shore instead of a dock (hoping
in from waist deep water precludes getting any speed up to help the rudder
work and having the jib a bit tight will help in getting the boat going).
Good sailing,
Bram
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