by fitzwarryne on Wed Dec 01, 2004 6:59 pm
In theory, the more the the traveller is let off, the more centered becomes the mainsheet boom block so you can point higher. Thus you would have the traveller tighter in stronger winds resulting in a flatter wider set sail. More power less drag.
With end boom sheeting , like on the Laser, the theory works well in practice.
With centreboom sheeting, especially with a high-set boom, in practice there is no effective difference. The exceptions are when you can have a windward sheeting system like in sports yachts where the traveller car is pulled up to windward on each tack, or in some dinghies like the 505 which developed a 'loveday' loop which resulted in the blocks being a minimum distance apart on a rigid loop.
In the case of the Sabre, the practical advantages are minimal. Most top skippers having the traveller out as long as possible in all weathers, with the limit such that when the mainsheet is pulled at maximum tension there is stilll a slight gap between the top and bottom blocks. If is too loose the blocks would jam together before you could fully power up the main. But if you enjoy fiddling go ahead as long as you still have time to think of other minor matters such as windshifts!
Last edited by
fitzwarryne on Thu Dec 02, 2004 6:38 am, edited 5 times in total.