Association Forum - Genoa Car Position

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Genoa Car Position

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/05/2006 : 09:41:08

In 10 to 15 knot winds, where do you put your genoa cars (forward, middle, aft)? I am just looking for an average position to get started with, although I would also be very interested in advice on how to set them for what conditions.

Thanks for the help.

Kevin Mackenzie
Former Association Secretary and Commodore
"Dogs Allowed"
'06 C250WK #881
and
"Jasmine"
'01 Maine Cat 30 #34

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2006 : 10:20:10

Kevin,

Generally speaking, the short answer as to where the initial position of your jib cars should be is one in which the angle of the jib sheet, between the track car and clew, is perpendicular to the forestay and generally bisects the angle formed by the clew of the headsail. More specifically, a neutral sheet angle is one that would place an equal amount of tension on both the leech and foot of your headsail. From there, you would adjust the track car either forward to power up the sail, or aft to power it down.

Edited by - dlucier on 03/05/2006 10:25:01

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2006 : 11:41:22

Kevin - you can set the correct car position quite easily. You should have 3 sets of telltales about 1' back from the leech of the jib (roughly dividing the luff into 1/4's). Trim both jib and main to a close-hauled position and then <i>slowly</i>come to weather until the telltales "break" (i.e. flutter). If the top set break first, move the car forward and if the bottom set breaks first, move the car back. When the car is correct all telltales should break at the same time. Then flip over to the other tack and repeat the procedure.
Easy way to remember which way to move the car "bottom break - back"
Derek

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2006 : 18:21:25

Cool! Thanks very much to you both. -Kevin

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 03/06/2006 : 07:45:42

there's a great article in the sailcare catalog on placing and using telltales. Here's a link to sailcare [url="http://www.sailcare.com/"]click here[/url] when you get there click on 'A Telltale Tale'
We got a copy of their catalog at the miami show, didn't realize who we were speaking with, very low key and both very friendly and helpful folks.

We'll be upgrading the telltales next time we raise the sails.

(two weeks! Yahooooooly)

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.