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| Tom Carroll’s J/133 crashing her way to a first-place finish in the 2010 Edlu Race in New York’s Long Island Sound. The first half of the race was sailed in light air run followed by a 30-35 knot beat home. Gusts to 45 knots were encountered by many boats and at least two boats finished with storm sails set. |
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| REACH FARTHER AND FASTER: SET AN OUTBOARD LEAD |
Jib reaching is fast and fun. Just ease the sheet and go fast. But getting the most out of your genoa when reaching requires a bit more work. When the genoa sheet is eased, the place to sheet the sail needs to move forward and outboard. Here is why:
First, when you ease the genoa sheet as you fall off to a reach, the clew of the sail rises allowing the top of the sail to twist open. The more the top twists open, the more the top of the sail luffs, which is all lost driving force. Moving the lead block forward keeps the trimming angle correct so that the top of the genoa does not twist open.
Also, as you fall off to a reach and ease the mainsail out, it moves toward the genoa and closes off the slot between the two sails. This is slow. Moving the lead out to the toe rail moves the leech of the genoa away from the mainsail.
To set an outboard lead, you need an extra sheet and a snatch block. The snatch block goes to a track on the toe rail, or you can have pad eyes installed (with backing plates) at the outer edge of the deck. (see photos 1 and 2) Photo 1 shows the lead block on a track and Photo 2 shows the outboard lead attached to pad eye.
The lead block should be set far enough forward to keep the top of the genoa from luffing. When you look up at the sail, all the draft strips should have a smooth arch as in Photo 3. If you look back to Photo 1, you will see how far forward the block was moved to get the sail to set this well. In the picture, the lead car on the inboard track is in the normal upwind position, while the outboard lead is four feet farther forward on the toe rail.
When sailing upwind, you only need to adjust the genoa lead block forward or aft to get the sail to trim correctly. A good quick tune method for upwind sailing is to position the lead block so that the sail touches the chainplates and top spreader at the same time. When you are reaching, the sail moves out away from the boat and you lose this easy gauge.
The quick-set method for reaching is to move the lead block forward enough so that the angle of the genoa sheet points to the middle of the luff of the sail. Of course, the precise method for checking the lead block position is to make sure the three sets of telltales along the sail’s luff are reacting the same. If the top inside telltale is dancing up, move the lead block forward even more. (See our article on setting genoa lead cars in the Learning Center of our website.)
There are times when the proper lead position is somewhere in between the outboard and normal track. In those cases you can “split” the lead by trimming on both the inboard and outboard sheets to get the sail to set correctly. (see Photo 2 again) Notice how the clew ring is twisted as both sheets are applying pressure.
Finally, Photo 4 shows how well an outboard lead opens the slot between the main and the genoa, while keeping the top of the genoa from being under-trimmed.
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| UK-Halsey Rules Quiz Program Improved again – Free Update Available |
 The UK-Halsey Rules Quiz program download has just been expanded again. This is one of a continuing line of free updates to owners of the program. We have just posted a second multiple choice rules test to the Lifted Tack section. These tests are a great way to review the rules and definitions so that you make sure that you know, understand and remember the Racing Rules of Sailing. “Using these tests are invaluable practice,” says UK-Halsey rules guru Butch Ulmer. “On the water, situations between boats happen very quickly and you can’t hit the pause button to think about the rules that apply.”
Instead of trying to “catch” sailors with tricky questions, the tests in the Lifted Tack cover common race course scenarios. This way, after you understand the rules covered in these situations, you will immediately know your rights and obligations in similar situations. This helps you on the water, where you have to apply the rules right away instead of taking time to think about them.
The program is a download so you receive it without having to wait for the mail to be delivered. As a download, we are able to update the program frequently for free. The download program comes with:
• Animations that can be played full screen.
• Two multiple choice rules tests that come with detailed answers.
• Seven instructional videos that show Butch Ulmer at seminar’s teaching different aspects of the rules -- with more to be posted.
• A rules blog that includes writers like Rob Overton (head of US Sailing’s Rules committee).
• PDFs with rules related information that you can download.
• Frequent free updates.
Click here to see a short video about the program.
The Rules Quiz program costs $55 and can be purchased from the UK-Halsey Sailmakers’ online store by clicking here.
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| UK-HALSEY'S FAST OPTI SAILS |
UK-Halsey has been developing very fast Optimist sails for this junior trainer used around the world. Shown above is Pontus Dahl from Sweden (SWE 3946) sailing at the world’s biggest Opti regatta, which is sailed on Lake Garda in Italy. Over 750 boats sailed in four fleets. Dahl finished 13th out of 186 in the Gold Fleet using the UK-Halsey Mega 2 mainsail. Even though he did not win, he was the highest placing Swedish boat, of the 60 from Sweden, at the regatta.
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| BENETEAU 40 SAYANN-MADRACO MAKES STRONG DEBUT |
Cyril Baille and Christophe Charles’ new Beneteau First 40 SAYANN-MADRACO won their first regatta convincingly with six firsts and a second. The event was Porquerolles Week sailed on the Mediterranean in mid May. The IRC Class 2 drew 20 of the best IRC boats in southern France, which included three Archambault 40rc’s, an A40, some X 40s, several First 40.7s, a couple J/122s, a First 45, an IMX 40 and more.
Racing was physically tough with a stiff westerly blowing every day; the wind was never below 25 knots and at times it gusted up to 40.
In the 2009 racing season, the Archambaults dominated all the IRC events and they seemed to come to Porquerolles wondering which one of them would win. The final score was quite a surprise when the new Beneteau 40rc finished with a perfect score (the second was their throwout race). Perhaps those boats need to try UK-Halsey’s Titanium sails to see if they too can step up their performance in 2010.
Although the brand new Beneteau 40 was not totally ready, the work UK-Halsey France did on her Titanium sails paid off. Even with the optional carbon mast, the boat’s IRC TCC is 1.088 while the A40rc GLEN ELLEN rates 1.091; the boats are very close. Stay tuned for more results from the competitive IRC 40 class. It looks like these boats will have some intense competition all summer long and a light air comparison will come soon.
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J/80 WORLDS PREVIEW: NEW SAIL DESIGNS THAT HAVE BEEN REGATTA TESTED
By UK-Halsey’s Kerry Klingler who is a past J/80 World Champion.
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 Competition in the J/80 class has heated up this year with new sailors joining the fleet with the upcoming North American and World Championships to be sailed in the northeast. All of a sudden, new racers and sail lofts have focused on the class and the sails.
At UK-Halsey, we have not relaxed at all on our J/80 effort. In fact we are constantly striving to improve our sails by learning from our mistakes. Key developments started last fall with work on the Class Asymmetrical. We tested several different designs. In fact some of that work proved to be slower than or standard class asymmetrical, which is a proven fast design. The end result is an asymmetrical that is easy to trim and is consistently fast.
The next step in the design development was with the main. We have always setup the rig with a fair amount of prebend, which allows us to power up the rig easily in lighter winds speeds. The settings have been established and the tuning is very accurate for consistent fast upwind speed.
After looking at the rig settings and pictures of our sails, I started working on a new mainsail design. The goal was to improve windy upwind speed without sacrificing our light wind speed dominance. Any design change in the main needed to meet two criteria. First off it needed to be tested in real race conditions and proven faster than our current sails. Secondly, a tuning matrix had to be developed in order that our customers can achieve the same performance edge that I have developed.
 The first regatta that the new main was tested at was the St. Petersburg NOOD where we learned several important lessons. The mast step position is critical. In the windy first day of the regatta we were clearly dominant. The changes added pointing ability without sacrificing boat speed. My boat LIFTED was fast and out-pointed her competition. The second day, the wind was much lighter. In the first race we were off the pace and only hung on for a third. For the next race we adjusted the rig and found a new fast setting for light air for the new main. In fact, we extended on the competition the whole race and easily won the regatta -- in fact we won three of the six races.
The next test for us was the Charleston Race Week. This regatta provided great competition, super sailing and plenty of racing. With key lessons learned from the St. Pete NOOD, the LIFTED crew felt confident in our speed and looked forward to the racing. It couldn’t have gone better. Our speed was great. Our key strategy was to get a good clean start, keep a clear lane, and let the boat speed work for us. The results were great. We were consistently faster and higher than the boat around us.
In addition to great sails, UK-Halsey offers the following added value that no other sailmaker can offer:
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1. Comprehensive tuning guides for American and French built boats as well as for Hall and Sparcraft masts.
2. Ability to call me for additional help on tuning, rigging, and boat preparation.
3. See me at most of the top events this year, and get insight to what makes a J/80 fast. If you need help just ask.
4. Sails perfected over 10 years of racing that get maximum performance out of the boat in all conditions.
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Now is a special time for our customers. With summer right around the corner treat yourself to the fastest sails in North America. The discount available now is 6% off any sail, with an additional 4% off for any order placed with a deposit in full. This amounts to 10% off list pricing. This offer expires June 15, 2010. |
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| ARCONA 340: WOLF IN CRUISER'S CLOTHING |
 As the pictures show, the new Arcona 34 is not stripped out racing machine. In fact, if you like the idea of owning a Swedish yacht, which combines performance with comfort, the new 340 brings the price and size down to an achievable level for the average cruising couple/family without losing any of the quality that Arcona is well known for.
In the Netherlands this spring, Harry Amsterdam proved this comfortable cruiser is a fast sailboat as well. The Lenco Regatta, off Lelystad, in late April was sailed under light conditions. On the first day three short upwind-downwind races were sailed followed by a long distance race on Sunday.
In the ORC Class 2, Jan de Vries’ X-40 EALA missed first place overall by half a point, to finish second. Harry Amsterdam sailing the new Arcona 340 finished third. Given the fact that Harry’s Arcona 340 had just come out of the box with no preparation at all, this was an excellent result. Her carbon Tape-Drive sails were perfect.
The Lenco Regatta proved to be a good preparation for the IJ-toren Race a week later. The same course off Lelystad turned cold, wet and windy. EALA did not compete, but Harry did a very good job for UK-Halsey – De Vries Sails by taking home the overall first prize in ORC 1 & 2 with an excellent series: 1-1-2-1-2-(3)-1.
The North Sea Regatta off Scheveningen was a 10-day event made up of five separate events. ORC Class 2 only participated in four of the five events. The first event was a long distance race that crossed the English Channel; neither EALA or the Arcona 340 competed in this one. On Friday, May 21st, the Houtrust Race had 35 boats in ORC Class 2. Harry Amsterdam’s Arcona 340 was first. Jan de Vries’ X40 EALA was fifth.
The prestigious Yeoman Challenge series was sailed Saturday and Sunday. Five of the six planned races were sailed. In ORC Class 2, 37 boats competed and once again Harry Amsterdam ruled the roost with scores of 2-2-6-2-4. Second this time went to Jan de Vries’ EALA with scores of 1-1-4-10-5. Both were very fast.
It was a difficult final day of the North Sea Regatta. The ORC and IRC yachts sailed the Fjellstö medium-distance race, and the ORC Class 2 lined up with the biggest fleet (25). Harry Amsterdam took that bullet. EALA didn’t sail this race since someone had to get back to the loft and go to work!
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| BERMUDA RACE WARM UP |
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| Apsara is easy to pick out when sailing with her
spinnaker up thanks to the huge starburst design on the
sail. The boat has Hong Kong sail numbers since that is
where he sailed the boat when it was new. Since then he
has moved to New York and races out of the Huguenot
Yacht Club, New Rochelle ,NY. |
First time Bermuda Race entrant Mike Sleightholme has been preparing for the 630-mile ocean race since the fall of 2009. The final test of the boat and crew was the 180-mile Block Island Race sailed May 29th. Both the crew and boat passed with flying colors as APSARA won the IRC 35 class in a race that turned from idyllic to grueling.
The first half of the race was quick and APSARA hit the current gates well. But after catching the flood current coming back into Long Island Sound, the wind went crazy and alternated between nothng and very light, with very brief 30 minute shot of 18 knots.
“We used every sail in our inventory except for the storm sails, which made the race a great practice for the main event in June,” said Sleighthome. As the wind came and went, the crew had a lot of practice changing sails. There were outside and inside spinnaker changes, genoa tack-changes, straight-away genoa changes and even a baldheaded change. Routing software was tested and battery consumption was monitored. Even the galley was put to the test as the two French chefs in the crew battles for the best dinner award.
All this good practice led to a terrific finish for APSARA, which was awarded two trophies, one for winning her division, and the Commodore’s trophy for winning her division by the greatest margin. APSARA beat the second place boat by more than four hours.
For the race Mike added a MatriX offshore main with two reefs, a new MatriX No. 1 genoa, a Tape-Drive jib top for heavy air close reaching and a code zero for light air close reaching. APSARA will be one of the smallest boats in the 200-boat fleet heading for Bermuda on June 18th, but Mike and his crew are hoping for sterling results.
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| UK-HALSEY POWERS BRAZILIAN CHAMPION |
Brazilian sailor Mario Czaschke won the right to sail in the Disabled Sailing World Championships this July in the Netherlands, by winning the Brazilian championship that was sailed in Norlin 2.4 Mk IIs, the official boat of the singlehanded Para Olympics. Czaschke won the first five races of the regatta and got to sit out the last race that was sailed in the pouring rain on Lake Guarapiranga outside of Sao Paulo.
Eduardo Pires, the coach from the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, was very pleased with the results. "Mario was already being the best in training in Florianopolis. In Sao Paulo he showed what an excellent sailor he is."
Mario is victim of a stroke that limits his movements, including impairing his speech. He was forced to abandon the role of the trimmer SUPER TOUCH, the top performing boat from Sao Paulo, skippered by Ernesto Breda. Mario did not give up his passion and now reaches the top results. "I prepared a lot, but I never expected to win five races by big margins. I thought it would be harder. Sailing with UK-Hasley sails helped me win,” said Mario.
The Disabled Sailing World Championships in July is a qualifier for the 2012 Olympic games. Good luck Mario from everyone at UK-Halsey Sailmakers.
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| SAILING THANKS |
Pictured above is Gunnery Sergeant Clinton Summers, USMC (left) fresh off the plane from Afghanistan. He and John Bennett (right), owner of UK-Halsey Southern Cal, have just set the new UK-Halsey main made for Clint's Ranger 32 DONE DEAL. The mainsail showed up compliments of some retired Marines and a few of UK-Halsey loft owners (including John) to say "thanks" to Clint for his service.
The picture was taken by Clint's wife Jennifer (a Marine Corps veteran) who told John that Clint couldn't talk about anything else on their way to the boat.
Clint has served in the Marine Corps for 18-1/2 years and is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan. He and Jennifer have been married for seven years and have a daughter, Evelyn.
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