Improving the performance of my 36 foot, GRP, production, sailboat.

[William_H]

I agree about having some weather helm it does help to lift the stern up to windward. ie reduce leeway.
Regarding sailing the boat "flat" . That might seem desirable however a correct amount of sail for the conditions should see some heel as simply an idication that you have near max sail area for the wind. This can then heel even more in gusts. Of course the heeling will induce more weather helm. So yes by all means sail the boat as flat as possible using crew weight etc but don't reduce sail area jus to get it flat.
In really light conditions you induce some heel to leeward to get the sails to set under their own weight.
olewill

 

[alahol2]

...Regarding sailing the boat "flat" . That might seem desirable however a correct amount of sail for the conditions should see some heel as simply an idication that you have near max sail area for the wind. This can then heel even more in gusts. Of course the heeling will induce more weather helm. So yes by all means sail the boat as flat as possible using crew weight etc but don't reduce sail area jus to get it flat...

There's also the point that very many boats, either by accident or design, need to heel to a certain extent to increase their waterline length to the maximum, thus maximising potential speed.

 

[lw395]

You can't trim carp sails.........

There is a huge difference between getting the best out of clapped out sails and just accepting they are ****.
Then there is the possibility of a few nips and tucks to improve the stretched leaches.
Getting a fast sailor who is also a decent coach on board for a couple of races might offer good value for money.
Or if there are a few like-minded people, an afternoon with a coach in a RIB working with 3 or 4 yachts can be very valuable.