lark sailing dinghy,need advice n tips?

[jez33]

[ QUOTE ]
To do this you want to pull the Cunningham on hard (down haul) should be a cringle about 6" up from the gooseneck on the sail.
Pull the outhaul on hard - literally as hard as you can get it
And finally the kicker on hard also - the full length top baton created allot of power and the kicker controls this some what.
Regards,
Scruff

[/ QUOTE ]
hi mate.
cool i was worried my main sail was knackered but ill keep it for the moment..
regarding the Cunningham is that a point on the sail close to the downaul as i thoght the idea of the Cunningham was to bring the sail draft foreward ? ive not sailed a boat with a Cunningham yet so will i get away with not using it untill im a bit more confident with the boat ?
by the way did my videos show if i was using the right cleats ect i am only gueesing that they are right?

the kicker and rudder as far as i can see is missing so might need advice what kicker and rudder and where to get them if you can help again ??
regards jez

 

[maxi77]

When sailing singlehanded it is often good to tie the jib sheet ends together, makes it much easier to grab the sheets after a tack of gybe

 

[jez33]

i just thought, i suppose i cannt reef ( reduce sail area) the sails on the lark when i want to sail in windy conditions singlehandeed ??

 

[maxi77]

It was possible on many dinghys to roll the main and use either a claw or abwebbing strap rolled up in the main as a kicker,

For my enterprise I actually had cut down sails which made the boat much more controllable in heavier winds.

 

[Alfie168]

This lot used to trade in secondhand sails for dinghies. I don't know if they still do, but still worth a call if you need a slightly less tired mainsail at a reasonable price. Other than that keep an eye on ebay.

http://www.sailregister.co.uk/dinghysails.html

As for rigging a lark. Lots of mast prebend using the highfield lever to get mega tension on the forestay. Bags and bags of kicker. Keep weight forward.

I honestly don't think it is suitable for singlehanding iin other than light airs. You will capsize. Its not too bad to get up, but a big job for one.

I had a 'floppy' sail foot on my Ent. main made of thinner material. We called it a Lens Foot as it was lens shaped. As you tightened the outhaul at the end of the boom the lens closed, allowing a fuller sail for light airs and a better shape for windy condition.

To reef a lark we used to use a sail bag rolled into the boom, and secure the sail bag lanyard to the boat low down. Not perfect, but it worked. You lose the kicker though.

Tim

 

[oldsalt]

If it has stern sheeting, then just roll the main on the boom. Roll in a web or sailbag for kicker, and take an extra tuck on the leach to prevent the boom dropping.

Having said that, I never reefed mine (I have reefed many other dinghies) even single handed in F5 (I was 65kg...). Learn how to use the main to control the power...however not for novices at all. Stick to light winds first.

 

[jez33]

i hope this link on my facebook will work to show you the photos of my boat.i cannt think of any other way to get a few images for every one to see..

in the coments i ask a question . one is abou the cunningham, jib sheet cleats, and mast leaning foreward ?

http://www.facebook.com/editphoto.php?aid=2013420

 

[benrosie]

Progress?

Hi there,

After having been bought a Lark for my birthday we have been searching the web for info about how to rig it properly ect and came across this forum and your messages and videos.

Have not tried to rig it yet but we were wondering how you are getting along with yours?

Rosie and ben
New lark owners!

 

[jez33]

Re: Progress?

[ QUOTE ]
Hi there,

After having been bought a Lark for my birthday we have been searching the web for info about how to rig it properly ect and came across this forum and your messages and videos.

Have not tried to rig it yet but we were wondering how you are getting along with yours?

Rosie and ben
New lark owners!

[/ QUOTE ]

hi rosie n ben..

ive had a little trouble getting a suitable rudder but have just got one for it. im hoping to get the kicker for it later in the week and get some sheeting and then just wait for a good day to try it after that..
i have got a lot to learn with sailing a dinghy with a jib as my others have all been singe sailed so far..
let me know how you get on with yours and if you got pictures then id love to see them of the boat ..
regards jez

 

[ticka]

hi jez,just bought my lark,same as you,did u get any answers

 

[ticka]

hi jezz,did u get any help,as i`ve just bought lark too and prep her for sailing too
ticka

 

[Twister_Ken]

This thread has been dead for four years. You might stand a better chance of an answer if you send jez33 a private message. Click on his name (in blue - above one of his messages) to get to that option.