Sail Trim for beginners

[spiller]

There are many books on the subject and a Sail Trim "Disc". (viewed on the Reeds website).

1. Any recommendations for a simple laymans guide?
2. Has anyone used the Disc referred to?
3. Any websites that cover the subject?
4. Any general comments on how best to learn the "art", other than through experience?

Thanks in anticipation,

 

[poter]

Huge subject & you will get many different answers.....
First what boat & sail configuration are you looking at?

or just general!

poter

 

[spiller]

A 26 foot Super Seal - Fractional rig.

 

[alant]

I used to have a excellent A5 booklet issued in PBO on sail trim.

Lent it to a pupil & not returned. Maybe talking to PBO might be the way to go.

 

[eclipsemullet]

I have this book. Its good.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sails-Cruising-P...2220&sr=1-2

 

[Lakesailor]

Just post a picture of your boat under sail and this lot will soon tell you everything that is wrong. Be carefull not to include your feet in the picture as they will allso tell you your

a) socks are the wrong colour
b) trousers are too short
c) laces should be much tighter

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Rivers & creeks]

That's just typical I'm afraid of the bad advice you get here. Laces should NEVER be tight, surely everyone knows that?

 

[gandy]

I bought the book "Looking at Sails", now out of print but should be available from www.abebooks.co.uk This covers theory of sailcloth and why the sails are cut the way they are, sail setting and rig tuning. Very informative, if you prefer a bit more than a step by step guide. Its a bit out of date, so doesn't cover fabrics more modern than Dacron, and doesn't cover radial cut sails.

 

[Anonymous]

It is generally accepted that it is easier to learn the art of trimming on a dinghy. So, however you obtain the information, practice on a dinghy if possible.

 

[Danny]

[ QUOTE ]
That's just typical I'm afraid of the bad advice you get here. Laces should NEVER be tight, surely everyone knows that?

[/ QUOTE ]I find that using a Loos rigging gauge it's possible to set up one's shoe laces to precisely the right tension before setting out. But I check the tension after an hour or two in strong winds in case the windward one has stretched at all.

 

[poter]

I still think that Steve Sleight's book is one of the best all round & my copy is very well thumbed....have a look here: Sailing Manual
Even though you want a sail trim book I would go for a complete manual as there are many things that affect boat performance not just sail trim.

good luck

poter

 

[poter]

Just realised your in Dubai, where are you sailing from?
I was there for 20 odd years left in 98.
Is the Offshore sailing club in Jumeriah still going, or have they built a hotel on it yet?

poter

 

[simonfraser]

laces for beginners:

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl...l%3Den%26sa%3DN

 

[ThereAndBack]

I found the Kemp Sails info quite helpful.

It is at

http://www.kempsails.com/sitedata/PDF_Forms_for_Download/Kemp-Trimming-Mains---Headsails.pdf

Alan

 

[spiller]

Dear Poter,

Sailing out of DOSC. Still safe, but JASC has gone, the Country Club and Exiles are doomed. Umm Suqueim beach got boarded up for development three weeks ago, but an appeal has changed the minds of those in control (My bosses brother). My boat has been at DOSC since 1980 and been owned by virtually every other member at one time or another.

 

[jb2006]

I have a book from Fernhurst (?) called Sail and Rig trim or something like that which is good - or North U Trim is possibly the "bible" for racing yachts and is very good.

Saw the disc the other week - can't remember if it is cockpit proof - but it looked like a good aide memoire for when it's all going tits up and you can't work out why

 

[poter]

Yup, understand, I think we left at the right time.

Good luck with the sailing if you get up to the Musandam it really is a beautiful spot & if you dive there is lots to see.

Have fun & do try & get a copy of Steve Sleight's book.

poter