VIRGO VOYAGER MAST POSITION

[stelkop]

Can anyone help with the mast position of a Virgo Voyager 23(fin keel)
The mast can be positioned to its base in two ways by means of two holes one for and the other aft to the deck.The boat has a strong tendency to windward with a very strong feeling on the helm.

I also wanted to know the original position of the mast ?

 

[Lakesailor]

If you mean it pulls up into the wind and you have weather helm (you have to keep the tiller pulled to windward) I would have thought the forward position to move the centre of effort forward.
It could also depend on your sails and how you have set them.

 

[stelkop]

Yes the correct phrase is weather helm and the mast has a small backward tension.
If i straight it up, is it posible to have a drastic effect on the boat handling?

Thank you very match!

 

[Lakesailor]

Wouldn't have thought so. I can't imagine you're looking for race boat performance. It depends on how your main is cut. If straightening the mast puts a bagginess in the luff of the sail (near the mast). You may find it more difficult when it's breezy, but it may move the draft forward helping your weather helm.
Probably all a bit marginal.
Have a look at this sail trimming page.

 

[steve6367]

I have the same boat - with fin keel. What is it you need to know? Happy to measure position of anything if it helps. Or are you just trying to improve the performance? Mine also have some weather helm, but can usually be adjusted with sail trim........

 

[cnh]

Had a fin keel Virgo. They do have a lot of weather helm when heeled. Much better sailed flat. Reef the main early, and go to the second reef. Just as fast, upright, less weather helm.

Nicholas H
www.channelpilot.info

 

[stelkop]

Steve can you tell me if you please in which hole the mast foot is secured.The for one or the aft?

Very happy to here that you have the same boat because you are the first one that i know in the Virgo family! (As far as i know I am the only owner of a Virgo voyager in Greece )

Regards,

STELIOS

 

[steve6367]

Good little boat I think - has got my around South Coast of England / Channel Island and France.

I will take a look when I am there later today and let you know.

Steve

 

[William_H]

The theory with weather helm is to move the sail centre ie mast forward to reduce pressure at the stern and increase at the bow. However agreeing with cnh the weather helm rounding up effect is far more dramatic from the heel of the boat and consequent unsymetrical hull shape in the water. So reduce sail flatten and ease the main. Ultimately you might find the best answer is to buy a new flat no 2 or 3 jib. less sail is good. regards olewill

 

[stelkop]

I must thank all of you.You helped me a lot!!!
The reason that i was worried so about wheather helm was the difficulty
of my wife with the helm which means to me 'forget sailing vacations'.

Regards ,

Stelios