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Submitted
on June 6, 2005 by Ron Baden
Question: I am planning on installing
genoa tracks on an Irwin 23, prior to ordering new sails. How do I determine
the best location and length of tracks to install to improve windward
performance?
Thanks,
Ron
Answer: Hi Ron, the placement of the tracks is dependent on the following factors:
1) Size of the headsail. As an example, a 150% genoa will require tracks much further aft than a 110% genoa.
2) Clew height of the headsail. For example, a 110% genoa built with a shorter leech will require tracks further aft than a 110% genoa with a longer leech and the clew very close to the deck.
3) Position of chainplates. If the chainplates are near the rail of the boat, the genoa tracks will need to go more outboard than if the chainplates are located well inboard. The chainplate location determines the minimum sheeting angle.
4) Structure of the boat. In general, the deck of your boat will be stiffer near the hull to deck joint, or right up against the vertical face of the cabin house, than it is half way between those two places.
5) Interior configuration. You should check below the deck to make sure you are not drilling a fastener hole directly above a ceiling light or bulkhead, where you won't be able to locate a large washer and nut.
Instead of locating your tracks before ordering a sail, you could talk to a sailmaker to figure out how big the sail will be, and ask the sailmaker for help figuring out where to put the tracks to best fit the sail.
Regards,
Dan Neri
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