|
|
0-8
knots |
8-16
knots |
16-24
knots |
Mast
Rake |
Determines
the balance of the dinghy. If you rake your mast aft, you will
achieve that your dinghy will have better pointing abilities.
If you rake your mast forward you will ease the rudder pressure.
The trim of the mast is very much individual. |
278-280
cm |
280-284
cm |
282-286
cm |
Mainsheet |
Using
the mainsheet in an Optimist is like changing gears in a race
car. The angle of attack between the sail and the wind is changed
and you can control pointing ability and speed by easing and
trimming the mainsheet. Remeber always to adjust the tension
on your sheet according to the conditions. It is a good idea
to tackle a little, white string into the mainsheet, just where
the sheet exits the ratchet or at the block on the boom. This
will make it easier to find the right trim fast. It will give
you a reference point after fix tacking. It can be very difficult
to see how the amount of sheet tension affects the draft of
the sail and the leech, when you're in the dinghy. |
1 |
2-3 |
3 |
Sprit |
The
sprit influences the leech tension. If you tighten your sprit,
the sail will close and if the sprit is trimmed loosely the
sail will open. It is important to avoid too much tension on
the sprit. Remember to adjust your sprit when starting the downwind
legs. |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Preventer |
The
luff tension is adjusted with the preventer, which also regulates
the angle of attack. A loose luff moves the depth of the sail
aft and decreases the angle of attack while a tightened luff
moves the depth forward. |
1-3 |
0-2 |
0-1 |
Kicking-strap |
The
kicker is used together with the preventer to control the angle
of attack. Furthermore the leech is affected by the kicker.
A tight set downhaul will pull the draft forward and down in
the sail, hence opening the leech. |
0 |
1-2 |
3 |
Outhaul |
Controls
the depth in the foot of the sail. You decide how much you want
to use of the designed depht. It is important not to ease the
outhaul too much, because the leecj will close too much at the
bottom batten. |
2-6
cm
(8" - 2.4") |
3-8
cm
(1.2" - 3.15") |
0-3
cm
(0"-1.2") |
Your
position in the boat |
Is
an extremely important trim option. By moving the weight forward
and aft in the boat you can achieve changes in the boat balance. |
Position
all the way in the boat, sitting in the coaming |
Fixed
in hiking straps, shoulders out, weight aft |
All
out hanging, further back in the boat, fixed in straps |