2010-08-10; 15:39:03 EDT
Member Since
2002-09-17
Posts: 4946
Chris, I have never found the Rhodes to be lacking in pointing ability compared to other hulls both larger and smaller. What I have found is un tuned rigging, blown out sails and a host of other problems that have prevented them from pointing well. It really all boiled down to operator error and a lack of sailing knowledge. I have corrected many a Rhodes owners problems, but you have to see the boat in person and sail it before deciding what to fix, including the owners. As usual my fee for this service is to cover all travel expenses and all the rum I can drink. :) The fees automatically are reduced by the number of galley wenches provided. Rummy In a message dated 8/10/2010 2:32:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ccowie at cowieassociates.com writes: Lee/Jack: I typically keep my jib sheets outside the shrouds for maximum sail size however I do move the sheets to the other two positions in an effort to point higher. Anything other than the outer position looses a couple of knots of speed. I find the easiest way to change the sheet position is to furl the jib in all the way, then reach over or thru the pop top and move the sheet, then unfurl the jib. I seem to get about 60 degrees off the wind with a full head sail, 120 total. I can cheat a bit if its blowing hard and let the head sail luff, this also lessens the heal angle. The best I have managed in the alternate sheet positions, at lower speed, is 45 degrees off the wind, total 90 degrees. I came upon a Catalina 22, sailing the same direction sailing upwind toward Herrington Harbor South, as I came out of Herrington Harbor North this past Sunday afternoon. I quickly got the outboard stowed and let out full sail. Wind was a steady 9kts with gusts to 11kts. While the Catalina could point about 10 degrees higher than me I outsailed her on several tacks as we made our way to the marker at the end of Long Bar, about a mile and a half up wind. It must have taken the Catalina another fifteen minutes to reach the same mark. While I am frustrated with the Rhodes pointing ability I am delighted at how she can get up and go in light and moderate wind. Christopher P. Cowie 4400 MacArthur Blvd, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20007 202.342.2711 202.342.2691 fax 202.270.1470 mobile [ccowie at cowieassociates.com] cowieassociates.com -----Original Message----- From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Leland Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 9:28 AM To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Advice on re-routing genoa sheets ?? Jack, Glad you asked. "Is it worth it?" Absolutely. It's more important than lowering your centerboard, which is also pretty important. 120 degree tacks with your sheets run outside of the shrouds is pretty good so your sails and skills must not be too baggy. "Is there a quick and easy method?" I'm lazy and I rerun my sheets just about every time I go out. Even if I don't need to run the sheets between the shrouds for windward performance I'll often get better sail shape if I do. Here's my technique and I hope others chime in with their methods: If you're singlehandling you'll need to lock the tiller so you can leave the helm. Untie the stopper knot at the end of your windward sheet (you can rerun the leeward sheet but it's not as easy) and pull the sheet loose from the winch and Genoa track block (pulley).See the original archive post