I’m totally a rookie to Express 27 moreover, trying to get back into sailing and tuning, after 20 years away. I once was an instructor for many Olympic class boats in the 70’s and 80’s for BYC and Ullman sails. But that was than and this is now. Since than, a lot of terminology, technology and thinking as changed, moreover I have no clue to these boats or SF yet. Can you help me please?

I’m now trying to help my cousin’s family to get ALL the INFO, one can on racing, tuning and solving many problems on this class of boat, like windward helm and over powering. Got any ideas or info, especially on windward helm, when pointing in all air and with all jibs and mains???

Isn’t the basic problem of windward helm on the Express 27; just too much main for the conditions??? Plus the mast is just RIG too far aft?? Could this be cause by the boat’s mast being BENT back!!! I mean perpetually over curve/rake, even when the backstay is loose?? Should we just, keep shorting the forestay until the windward helm is gone?

Also How BEST to tune a permanently curved mast?

How BEST to get OUT windward helm with this mast?

How BEST to not over drive this boat?

How fast and high should Express 27 go when pointing?

Where can I read up or get info on the best ways to retune the rig and sails of all boats, especially for the Express 27? Also race course info for SF bay and sailing them in all conditions.

Pleae email or call tds@cox.net 9494135333

PS

What did you mean in the following in Scott' tuning info page?

HE wrote

To start the tuning process, we must first make sure that you are in the ball park with your rake number, which is really your headstay length. To get our rake number, take the backstay and pull it on 50%.

What did e mean by HEADSTAY?? Also 50% on backstay?? AND RAKE NUMBER??

FYI

Express 27 seams to only have a forestay, not a headstay, right??

Dave Ullman taught me to race, tune and make sails in the 70’s at BYC. Since than, I have skippered and crewed on many national and world champions. However, I’m not a local nor an expert on SF bay, nor these boats yet. New, to area and looking to hook up with anyone, even those wanting to learn how to win, especially at match racing.