Link in previous email got screwed up..... here it is again as an ex of something we could make for the class based on the systems we already have:

http://www.ullmansailswestcoast.com/One_Design_Center/Melges_24_-...

:: Hi Don -
::
:: Looking at all the boats on the dock at regattas there
:: are huge differences in the boat set ups. Some appear
:: look like they were setup the way they came out of
:: Alsberg's and others look nothing like them.
::
:: I am a big believer that good boat setup is key to good
:: performance because it makes life easier on the crew and
:: makes it alot easier to optimize performance (good ex of
:: this is floating jib leads versus classic jib tracks).
:: Updated deck layouts are also a good way to reduce the
:: weight of your boat. I know my boat is overweight and so
:: I have been working hard to cut out 2-3 pounds here and
:: there to get her down to class min (but i still have a
:: ways to go unfortunately). I think the importance of
:: deck layout is supported by looking at the top 4-5 boats
:: in our fleet. Most of these owners have spent
:: considerable time and $ getting their boats into the
:: shape they are in now and I would think this is due, in
:: part, to their performance. I am specifically thinking
:: of Get Happy, Motorcycle, Peaches, Wylie, and there are
:: prob a number of others that have great systems that the
:: fleet would really appreciate being aware of. Offshore
:: and meeting safety rules is another opportunity for
:: sharing so that ea skipper doesnt have to reinvent the
:: wheel all the time.
::
:: It obviously also helps to get good starts, good boat
:: speed, good boat handling and generally go the right
:: side of the course without getting penalties but that is
:: a diff topic! Starting with a quick platform that is
:: easy operate is better than not but there is an argument
:: to be made for less time tinkering and more time working
:: on tacks, time on distance and reading the rule book.
::
:: It would be really cool to put together a little e27
:: systems sharing guide with pictures and what ea skipper
:: likes / dislikes about them from any boats that are
:: willing. Then existing owners would have a really good
:: start to optimize from and new owners would have a great
:: tool to get them going faster sooner (which is great for
:: the fleet).
::
:: I used to sail Melges 24's alot and they have a document
:: similar to what I am thinking called the "Tickle
:: Guide"... this link is basically the Tickle Guide with
:: pics:
:: http://www.ullmansailswestcoast.com/One_Design_Center/Melges_24_-...
::
:: Maybe if people are keen we could take a bunch of
:: pictures and get some POV's at the Resin Regatta when we
:: are all together.... I am happy to consolidate into a
:: single doc and we can post here for comment / review
:: before posting to the articles section.
::
:: Matt
::
:: :: Hi Matt,
:: ::
:: :: That just seems too easy :) Great idea. Wondering if you
:: :: have any other pics of the boat or good improvements
:: :: such as this.
:: ::
:: :: Don
:: ::
:: :: :: Bryan,
:: :: ::
:: :: :: See link for an above-deck jib hal fine tune option.....
:: :: :: we use it upwind for jib hal tension adjustment but also
:: :: :: downwind for fraculating without needing to use a winch.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: There are sexier through deck options but this took all
:: :: :: of 20 mins to put in place and it works great while
:: :: :: minimizing holes in the boat :-)
:: :: ::
:: :: :: http://s269.photobucket.com/user/mpkrogstad/library/?sort=3&page=...
:: :: ::
:: :: ::
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Hi all,
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: I'm going to install a jib halyard tensioner and I don't
:: :: :: :: have another e-27 around with one installed to pattern
:: :: :: :: after.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: I'm going to do a system that is different from the
:: :: :: :: under deck ones and I need to know how much the halyard
:: :: :: :: needs to move to get to max tension.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: I know it will depend on how much you bring in the
:: :: :: :: halyard in the first place. Assume a typically hurried
:: :: :: :: raise prior to a leeward mark rounding with no winch
:: :: :: :: involved & no backstay on.
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: 4 inches? less? more?
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Thanks
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Bryan