I just stepped my mast and used the tuning guide numbers for my rig. I went sailing in 15-18 kts of breeze and the rig was too loose- the lee shrouds were slack and the rig pumped a bit upwind.

I didn't get a chance to tighten them that day but I'm going to give everything a turn and go out again.

I wonder if the top boats have made changes since that was written, and also if they use anything less subjective than "pull on the backstay to 50%".

Anybody tried using a laser sight to check mast straightness? I gave this some thought and it seemed more complex than at first glance, especially if you try to do it while sailing.

:: Thanks as that would give me a basis!
::
:: :: You really have to develop your own numbers, I would
:: :: pass mine on, and will next time I am at the boat I will
:: :: record them and post them. However, I have the larger
:: :: section rig grandfathered in so my numbers are not a
:: :: good example. I would say that the rigs (at least for
:: :: the windy summer bay area conditions) are much tighter
:: :: then I initially thought they would be.
:: ::
:: :: :: I read the articles on the website and they mention 28
:: :: :: for the mids and 42 for the lowers. This is on a small
:: :: :: loos gauge. These numbers seem really high. Does anyone
:: :: :: know any numbers that they tune to?
:: :: ::
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Best place to start is in the Articles section of the
:: :: :: :: website. The articles there will help you get the boat
:: :: :: :: set up, you can fine tune to your conditions from there.
:: :: :: :: There aren't any real numbers for adjusting the uppers
:: :: :: :: or even the intermediates between racing, About all we
:: :: :: :: do on a regular basis is adjust the aft lowers. trying
:: :: :: :: to maintain just enough tension to keep overbend
:: :: :: :: wrinkles to a min.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: Tom
:: :: :: ::
:: :: :: :: :: I just bought An express and was wondering how to setup
:: :: :: :: :: the mast tuning. I am use to a j/24 and we adjust per
:: :: :: :: :: wind conditions. Is the mast changed based on wind and
:: :: :: :: :: what are the numbers on a loose gauge ?