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