tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209493946963010404.post134073722730969374..comments2024-02-25T10:43:07.698+13:00Comments on STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS: ____________________ SAILING CLOSE TO THE WIND ____________________Alden Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06601028197387499096noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209493946963010404.post-73512620459656252802016-09-22T20:55:09.086+12:002016-09-22T20:55:09.086+12:00Ben, that is a good question - why was the centreb...Ben, that is a good question - why was the centreboard that much smaller?<br /><br />I don't think the measurement rules have changed.<br /><br />Maybe a much lighter skipper was able to maintain good windward performance with a smaller area centreboard and gain the advantage of less wetted surface area, thus reducing friction - but I really don't know.<br /><br />The rules for the centreboard are thus:<br /><br />"12 Centreboard<br />12.1 Materials and design are optional.<br />12.2 The centreboard must float.<br />12.3 The blade under the cheeks or stopper device must fit inside a rectangle<br />1067mm x 280mm and have a maximum thickness of 20mm. "<br /><br />The maximum thickness of 20mm cannot be exceeded because anything thicker would not fit through the centreboard slot in the boat.<br /><br />My centreboard now measures 1067mm X 280mm and I hope it gives me some increase in performance - time will tell.<br /><br />If I don't gain any increase in performance at least the longer centreboard will give me more mechanical advantage by increasing the lever arm when I am swinging on the centreboard trying to right my capsized Starling!!Alden Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06601028197387499096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209493946963010404.post-31316374261715059412016-09-22T19:58:00.595+12:002016-09-22T19:58:00.595+12:00This work looks like a nice piece of craftsmanshi...This work looks like a nice piece of craftsmanship.<br />What could be the reason that the original centreboard was that much smaller?. I assume that the measurement rules did not change. <br />The shape of the aerofoil and the thickness of the centreboard could also contribute to less or more friction. Are there some optimisation possibilities? Is there a thickness limitation in the class rules?<br />Benhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16337494349546448043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209493946963010404.post-30718286202346806982016-09-20T16:44:43.140+12:002016-09-20T16:44:43.140+12:00Thank you D for your comment and sharing your expe...Thank you D for your comment and sharing your experience. I am encouraged by what you say. I am sure more area in the rudder would also be useful especially controlling the tendency to round up when hard pressed on the wind in very gusty conditions, but I am of course bound by the class measurement rules if I want to race against other Starling sailing dinghies. The alterations I have made to the centre board bring its measurement up to the maximum allowed by the rules. Alden Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06601028197387499096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3209493946963010404.post-23317783792325964592016-09-20T13:48:29.096+12:002016-09-20T13:48:29.096+12:00Good job so far. I'm sure you'll be faster...Good job so far. I'm sure you'll be faster to weather. When I sailed lasers I swapped out the laser rudder blade for a Hobie Cat blade. What a difference that made. No more death rolls. Foils make a huge difference.Dhttp://www.estuarian.orgnoreply@blogger.com