Pointing ability with Sabre 362

[srharvey]

We race against an identical S 362. Both boats are well equipped and maintained. Both have experienced skippers and crew. Both boats sail the same wind angle on starboard tack but our boat sails at least 5 degrees lower on port tack, everything else being the same. We have checked, and continue to check, weight distribution, rig tension, alignment, etc. but can not find anything out of line. Any suggestions where to look??? Thanks

[sabre362]

We have a '98 362 and we generally have a balanced upwind sail, although I do find a slight difference if we have our port side water tank full.

[sailingfool]

When you reference rig tension, I assume you include backstay use...Assuming truly matched boats, I would think two sources of such a significant difference..the first is sails, if one boat has a newer genoa and/or main, sail performance could make a difference. The more likely difference is sail trim and helming. If you have agood relationship witht he other boat, try try to switch sail trimmers for 10 minutes before or after a race. If that doesn't explain the difference, switch skippers too...and you should get to the bottom of the delta.

For a number of years we raced a C&C 30 in a PHRF fleet that included another C&C 30 that had a replacement tall rig and newer sails. Boat for boat, we always went just a little faster upwind, and there was nothing they could do about it. althought they often placed well in the fleet I don''t think they beat us more than once in 3-4 years.

[TomKeffer]

One would think that a problem with the sails would show up equally on both tacks, but you never know. It's a lot of work, but you could try switching sails.

You didn't say in your note, but if you're using a wind instrument, check the wind angle calibration. Of course, this doesn't apply if you're sailing side-by-side against the other 362.

[srharvey]

Thanks for your replies. We are continuing to check various elements of the boat. We do find a slight difference in genoa car location, port to starboard. Also, one reply commented on a difference in tacks when the port water tank was filled. That's about 250 lbs. port side weight, what difference did you notice, we have sailed both with the tank full, to balance the boat equally, and with the tank empty using live balast.

Anyone have a comment on mast rake, we have not been able to get an answer from Sabre and do not have a sailplan yet that might show designed rake.

Both boats race with new, top quality sails.

Thanks for the follow-ups. srharvey