jib and reacher design

[stm]

I am considering a boat with slight fractional rig that carries a 100% self tacking jib. Along with that there is a roller furling reacher for off wind/ light wind work. Seem like the perfect senario to me , who almost always will be single/shorthanded. Any thoughts?

[sailingdog]

Sounds like a great setup for what you're describing. what kind of boat is it??

[Idiens]

A light weight reacher might be a little weak for cruising long range, where one might hope for many weeks of reaching and down wind work.

[sailingdog]

I get the feeling he's coastal cruising, weekending or daysailing, not sailing the tradewind routes. That said, yes, if he wanted to do the tradewind routes, then a heavier light-air sail would be a good idea.

Also, some boats don't go downwind all that well, since they can roll and pitch and otherwise end up handling pretty squirrely.

[Idiens]

Yes, for coastal stuff, he has a good GP combination of foresails. That self tacker will work well in narrow passages.

Tacking down wind is one trick to avoid rolling about. But the multi-hull guys need not worry about that, I guess.

[sailingdog]

Yes, but most multihulls, including mine, are actually faster if they tack downwind... since they can go faster if they're on a broad reach than they can usually going dead downwind. But they don't get all wallowing and rolling like the monohulls do.

Originally Posted by Idiens

Tacking down wind is one trick to avoid rolling about. But the multi-hull guys need not worry about that, I guess.

[stm]

Mostly Chesapeake Bay Cruising , Tartan 3400

[JohnRPollard]

STM,

This can be a very good combination for how most people cruise their boats (i.e., coastal). Most racers would want more flexibility, but this arrangement is not usually offered on flat-out race boats. The mainsails on these boats tend to be larger to provide much of the drive upwind, with the smaller jib helping out. And then you get to "switch gears" for the downhill leg and quickly spread more canvas.

Saga and Tartan offer this headsail combination, and I've heard generally positive feedback. Personally, I wouldn't mind this set-up at all, although I wouldn't necessarily insist on the self-tacking aspect. Also, it generally works better when the downwind sail is tacked at the end of a longish fixed sprit, but most designers and builders seem reluctant to use long fixed sprits nowadays. About the most you'll see is an extended anchor platform.

I think Tartan calls theirs the CCR for "Cruise Control Rig" (which sounds a bit silly to me), and I really like their new 4300 on which it's offered. I think it's also available on their 3400, maybe some other models as well.

Edit: Ah, I see you posted the boat model while I was typing. I think that would be an almost ideal sail combination/boat for cruising the Chesapeake. Lucky you.

[7Psych]

Our Tartan 3400 is currently in the process of being built. We have a late January/February delivery date and we could not be happier. We have the centerboard version as our sailing in Barnegat Bay in NJ is extremly shallow. We considered MANY boats, did our homework, and finally setteled on the Tartan. This will be our second Tartan...We also had Tartan 10 and raced for many years. Please fell free to PM me if you would like any other info...

Dale

[JohnRPollard]

7Psych,

Tell us about the centerboard. Is this the only shoal draft option for the 3400, or is there a beavertail offered? Draft specs appreciated...