Running downwind in a Javelin

[5hortBu5]

Hi Folks,

This past weekend, I took a short daysail on the Delaware River. a good portion of the sail was downwind, and as a result of some of the decisions I made at the time, I now have a sail trim question.

On the Javelin, there is no backstay. Instead, the spreaders are raked astern and the shrouds are mounted well astern of the mast step, acting as shrouds *and* backstay. This obviously limits the swing of the boom.

While running wing-and-wing, I sheeted the main to a point that it didn't lay too hard on the spreaders or the shrouds, but that got the back of the sail uncomfortably close to the wind at times, and I did have to deal with one accidental jibe.

So, with my standing rigging's restriction on boom position, would I be better off jibing my way downwind in a series of very broad reaches, or is not-quite-boom-abeam wing-and-wing an okay trim configuration?

[nolatom]

you mean the Oday Javelin 14 I guess? (not the Tripp Seafarer 38 with a backstay)?

whichever Javelin it is, if you can't get the main out far enough because of shrouds or spreaders, then going to more of a broad reach would be preferable, I'd think. that way you wouldn't have to concentrate so hard on avoiding the jibe you're always on the verge of on a run, and can enjoy the scenery more. the distance you give away would be almost made up for in increased speed, at least in light and moderate air.

[sailingdog]

Generally, going dead downwind is the slowest point of sail for most boats.

"Tacking" downwind via a series of broad reaches is probably faster and in many ways safer, since you're far less likely to experience an unexpected gybe.