Soling Tips

In response to the question posted as a comment to "Introduction" about soling mast rake.

The rake of the mast on solings is controlled both by the backstay and forstay. There are usually course adjustments if not course and fine adjustments for each. The forstay adjustment line can be found on either side of the halyard post under the deck. In combination with the backstay adjustment lines, which are usually found aft in the cockpit, the mast can be canted forward to vertical or back.

From my own racing experience on solings I have learned that you generally want the mast raked back upwind. Playing the backstay and forstay allows for the correct tuning of the sail via the top batten while sailing upwind. Going downwind the mast should and can be raked forward for maximum speed and efficiency, particularly with a spinnaker. Many privately owned solings record the place their backstay and forstay should be set in each position with a mark on the control lines.

This then explains the phenomena experienced this past Sunday where Barracuda with its mast foreward (vertical) would be faster downwind with cypress, mast raked back, would be faster upwind. The rake of the mast allows the mainsheet blocks to either be close or further apart depending on whether the mast is forward or back.

WARNING!!!
Be careful experimenting with these controls. The block systems in the boat can be easily pulled out of wack, however they are designed to allow the mast to go forward and back as described. Also mast rake is different then mast bend. Playing the backstay and forstay allows for mast rake, playing one at a time bends the mast which has other effects in relation to sail tuning.

Thanks for the question

Joe