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Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season #186638
07/31/09 09:47 AM
07/31/09 09:47 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 329
Chicago, Illinois USA
TEH Offline OP
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TEH  Offline OP
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Posts: 329
Chicago, Illinois USA
At the risk of boring the vets on this boat I’ll make this post, but someone thinking about the class could find this useful. My thanks to everyone on this board for your help. I’ve had the boat on the water 16 times so far. Here is what I’ve learned:

1. F16 sailing is the most fun sailing I have ever had. These boats are challenging, but very fast. When I first picked it up, Matt said “it takes another 20 minutes to rig the spinnaker, but I find it’s worth it.” Understatement of the year.
2. How to rig the boat solo. I started out taking two hours. Now, if I hustle, I can do it in 55 minutes, including taking it off the trailer.
3. How to haul the boat. I have hauled the boat 3,800 miles so far, and it took me a few times to figure out how to keep from having to stop every so often to retighten things.
4. Remove all shackles when trailering, they come loose and go bye-bye along with expensive blocks that may be attached.
5. 20MPH + Gusts to 30 = Swim. My current limit is around 15 MPH.
6. Righting the boat. I had help the first couple of times, but now that I know the right angle to lean, I can right it easily and fairly quickly.
7. Trapping out upwind is very easy, downwind under spinnaker, not so much. I stopped trying for now.
8. The boat is very light, but with the right settings, you can handle higher winds. Sheeting, boards, downhaul and mast rotation done right equals less pitching, more speed.
9. Respect the boat & beach. F16 boats need to be treated with a lot more respect than my poor old hobie. I now moor the boat during the day when not in use and I made a set of swim noodle chalks for use on the beach.
10. Gelcoating is an artform. I would suggest you get matching gelcoat when you buy the boat if you intend to keep up on nicks and scratches.
11. Never, ever, cleat the main when it’s gusting. I have a snapped boom as evidence of the consequences.
12. I don’t know sh** about racing. I win easily with the other duffers on the lake I sail on in Michigan, but up against the guys in CRAW, I’m DFL.
13. CRAW is a good outfit. Good guys who will take the time to help you learn. Well organized races.
14. GPS can also help you learn. Study your tracks and you’ll see your flaws.
15. Matt at Falcon Marine provides good service. I have busted two things on my boat so far and had the new parts in less than a week. I have sent an embarrassing number of e-mails to him and he’s helped me with rigging, sailing tips and repair/maintenance.




Blade F16 USA 725
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Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: TEH] #186639
07/31/09 10:00 AM
07/31/09 10:00 AM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,525
pgp Offline
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pgp  Offline
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smile Life is good.
I had difficulty pointing from the beginning. When sailing Uni, I carry my weight as far forward as possible, sometimes just forward of the forward crossbar. To facilitate this, I removed the aft trapeze and rigged an additional bungee between the original fore and aft bungies. This allows me to move fore and aft without having the harness cut into my hips and pull me off balance.


I can't think of anything more satisfying than a good spinnaker run, especially 1-up.


Last edited by pgp; 07/31/09 10:06 AM.

Pete Pollard
Blade 702

'When you have a lot of things to do, it's best to get your nap out of the way first.

Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: pgp] #186655
07/31/09 12:07 PM
07/31/09 12:07 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 329
Chicago, Illinois USA
TEH Offline OP
enthusiast
TEH  Offline OP
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 329
Chicago, Illinois USA
I took your advise earlier on going as far forward as possible. Especially in the light wind since I am heavier. Thanks


Blade F16 USA 725
Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: TEH] #186662
07/31/09 03:39 PM
07/31/09 03:39 PM

D
DougSnell
Unregistered
DougSnell
Unregistered
D



TEH:

" I don’t know sh** about racing. I win easily with the other duffers on the lake I sail on in Michigan, but up against the guys in CRAW, I’m DFL."

Trust me!! Buy this. It will cut YEARS off the learning curve. I have 30 yrs in and I STILL learned for it.

https://store.catsailor.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=99&idproduct=6437

Good luck,

Doug

Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: ] #186663
07/31/09 03:41 PM
07/31/09 03:41 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 329
Chicago, Illinois USA
TEH Offline OP
enthusiast
TEH  Offline OP
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Chicago, Illinois USA
I have the video series, does this add a lot?


Blade F16 USA 725
Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: TEH] #186674
07/31/09 07:01 PM
07/31/09 07:01 PM

D
DougSnell
Unregistered
DougSnell
Unregistered
D



A 100% yes......get the book....I wore out one and replaced it to give to grand daughter. Trust me. MUST have for a newbie.

Doug

Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: ] #186683
07/31/09 08:21 PM
07/31/09 08:21 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 329
Chicago, Illinois USA
TEH Offline OP
enthusiast
TEH  Offline OP
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Sounds good. Any tips (especially illustrated) on reading the wind on the water?


Blade F16 USA 725
Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: TEH] #186686
07/31/09 08:45 PM
07/31/09 08:45 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,718
St Petersburg FL
Robi Offline
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Robi  Offline
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St Petersburg FL
Originally Posted by TEH
Sounds good. Any tips (especially illustrated) on reading the wind on the water?
RUBBER RUBBER RUBBER neck, always look around.

Look at the wind lines on the waters surface, specially while on the wire. Look at the folks in front of you, are they heading up or footing off? Also remember the competitor that is in front/behind you, can they be trusted on what they are doing? If in front are the high flying? Get ready for a lift. If downwind are they high flying? Get the idea?

And MOSTLY, have fun, sail with a smile always.

Good luck

Last edited by Robi; 07/31/09 08:46 PM.
Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: Robi] #186745
08/02/09 02:06 AM
08/02/09 02:06 AM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 539
taipanfc Offline
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Always remember wind pressure. Always try to be in a better wind pressure compared to your competitors. And don't be afraid to hit the corners to find it. Quite a number of times I have been on the layline and tacked off to get more pressure (plus more positions), which meant going away from the mark to do so. But only in the top third of the course for these occasion.

Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: TEH] #186751
08/02/09 08:01 AM
08/02/09 08:01 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 264
Long Island, NY
gregP19 Offline
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Long Island, NY
Get out on the race couse early. Sail against a friend on another similar boat and split tacks to see which side of the course might be favored. Also check the line to see if it is square to the wind. If you're in a big fleet with a long starting line don't forget about the "midline sag" phenomenon. A good start will go a long way towards getting you to the top mark first.


G Gove Blade #728 Long Island, New Yawk
Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: pgp] #186752
08/02/09 08:12 AM
08/02/09 08:12 AM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 552
B
brobru Offline
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brobru  Offline
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B

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Posts: 552
you gotta be kidding,...pointing on a uni is the most unfair advantage, search this sit forr tons of info, look for wouter posts....i am average skipper ,..can out point ,...tornado....i 20...n 5.8....every time....so recheck you set up.......mast rotation....out haul..travellor...mainsheet...boards..come on man...or stay on the beach.........yes upwindbows should be submerged...check 'u tube' good f-16 video..
bruce...moving to tamps soon

Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: gregP19] #186774
08/02/09 03:50 PM
08/02/09 03:50 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,049
Sebring, Florida.
Timbo Offline
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Timbo  Offline
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Greg, are you going to come down in Nov. for the Global Challenge? Should be a great time and I know it's too cold for sailing up in NY in Nov!


Blade F16
#777
Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: Timbo] #186809
08/03/09 07:09 AM
08/03/09 07:09 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 264
Long Island, NY
gregP19 Offline
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Long Island, NY
I have the NOR on my bulletin board. I work at a winery and might just be able to get away since it will be right near the end of harvest. If I can get them grapes fermented and put away I might be able to pull it off. I'm going to try since I could learn a lot from you guys. There aren't any F16's up here!


G Gove Blade #728 Long Island, New Yawk
Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: gregP19] #186863
08/03/09 02:08 PM
08/03/09 02:08 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,118
Northfield Mn
Karl_Brogger Offline
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Northfield Mn
TEH- You are one anal-retentive dude, but I mean that in a good way though. smile You must take alot of notes.

The actual trapezing with the spinnaker up is pretty easy. Getting in and out is a royal pain in the pooper. I'm getting more confident about it, but its tough. I think the important thing is to add a cleat for the spinnaker sheet, which I still need to add. That way all you have to worry about is the tiller when getting out, you can also cleat it for a bit and adjust mainsail trim more easily. I'm about positive that one can go faster on the wire, where I fall short is the few seconds that I've gained, I piss away getting in and out. I can't keep the spin sheeted, concentrate on steering, and get back in gracefully all at once yet.

I did manage to capsize this past weekend trapezing downwind. A wind shift not in my favor forced me to head up right before the finish line. I wasn't going to let the boat right on my heels go by so I turned up and headed at the pin end, then it shifted back with a nice gust and over I went, but I made it across the line ahead of the other boat.

Are you going to Racine?

Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: Karl_Brogger] #186872
08/03/09 03:20 PM
08/03/09 03:20 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 329
Chicago, Illinois USA
TEH Offline OP
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TEH  Offline OP
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Believe it or not, I have been called anal-retentive before...

I'm going to try trapping out downwind again. I've just had a few dumps and really get pretty good speed without it, so I put it on the back burner for stuff I need to get down pat.

I am not going to Racine. Long story, but my boat is in Michigan. I am racing up there on Sat. and sailing on Lake Michigan on Sunday. My next CRAW event is something like Sept. 19th because I am not doing that distance race in this month either.


Blade F16 USA 725
Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: Karl_Brogger] #186874
08/03/09 03:48 PM
08/03/09 03:48 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 329
Chicago, Illinois USA
TEH Offline OP
enthusiast
TEH  Offline OP
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Chicago, Illinois USA
My other comment about my list above is there is a lot to learn about sailing a spin boat. I have sailed cats for 14 years and feel like I am starting over with this boat.

I don't want to discourage anyone though, because it has re-invigorated my interest in sailing.


Blade F16 USA 725
Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: TEH] #186883
08/03/09 04:59 PM
08/03/09 04:59 PM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,525
pgp Offline
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pgp  Offline
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Originally Posted by TEH
My other comment about my list above is there is a lot to learn about sailing a spin boat. I have sailed cats for 14 years and feel like I am starting over with this boat.

I don't want to discourage anyone though, because it has re-invigorated my interest in sailing.


+1


Pete Pollard
Blade 702

'When you have a lot of things to do, it's best to get your nap out of the way first.

Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: gregP19] #186886
08/03/09 05:39 PM
08/03/09 05:39 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,049
Sebring, Florida.
Timbo Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Timbo  Offline
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Posts: 6,049
Sebring, Florida.
Originally Posted by gregP19
I have the NOR on my bulletin board. I work at a winery and might just be able to get away since it will be right near the end of harvest. If I can get them grapes fermented and put away I might be able to pull it off. I'm going to try since I could learn a lot from you guys. There aren't any F16's up here!




You work at a Winery? OK, let's move the GC to your place! I'm sure we could all help "stow" that wine! ;^)


Blade F16
#777
Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: Timbo] #186887
08/03/09 06:30 PM
08/03/09 06:30 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,528
Looking for a Job, I got credi...
scooby_simon Offline
Hull Flying, Snow Sliding....
scooby_simon  Offline
Hull Flying, Snow Sliding....
Carpal Tunnel

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Looking for a Job, I got credi...
Guys, don't flame me before you finish reading this.....

What's the difference between going out with the Spi up vs mainsail up?

IMO, the bit of rope you hold is coming from a different part of the boat. Yes you are going faster. But neither should be cleated when you go out; yes you are (probably) further back when you go out....

So we need to train ourselves to go out with the rope at a different angle.....


F16 - GBR 553 - SOLD

I also talk sport here
Re: Confessions of a Rookie F16 Sailor – mid season [Re: scooby_simon] #186889
08/03/09 06:46 PM
08/03/09 06:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,049
Sebring, Florida.
Timbo Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Timbo  Offline
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Sebring, Florida.
I find going out is pretty easy, it's the coming back in that I have too few hands to keep the spinnaker properly trimmed while getting back on board, as the closer you get into the boat, the sheet is being eased, unless you can pull it outward as much as you are moving in, all with one hand. Oh, and don't forget to drive with your other hand!


Blade F16
#777
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