I am converting my Supercat-20 jib to a self-tacking system and I am interested in the pros and cons of a curved track verses a straight track. I see the smaller cats all seem to have curved tracks and the larger cats have straight tracks like the ARC-27 & 30. Are there benifits to using one system over the other? Are both systems rigged the same way? I lauch a huge spinnaker off the tramp and I was thinking that the straight track would be less likely to snag the spinnaker upon retreival yet the curved track seems to me to be the better system as far as jib control goes. Any help or advice is welcomed.

Thanks, Don Caldwell

Supercat-20 #92 "VERTIGO"

Nacra 18 square #9

Don



We have fitted curved self tacking tracks to both our Tornado cats here in NZ - it works great - so well you could sail a windward beat and tack several times without touching the jib sheet if necessary (including tacking) even when trimmed on hard.



I was amazed as I expected to have some problems but it was perfect first try. I have some e-photos somewhere if you're interested.



In racing it would be rare for a racing crew not to adjust the jibsheet constantly upwind, ourselves included, but it just goes to show that this system runs very well.



We run a chute off the bridle for the kite so don't have any snagging issue - but since it only sticks out 500mm each side of the mast, I think you would have few problems. In any case my earlier experience with a bag was that it was mostly steering technique as to whether you had problems with snagging the kite.



The one downside we have found has nothing to do with the chute, just some difficulty tacking when down on speed and also manouvring on the startline without being able to back the jib. Just takes practice and an adept crew!



It is possible you could have some difficulties with a bigger boat with higher loads but presumably it's just a question of allowing for those loads with purchases and hardware specs.



Without even trying a straight track, after a season of racing, I would not change from our system.



Cheers

How is this going to work on your SC? With sail #92 I assume you must have the telescoping beams, so how are you going to attach the jib traveler track?



Eric

The man to ask on this subject is Bill Roberts,,, for sure. Not only does he have a long history of involvement with self tacking jibs,,,, but I believe he designed your SC.



I know he has commented before on the various charactoristics of flat vs. curved jib tracks,,, but I for one would like to hear it again.

Hi Don,



I too have a Tornado with a curved self tacking track. I retreive my kite into a shoot sewn diagnally underneath my tramp with the mouth at the front port corner of the tramp. I have tied a peice of spectra from the edge of the track to the end of the beem so the kite can flow over it a bit more freely. I have noticed on Darren Bundock/John Forbes boat they do not have this and to the best of my knowledge they do not have a problem with it. Just make sure the corners are rounded of and protected with electrical tape for padding.



The curved track I would say would set easier on each new tack and if you need to backwind which we have rarely had to do you can hold it with your hand.



I find the self tacking system unbeatable if you have a kite. With the crew not having to worry about the jib during manouvers, he can set himself up quicker on the next tack or gybe. By the time I am on the other side of the boat after the tack, my crew is already on trap, reaching for the main sheet and can power us up as I get out.



Regards

Stephen Medwell

Hi Simon,



If you get a chance to forward those e-pic's of your self tacker,, I would appreciate a copy to amaguire@barint.on.ca



Glad to hear it has worked out so well for you.

Better yet, post it here, so we can all benefit, and save yourself the effort of all the e-mails. I'd love to see it, too.



Thanks,



Tim J.

Hore's one shot:



sm

...and another...

sm

Here is a shot of Bundy and Forbes system that many of us in OZ are using including the spinnaker sock under the tramp.



Regards

Stephen Medwell

Team Tornado 'ALIVE'

www.tornadoalive.com

And another



Regards

Stephen Medwell

Team Tornado 'ALIVE'

www.tornadoalive.com

and another



Regards

Stephen Medwell

Team Tornado 'ALIVE'

www.tornadoalive.com

Opps here is the 3rd pic



Regards

Stephen Medwell

Team Tornado 'ALIVE'

www.tornadoalive.com

try again for the second



Regards

Stephen Medwell

Team Tornado 'ALIVE'

www.tornadoalive.com

Where did you get the curved track?

Anyone have pics of the bridle and forestay setup for the Tornado self tacker. (Both, with the jib on, and with it off?)

>>: Anyone have pics of the bridle and forestay setup for the Tornado self tacker. (Both, with the jib on, and with it off?)<<



Try the photo page on the ITA website: http://www.tornado.tc/nrp.htm

can you retro a H-20 into a self tacker without having to buy a different jib?

Arbo, The short answer is "no". While I'm sure it's possible with the right engineering noone has done it yet. All self-tackers are sheeted off the main beam and that allows them to put the track on the front of the beam.



Mike Hill

H20 #791

Something I've always wondered about self tack setups... the original T-boat allowed fore/aft adjustment of the jib blocks by way of sliders in the tramp track. This lets you change/tune the tension on the foot and leech of the sail. Does a self tacker completely lose this capability?