Thoughts on distance racing?

Thinking about doing the GT300 next year.

Thinking I should put a heavier mast on the boat, only reason being that I know it'll fold three sail reaching with 380 lbs on the wire.

Anything else I should think of? As far as parts that would be destined to fail.

maybe a spare tiller and tiller crossbeam that you can strap under the tramp??

You'll want to bring a spare rudder (plus rudder assembly and gudgeons/pintles, a spare daggerboard, spare boom, spare spin pole. Just think of anything on the boat that could break, and bring at least one extra of them. You'd hate to go through all the planning and expense of doing the GT and have to drop out because you don't have enough spares.

Karl will they let a 16 footer do the race? I think I remeber looking about 2 years ago at this and the NOR stated 18-20 foot beach cats. Maybe they are opening this up more.

Yes and no. Current rules say no, but Steve Piche seemed open to the idea.


Spare parts would be good. Perhaps grab an entire boat and throw it on the trailer just in case. Probably should have any lines that would be used already made up and ready to go on.

Another thought, probably swap out the main sheet to a 10:1.

I remeber one of the Tybee teams (or maybe Worrell teams) talking about having a pocket on their tramp made to carry a spare rudder, and within a short period of time it was gone, so does not sound like a good idea to carry a lot on board.
I would think possible a heavier boom might be useful so when flipping do not fall on it bend it.

Hi Karl,
For distance racing, the best thing is to have an extra of everything. Some Worrell teams would just trail a second boat up the coast. However, a complete rudder assembly, including cross bar and tiller are most important. I wouldn't cary any spare parts on the boat—other than rigging pins and a couple extra shackles (and plenty of 100-mile-an-hour-tape). That what ground crew is for. I'm not familiar with the Texas race, but on the east coast, you'd want to stay fairly close to shore anyway, so it easier to beach it for repairs. I'd take a spare mast rather that put a heavier one on the boat. The stock mast should be able to handle it if you sail it right. I think the Viper would be a great boat for this race, but only sailed with crew! Good luck to you if you try.

Incidentally, I was told that you sail a viper single handed with a "uni-cut" sail. I just purchased the same sail for my Blade and I'm looking for some specs for Spreader Rake, Spreader length, Diamond wire tension, and resulting pre-bend to tune my mast for that sail. Would you be willing to share what specs you use?
Thanks,
John
F16 Blade

I've got it set the same for both sails. I'll play with diamond tension depending on the conditions. I made a mark on the mast where the diamond wire enters for a visual reference for my max and minimum settings. On the bottom I'm running --(pretty sure)-- 26 on the black Loos gauge, and 34 at the top of the range.

My spreaders are set at 1-3/8", measured from the back of the diamond wire, to the luff track.

Blade might be a bit different, but probably pretty negligible if there's any difference in where the wires, and spreaders mount.

Thanks, Karl.