First time - reg setup questions

Hi group,

I was given a board, sail, mast, and boom for Christmas from my wife. It's of the older variety, (big Wayler board, sail with no battons (more of a triangle shape then a modern shape, and tie on boom)

Now first off, to those who are going to tell me to get something newer, rack off . It was a pressie from my wife who doesn't sail, but knew that I wanted to learn, so that'll be it till next summer.

Now, I've read all about how to attach the boom so that's not a problem. After rigging it up in the back garden (roof racks arrive tomorrow) and having fun 'catching the wind', I've got some questions...

How do I get rid of the vertical lines in the sail near the mast? I've read that that's because I don't have enough downhaul tension, but boy, I pulled that thing. I'm worried about the mast popping out of the top of the sail! Is downhaul tension all that's going to make the difference, or is there something else I can try?

My second question may get fixed once I've got the creases sorted out. I have to pull the outhaul really tight so that the sail doesn't touch the boom when the wind's in it. I achive no-touch status with heaps of pull which flattens out the sail, and bends the boom out at the same time. Is that correct (is the boom (aluminium) meant to bend to provide more room for the sail? Or is the sail meant to touch the boom? I got a book from the library that was printed in the mid 80's, with pictures of people sailing rigs that look like mine, and in some pictures it looks like the sail is pressing against the boom.

What makes the mast bend, downhaul tension or outhaul tension? When I rigged it up, I was using outhaul tension to make the mast bend. I'm now guessing that this is incorrect?

Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated

Elf

Elf

Where in Oz do you live? I am happy to give you direct help if you live in Perth.

Derek

says...

Thanks Derek, but I live in the Brisbane bayside. Otherwise I'd have taken you up on the offer.

sounds like you should invest in a lesson or 2 and get the teacher to explain rigging and basic sailing. by using your own gear it should be cheaper. most of the sailboard shops in brissy can give advice or you can look up the sunshine coast. if you like I could give you some details of some contacts, all of which I get no kick backs from. if you don't want to buy other gear then this is the cheapest way to move forward rapidly. generally with a board of this vintage the sails are baggy as said on other posts. but people still sail them to learn on. you will need low wind speeds to learn and an old sail will be o.k in low winds. it is not that the gear is no good but that you may outgrow it quickly. then again you may decide that the sport is not for you as well.

if your not keen on the lessons then I can give you a hand no probs, could meet you at Wello or Golden beach, should try to find onshore winds for your first adventure. Lake Catharabah is great for learning as you can touch the bottom everywhere.

Regards Justin.

Froggie,

Your wife has given you almost the best present in the world. In a few months your bank manager may not agree however.

Some advice, particularly relevant to the kit you have.

Initially sail on the flattest water you can find, with a very light but steady wind. Force 1-2 is ideal for that kit. Trying to learn on that kit in any kind of chop or F3+ will be a disaster.

Be aware of winds and tides, that pleasant offshore F1 with glassy smooth water can be choppy F4 a few hundred yards out.

Never sail alone, always at least have someone watching from the bank.

Get lessons, or get a mate who knows how to show you what to do.

Enjoy,