Under normal conditions, the mast rake/rudders are setup so the cat slightly pulls into the wind when letting go of the tiller.

However, if the mainsail is not optimally trimmed, e.g. traveller too far out, and the jib is well trimmed, the boat actually goes straight, or even has slight tendency to go downwind.

Is this how it should be? Or should the boat always pull into the wind, completely regardless of sail trim?

that sounds right for normal considerations

if you travel out the main you are making it less effective so the center of pressure moves forward toward the jib and the boat starts turning downwind

but a lot depends on if your cat is boardless

if it is a hobie16, prindle, nacra 570 etc. without any boards then you tend to rake back more than idle so the center of effort is closer to the rudders

this makes the rudders start to work as centerboards and increases pointing but you will then have to pull harder on the rudder to sail a straight course

a better explanation can be found in "cat racing for the 90's"





edited by: erice, May 16, 2010 - 04:09 PM