Mainsheets

Maybe this is a daft question, has the class considered adopting the use of centre main sheeting retaining a strop on the transom? I see it as 1. virtually a no cost option 2. Moves the sheeting into a position more akin to the types of boats most of the young sailors would progress to. 3. makes for much more comfortable roll tacking. 4. Is no different in terms of change from deck to thwart sheeting which everyone takes for granted these days. Comments much appreciated

Comment here: can someone please post a picture/post a link to a picture of the centre main system because i can't for the life of me imagine how it's set up!

64799 "Dolphin"

We are investigating a centre main option, certainly fits in line with the other junior classes and reduces the pull from the main sheet for lighter helms, what do you think ? :

<img src=" www.ukmirrorsailing.com/centre/Picture 124 (Small).jpg">

MCA Secretary

Hi thanks glad to see its be investigated, would it be legal? As an ex fireballer we used a similar system. The difference is that you retain the standard boom end block, add a split tail (2 x 3mm tails) whipped into the mainsheet and no lower block, would probably have them further apart than shown below. The split tails simply pass through the boom end block when sheeted in up wind. I think I might just do it anyway and see how weeman gets on with it, I'll post a picture after the weekend.

The centre main is a great idea. not sure on retaining the transom part of it. I use the split system on a fireball & while it can be good, it can also catch around the transom & rudder during a gybe, it also means that the tiller extension can no longer be changed from one side of the boat to the other without releasing the mainsheet (only a problem if it isn't moved across properly during a tack, or in light winds when the helm may choose to swap sides.

If a centre main is used it should be combined with a gnav (rigid, top down kicker like the 29er/49er) & there will still be plenty of room for the crew to move around. The loads on the Mirror are such that a gnav should be possible from a couple of pieces of aluminium tent pole the fit inside one another. I've got the tube, just not tried to set it up yet. There doesn't appear to be anything in the rules against a gnav.



Edited by - andrewb on 13 December 2005 02:58:24

To put some more background on this, here is a proposal that was approved at the UK AGM :
www.ukmirrorsailing.com/notices/ ... oposal.pdf

This was then taken to the International AGM in Sweden, where the concept was approved and the Technical Committee tasked to look at the actual rules and investigate some of the Practicalities such as fixing points for different boat construction types. Quite a bit of work is involved in trying different configurations, looking at how they fit in the boat, ease of use, cost, performance issues and durability (ie will undue stress be put on the boat/rig)etc. If others are able to rig their Mirrors with centre main and send in photos/comments this will greatly help the TC who are flat out on the New Rig.

With regards the GNAV, this is also being investigated, Proctors (Seldon) are producing a test rig (tapered Bermuda mast) with one fitted to see if it works without additional mast strengthening and/or lowers. Again if others are able to experiment this would help, here a GNAV fitted to the traditional rig, yet to be tried but certainly frees up the forward cockpit :
<img src=" www.ukmirrorsailing.com/centre/gnav.jpg ">

MCA Secretary

Wouldn't centre main make the class a little less accessible for larger crews? I know my dad finds it cramped anough as it is!

64799 "Dolphin"

The centre main will only be an option, you don't have to fit it. Personally I would probably stick to the transom main, this was what I learnt with and need the space in the boat. Most juniors have grown up with centre mains and it gives them better control of the sheet because they are pulling it straight rather than at an angle when it comes from the transom.

MCA Secretary

sounds like a good idea
this would make it easyer to move into most other classes

hello

Centre mainsheet is used almost universally in Australia. Maybe someone there could post a picture. They had to revert to transom sheeting for the 2003 Worlds.

i think that it would be easier not to have a centre main

why? out of interest. i prefer aft main as well, but most people seem to think centre is easier... i've found that aft main is easier to teach, and its easy to go from that to centre main, and not realy the other way around.

64799 "Dolphin"

Centre main would be an option, if you prefer the transom main you will be able to stick with it. Both systems have their pros and cons, suiting different sailors.

MCA Secretary

Can someone tell me how the gnav works, is it as easy to change the gnav as it is with the kicker, can you change it from the back of the boat for the helm and does it do exactly the same as the kicker we have now

Emma Barry <img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle>

...........and how is the gnav fixed to the mast, etc?
Seems a great idea for making more crew space. The idea of a DIY gnav appeals too (in the great Mirror tradition!) if we could work out the details. I intend to inspect the one on a friend's RS300 (AKA a "stealth bomber") to see if we can adapt the idea without mangling mast or boom too much. Anyone else out there trying it out?

pigs can....and do.....