Recent Posts

21

U20 Boat Maintenance & Care / Re: Forestay/Jib adjustment

« Last post by Mark Allen on July 06, 2026, 08:34:18 PM »

Adjusting the headstay was common in the mountain west boats 20 years ago. I know one boat hat 2 pigtails (the small section above the top swival of the furler) one shorter for high wind and one standard for max rake measurement. The thought use was the same wind speeds as Steve describes but this was before adjustable forestays were allowed (not sure when that changed). I know most boats set up for max rake as measured in the rules and depower using the traditional controls. In known high wind locations go with a lower rake and put in a stiffer top batten in the main.

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U20 Boat Maintenance & Care / U20 Sails Group Buy?

« Last post by Brian Mikiten on July 06, 2026, 03:52:07 PM »

I've owned other class boats where a group buy is initiated in order to get a discount on new sails. I was looking at getting a new set of Ullman sails (Main/Jib) and wondered if anyone had interest prior to the Nationals in October. I had a brief discussion with Steve S. about this but nothing formalized.

TIA

23

U20 Regattas - Where, When & Who's Going! / Re: 2026 North American Championship

« Last post by Mike Josselyn on July 01, 2026, 12:10:43 AM »

The Registration website is now open for the U20 North Americans.  The event is being held in conjunction with the Express 37 Nationals but registration is separated for the two fleets.  Registration is $270 for three days of racing and three tickets for Saturday night dinner at the Club. You can order additional dinner tickets when you register. The Club is also open for dinner on Friday and Sunday night at standard galley prices. You do not have to enter the crew information at time of registration but can edit your registration later once you know who will be attending with you.

https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/31586

The Richmond Yacht Club looks forward to hosting you and providing an excellent experience for you and your crew.

Please contact the Regatta Chair, Mike Josselyn, with any questions.  See the NORs for contact information.

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U20 Boat Maintenance & Care / Re: Forestay/Jib adjustment

« Last post by John Gallalee on June 30, 2026, 12:49:37 PM »

Thanks, Steve

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U20 Boat Maintenance & Care / Re: Forestay/Jib adjustment

« Last post by Steve Shaw on June 28, 2026, 05:12:19 PM »

We have used anything from a long U shackle to a small Wichard snaphook on the end of the Harken micro block.  Some have a small S hook, but I feel more comfortable knowing it can't shake loose.  Smaller is better, but at least the Ullman jibs have a generously sized flap to cover everything cleanly.

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U20 Boat Maintenance & Care / Re: Forestay/Jib adjustment

« Last post by John Gallalee on June 28, 2026, 02:10:14 PM »

I need to replace the upper block/hook and becket on my jib-halyard tensioner. What are people using these days? Thanks.

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U20 Boat Maintenance & Care / Re: Synthetic deck material?

« Last post by Steve Shaw on June 26, 2026, 09:26:09 PM »

Yes, on three different boats.  I made my own templates, traced it out on boat and sanded original non skid down before applying.  Only use high quality decking.  Will last a few years but re doing it is a total chore.  Sure is nice sailing with it though.

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U20 Boat Maintenance & Care / Synthetic deck material?

« Last post by Brian Mikiten on June 26, 2026, 06:43:03 PM »

I saw a photo of (I think) #224 that had a synthetic deck installed over the no-skid. Has anyone else done this?

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U20 General Discussion / Re: Running rigging issues mainsheet and spinnaker sheet jamming

« Last post by Steve Shaw on June 24, 2026, 04:57:48 PM »

You can figure the mainsheet to be a 4:1 or 5:1 in most cases.  Having a single fiddle block with becket on an adjustable bridal connected to both padeyes on the boom allows for the most versatile set up.  Check the many videos posted concerning mast/mainsail trim.  There really is no need for a fine tune.  The traveler should be played more than the mainsheet when under 18ish knots of wind.  Keep in mind the basics...The mainsheet tension is your only answer to a backstay holding your headstay from sagging.  Ease your mainsheet and forward the rig goes!!!

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U20 General Discussion / Running rigging issues mainsheet and spinnaker sheet jamming

« Last post by Ryan Ericson on June 24, 2026, 02:21:58 AM »

Had a great race on Saturday in 8 to 12 knots with gust to 14kts. Kept up with a well sailed J70 who I corrected over and corrected within 2.5 to 5.5 minutes of the other 4 J70s on a 15 mile Point to Point.

Had a problem with the mainsheet jamming in the cam cleat. I have the stock setup with two blocks on the boom, block on traveler, and swivel base. Has anyone experienced similar issues. This winter we did have a similar issue but the wind was up in high teens. Suggestions would be welcome. Also is anyone using a fine tune setup?

The spinnaker sheet was getting pinned between the deck and coaming, this is the first time. It seemed like the stand up spring was sticking; I would flip it up then the block would standup then later pin the sheet again

Thank you again.