Hello,

I have recently set my rig which is a chipstow raking rig with P&B sails. I found that i am unable to get it raked forwards. My zero position is actually about 2 inches of rake. Anyway more to the point. I tried a couple of different settings whilst out last night to see how she felt and with the mast as forward as it can go and I had no boat speed at all, however when i raked it to about 6-8 inches and set everything else she suddenly burst into life and we were off. Should I be able to rock the mast forwards or should I play with what is there? It's hard to say how well she goes for there is a lack of merlins to race against, Except when Mr Jackson appears and wipes the floor with us. I think some training days may be in order!

Hi Dave, don’t forget that Mr Jackson is one many brilliant Merlin sailor, and he has not reached he prime as yet. Try looking too the East with your head out of the boat!!!

Hi Dave 
Where are you located, if East Coast you may be near us. Jacko often visits us and it would be good to see you.

Ahh, yes head in boat is a problem, but i think i'm getting over that. I'm on the east coast. You guys are at brightlingsea? When my crew next decides he can do a race, inbetween weddings and other peoples cars i'll get over to you. unless I can tempt the lady to crew a little more often. 3 stone less in the front makes a hell of a diference!!

Hello David
Yes we are in Brightlingsea, Jacko is joining us for the summer, with him we have 4 new Merlins plus a couple of older ones, the fleet is  growing quickly. It will be good to see you. We sail every Saturday and Sunday and also on Thursday evenings. We all sail with our other half's apart from Oz who is the Commoddore who sails with Melissa.

Craaaig David... have you thought about sailing a Kestral?  Baaa

Take the lady to Brightlingsea: 4 good Merlins were out last Sunday, each with a "lady" crew! Each had a go in the lead at some stage during the race, although some of them need more practise at knitting with the twin poles before they work out how to stay in the lead.

Cool, all I need to do is get a tow bar and see if Lynne will come along for a ride. She has only been out twice now so not very confident, the kite is a big no at the moment!

The lack of the usual rash of advice from the fleet about what to do - with the raking rig - leads one to suspect no one knows. Set it up for the conditions - like you did - leave alone; sail the boat; keep your head out of the boat you'll get there. When you get it right the lady will love the kite!

David why don't you check out the excellent article s on this forum by Graham Williamson,which give an erudite description of setting up the rig starting with establishing a datum.I don't think it's a common thing to rake the rig forwards of upright (though I'm no expert).

Upright is what the front of the fleet do with the mast on the run, see picture on link.  You need to ease the shroud tension which both lets the mast forward and straightens it by reducing compression forces.  You need a little bit of kicker on to keep the top of the main from going forward of the mast (depending on wind strength) but it should have a fair bit of twist

This article is a quick start, and links to 3 other detailed articles at the bottom.

David, Upright isn't vertical, its aprox 4-6 inches of rake, (plum line on main, measured to goose neck, with boat flat)the only time you need to be infron of this is on a light wind run, but letting the shrouds off instead is better.
all This from the masters mouth at the training, well worth attending.

Thanks guys, my mind is at ease now. I thought I had put the boat back together wrong! Went out tuesday night as well, good breeze and practised gybes with the kite. No swimming this time, seems my stick and the crews ability is looking up although training is going to be a must!
Thanks