So I headed out on Botany yesterday in 20kts on my 93ltr fsw and 5.6. I quickly realised there was bugger all hope of uphauling this sinker (Im 85kg). Beach start was not a problem, but I was sinking in the shaddow until about 100m from shore. Sheeted in, got in the foot straps and locked into my harness lines... all good and got a nice reach. Jybed but dropped the sail (thankfully to windward) and spent a couple of minutes mucking around water starting, but got back to the shaddow. Question for you pros is... I found the tail was sinking a lot off the plane and was really leaning the mast forward to keep the board from turning up wind. Had the base in the middle of the track, but wondered if pushing it to the front of the track would help balance everything out when off the plane. The board really wanted to go up wind while plodding. Any tips. Cheers.

one issue is most experienced sailors would have more than one board, and use a bigger board in the condiions you described

^^ +1

also moving mast track will stuff it up when ON the plane. There is one right place now, we don't move the mast base forward and back over a 10 - 20cm range like years ago. On my wave gear I maybe move it 2cm forward sometimes (and not for the reasons you describe anyway)

You have done well for first time out in that long, you will get used to all weight on front foot when off the plane

Thanks guys. I surf a lot in reasonably solid waves, swim 2klms in the pool every second day if there's no surf and consider myself pretty fit. But, I was really surprised at how ****ed I was when waterstarting yesterday... treading water and shoulder pressing a sail wrecked me. It's really time to quit smoking (at 40) and was a nice wake-up call.

I was pretty stoked to still be able to waterstart and actually make it back home with my wife watching on the beach after all the old skool stories I've told. One thibg I wondered was how many of the 'good' sailors on the beach were secretly laughing at me for having an uphaul.... no chance of ever ysing that, so I'll ditch it and weigh 500 grams less.

Anyways...


I used to ride a custom 70ltr Mike Davis (?) PE board back in the day and when the wind dropped on Jervis before an off shore (from Huski) SW storm brewed (scary sitch) I stilll managed to make my way home wast deep in the drink. I s' pose I've just got to get my balance back and get used to non-planing conditions.

So I should keep the nadt in the middle?

Nadt? ...damn predictive txt. I neant mast.

While I'm in edit mode, I wouldn't mind asking about the fin that came with the board. It's a 27cm fsw thing. I noticed some really, really long straight daggers. I've got a very straight 32cm fin too, but would it suit my fsw on botany? From what I remember (and it's probably changed?) a big straight fin was great for early planing and going up wind, but Dr@p when over powered. Do I chuck it out on the next council pick up or hang on to it.

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hardie said...
one issue is most experienced sailors would have more than one board, and use a bigger board in the condiions you described

Unfortunately mate (or for the optimist, 'fortunately') I have a lovely home on the beach in the eastern suburbs and the bank dictates how much I can spend on recreational activities. 1 board and 3 sails is the best I can do atm. Next purchase will be a modern sail though.

I wouldn't be ditching the uphaul, and Id hang onto the big fin too in case you get a bigger board one day for the light wind days

I always keep my third hand (uphaul rope) on my board .The reason why is if the wind completely dies you got insurance to get home.

welcome back, stay at it.

Hi 2035, I was the guy who had a look at your rig on the grass when you were rigging up. Something to note is that your 5.6 sail is a different vintage from your newer board. Older sails had the centre of effort further back than more modern sails. Until you get a newer sail, it might help to move the mast track forward a couple of cms.

If you are talking about grovelling off the plane.. You need to be front foot up to and sometimes in front of the mast. You will know what feels right. Current gear will help not least because anyone offering advice will reference itore positively.
Sounds like you will get back on the bike very quickly. Have fun!

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shear tip said...
Hi 2035, I was the guy who had a look at your rig on the grass when you were rigging up. Something to note is that your 5.6 sail is a different vintage from your newer board. Older sails had the centre of effort further back than more modern sails. Until you get a newer sail, it might help to move the mast track forward a couple of cms.

Small world. Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely try a more forward position next tim I'm out... Wednesday is looking positive. Hope to see you down there again.

2035
Modern sails make a huge difference. When you can, invest, you'll really appreciate the difference.
BTW what is the significants of your forum name?

Front foot more forward, either in front or on the side of the mast base, all boards smaller when off the plane need to be "trimmed"

Southerlies on Botany Bay are challenging. The swell is large and there is the ever present danger of being blown onto the runway. So to make it back to shore in one piece after such a big break on unfamiliar gear is an achievement in itself. Go down there in a NE seabreeze and you will find the environment completely different, much more relaxing and easier.

If we meet up at Kyeemagh you can have a go of my Tabou Rocket 135. Its a very easy board to sail.

Maybe a combo of technique, rigging/equipment set up & sail. Sounds like your board is newish and FSW
suitable for Botany. Modern sails have greater wind range & more efficient design (obviously). As well
was it closer to 15 knots or less inside? Planing straight off the beach is hard for most.

You will find it tiring the first few sails at least, it's a different fitness also.

If you are posting provide more detailed info so your Q can be addressed specifically, or not

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2035 said..

...
... One thing I wondered was how many of the 'good' sailors on the beach were secretly laughing at me for having an uphaul.... no chance of ever ysing that, so I'll ditch it and weigh 500 grams less.

If you look closely you'll see Robby uses one.

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Mobydisc said...
Southerlies on Botany Bay are challenging. The swell is large and there is the ever present danger of being blown onto the runway. So to make it back to shore in one piece after such a big break on unfamiliar gear is an achievement in itself. Go down there in a NE seabreeze and you will find the environment completely different, much more relaxing and easier.

If we meet up at Kyeemagh you can have a go of my Tabou Rocket 135. Its a very easy board to sail.

Cheers mate