B14 Tuning Guide

This Tuning Guide has been prepared to help you get the best out of your North Sails.  This is meant as a starting point, feel free to modify and experiment in small steps to find what suits you best.  If you find a Setting or Settings that really works, please keep us informed.

Mast Preparation:

When you receive your B14 Mast, the bottom spreaders are fixed and the tops are adjustable.

Top Spreaders:- As far back as possible.

Lower Spreaders:- Non Adjustable

Chock in front of the mast in all conditions.  Chock back so there is a 5mm spacing from the back of the mast to frame.

Centre Board

Fully down 5 – 15 knots, 15-20 knots up approx. 8", 20 knots up approx. 14"

Brake/Rig Tension

Mainsail: 

Ensure that the Mainsail is as high as possible.

Cunningham:

This is used to position the draft of the sail.  Use no Cunningham in light winds.  Only start pulling on it when you become overpowered, then pull on progressively harder as the breeze increases.  This makes the draft of the sail further forward in the top and will depower the upper leech.

Outhaul

Beating:

In very light and heavy airs pull the outhaul on tight.  In medium airs ease approximately 12mm.

Runnings:

Again in very light and heavy airs keep the outhaul pulled tight. In medium airs ease 25mm.

Jib:

The Jib lead position is a fixed point. To alter sheeting angle through different wind ranges move the Jib up in lighter airs and down in heavier airs, this can be as much as 15mm depending on your style of sailing.  With gusting winds the crew must always play the jib upwind, easing on the gusts and sheeting on as soon as possible, keeping the boat driving on her feet.