In beginning to look at rigging and tuning your FD, start by raising the genoa halyard as fully as possible, with the upper furling swivel right up against the sheave box. At some easy to see reference point on the lower part of the halyard, mark graduations on the aft side of the mast. “0” should be at the fully hoisted position, with ½” increments going up the aft side of the mast so that the reference point on the halyard can be seen at the maximum rake position. This will enable you to repeat a proven fast control setting. If you have both 1.6 and 2.8 genoas, set “0” with the 1.6, as it’s luff length is slightly shorter. The grommets in the genoa help allow the proper leech tension when raked.

Rake position is the first setting to determine, as it is one of the primary horsepower adjustments. Basically, in very light air with the genoa cars all the way up, it may be necessary to rake slightly to keep the leech of the genoa open properly. As the wind speed builds, the rig can then be brought up to max vertical. From that point, as the wind speed continues to build, more rake is applied to reduce horsepower as needed. A preliminary guide, in addition to angle of heel, is the angle of the boom off centerline. If you find that the boom has to be eased beyond the inside coaming often, it is time to consider some rake.

As rake is applied you will need to move the centerboard pin position progressively aft to maintain proper balance. In some planing conditions, the board can also be raised, lessening form drag and helping to balance the helm.

Most sailors monitor the tell tales on the luff of the genoa and the leech of the main. The relationship between the leech of the genoa and the forward part of the main is critical in the FD. The genoa as an overlapping sail is sensitive to leech tension, and has a significant effect on how the main should be shaped and trimmed. Seek to just have all the genoa leech tell tales streaming aft. Your genoa clew attachment should be configured to be able to tension the foot as much as possible with the fixed horizontal genoa car position.

The main should be trimmed to be in concert with the genoa. Going upwind, start with the top batten parallel with the boom, and the upper tell tale streaming aft most of the time. The vang is a powerful tool in determining how much twist is carried in the main. As a general rule, tension until the upper tell tale begins to stall with the boom on the centerline.

Shroud tension is critical to determining power in the genoa, mast bend and as a result how full or flat the shape of the main will be. Generally speaking, in light air the shrouds should be tensioned just until the slack is out upwind. Apply progressive tension as the wind builds and you continue to rake.

The lower shrouds determine how much lower bend is in the mast, and has an effect on jib luff tension. It acts as a counterpoise as shroud tension is increased.
Remember to mark your critical adjustments so you can repeat anytime you need to.