After countless hours sailing, testing and competing in the Cape 31, North Sails shares our tuning notes in an effort to get sailors and teams up to race winning speed quickly for the most competitive racing. As we learn more about the Cape 31 and further its development, new information regarding setup, tuning and trimming techniques will be updated online at northsails.com. As always, contact your North Sails Expert for all the most up to date information and for help tuning your boat.
1. Tuning Guide
1.1 Tuning Matrix
TWS (kts)
V1
(PT-3)
D1
(PT-2)
D2
(PT-2)
Forestay
Chocks
4-8
Base -2
Base -1
Base
Base -8
+1 in front
8-10
Base
Base
Base
Base -4
Base
10-12
Base
Base
Base
Base -2
Base
12-14 (Base)
Base (20)
Base (34)
Base (26-27)
Base
Base
14-16
Base +1
Base
Base
Base +2
Base
16-18
Base +1
Base +1
Base
Base +4
Base
18-20
20+
Base +2
Base +3
Base +1
Base +1
Base
Base
Base +6
Base +8
Base
Base -1
1.2 Tuning Notes
Base forestay arc: 1.71m. Measure this from the top edge of the bottom white band on the mast to the middle of the forestay pin (swing the jib halyard to mark the forestay luff foil).
Mast butt position: 13.5-14.5cm from the aft edge of the mast to the center of the front keel bolt
Base deck chocks: You should have light pressure on the front chocks (avoid inverting the lower mast when on +1 chocks).
Settings tip: It can be worth having a few different stiffnesses of the 3 top mainsail battens. Please ask your North Sails expert to find out more.
2. Upwind Trim
2.1 Jib Crossovers
Light / Medium (LMi) : 5 -12 knots
Medium / Heavy (MHi): 10 – 20 knots
Heavy Weather (Hi): 19+ knots
2.2 Upwind Notes
TRAVELER. Max up in light winds. In strong winds it is best to not go far below the centerline with the traveler car, use the fine tune to twist open the main.
JIB CARS. In light and medium winds be max inboard on the car (most winds).
TRIM. Have one person behind the helm in light winds (none if you’re not all on the windward rail). In strong winds have at least 2 people behind the helm.
BATTENS. Tighten the top 3 battens in the mainsail so that there are no short vertical creases along the batten pockets.
RUNNERS. Off in sub 6 kts, then progressively tighter until max combined headstay / tack load of 1.7 tonnes.
Settings tip: Unless your rig is tightened for strong winds you may not be able to get to 1.6 runner load without the mainsail overbending (diagonal creases in the bottom ⅓ of the mainsail from the spreaders down to the clew. Overbend is slow).
Please get in contact with a North Sails expert to discuss techniques and settings further.
3. Downwind Trim
3.1 Kite Crossovers
A1.5: 5-10 knots
A2: 8-18 knots
A4 (or A2+): 18+ kts
A3 Reaching
3.2 Downwind Notes
In light airs (4-6 knots) Drop the jib.
In 7 knots + you are looking to get the jib up and start sailing VMG angles based on hee.
12 knots + is full VMG sailing. Don’t be afraid to keep the bow up to build the speed initially. Hike.
RUNNERS. Loosen the runners downwind, keep the windward one snug. When the wind increases, tighten the runners just enough to keep the headstay of the jib tight.
Please get in contact with your local North Sails experts to discuss techniques and setting further.
4. North Sails Class Lead
Ben Saxton
ben.saxton@northsails.com
+44 7962 238 742
5. Crossover Chart
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