North Sails RESOURCES

Optimist Tuning Guide

  • Last Updated: May 9, 2022
  • Print Friendly, PDF & Email

V-Series Important Settings for Key Performance

Power your new North Sails Optimist V-Series mainsail for speed following the recommendations on this quick tuning guide.

BASE SETTINGS

Sail ties can be adjusted in the range of 1-5mm in light wind and heavy wind to have comfortable depth and shape.

  • LIGHT WIND: Smaller space at the middle so that leech becomes easier open.
  • HEAVY WIND: Smaller space at the middle so that you can make the shape comfortably flat enough to reduce the power.
Sail Ties Top 2 mm
Middle 2 mm
Bottom 2 mm

* Parallel to the mast.

Distance of space distribution to be made from top to the bottom.
Adjustment is required only for suitable sail shape (depth) for each condition and to be done only when needed.
These are sometimes required depending on mast stiffness and sailor’s weight, but only when if needed.

BASIC TRIM

 

Wind Range 0-8 knots 8-12 knots 12-16 knots
Mast Rake 2780 – 2800 mm 2770 – 2790 mm 2770 – 2780 mm
Sprit Wrinkles Some Wrinkles A Few Wrinkles
Vang No tension in upwind Light tension in upwind Tension
Prebender 2 turns /
Some Slack at Luff
2 turns /
Some Slack at Luff
No Wrinkle at Luff
Center Board Max Max Max
Wind Range 16-24 knots 25+ knots
Mast Rake 2750 – 2760mm 2790 ±10mm
Sprit Wrinkles Wrinkles
Vang Lots of tension Cleat with main sheet trimming harder
Prebender Tension on Luff Tension on Luff
Center Board 0-50 mm up 30-70 mm up

OUTHAUL CONTROL – VERY IMPORTANT FOR KEY PERFORMANCE!

  • You have to pay attention to the outhaul to adjust it properly according to the conditions and sailors weight.
  • You need to find the best position that fits your weight, mast rake( boom position), sea status, weather helm feeling for each condition.
  • Playing outhaul in the range of 20mm at the boom end.
  • Ease it maximum in 10-14knots and clew end has to be located 30-40mm away from the boom end.
  • FLAT WATER –  Trim 10mm more than the normal position.
  • LIGHT / VERY STRONG WIND –  Bottom to be flattened comfortably.
  • #GoBeyond