Fin tuning your boat
Batten Tension
- Sail batten tension is fixed at the factory and normally no modification is required.
- However, the sail battens can be tuned according to user preference by unscrewing or screwing the batten end caps (located underneath the batten closing levers). The ideal setting depends on user preference and local sailing conditions, so try different settings to see what works for you.
- In general:
- To increase batten tension, unscrew the batten end cap to lengthen the
batten. Increased tension will further block the profile of the sail
making it more stable in stronger winds (particularly important for the
bottom battens).
- o decrease batten tension, screw the batten end cap to shorten the
batten. Decreased tension will improve the rotation of the battens in
light winds.
- For normal use across a wide range of conditions, it is recommended
that batten tension decreases progressively from the bottom upwards.
The bottom most batten lever should close with a firm snap. The top
most batten lever should close easily.
-In some cases, particularly on the top 2 battens, you may wish to
de-tension the top battens further than that permitted by the batten
end cap (in order to improve light wind batten rotation). In this
event, remove the batten end cap, trim the end of the batten by up to
5mm, replace the batten end cap and then adjust accordingly.
Boom Safety Attachment
- The use of the O’pen BIC Boom Safety Attachment (BSA) will substantially increase the power and performance of the sail (similar to a Boom Vang or kicking strap: a line or series of lines between the base of the mast and the front end of the boom that can be tensioned to control sail profile and boom position).
- The BSA should only be used by experienced sailors, who are using the boat in medium to strong winds and/or in racing and competition.
- There is no need to add a BSA in light winds or with less experienced sailors.
- The O’pen BIC BSA is available as an accessory. If you are interested in this product, please contact your original point of purchase for more information.
