Corsair 28R, Sailing Manual

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Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International
TECHNICAL NOTES
WINCH LINE
The trailer winch line should be regularly replaced. This tends to wear quite rapidly and
is under a high strain when lifting the mast. A breakage here could be very dangerous. It
is always advisable to stand clear of the line while lifting the mast. Also, frequently
check the trailer winch line tight when on a long trip.
SPRING RETAINING CLIPS
CAUTION: The spring retaining clips as used on the turnbuckle clevis pins should be
regularly checked to ensure they will still ‘clip’ fit on the clevis pin. Replace if they have
lost their spring and become loose, otherwise you could lose your mast.
These spring clips have been used successfully for over 20 years and are intended as a
convenient ‘quick rig’ feature. They are not as secure as a properly fitted cotter pin, and
if any doubts exist on their use then a cotter pin or circular ring should be used instead,
and a few of these are usually included in the toolbox. However these rings or pins will
increase rigging time and the final decision in this regard is for the owner.
LAUNCHING
If immersing the trailer to the bend in the frame will still not let you free the boat, be
careful; a few inches more can have your boat drifting away, so have a bow line secured.
BEAM BOLTS
These should always be in place and tightened before going sailing. Otherwise the upper
folding struts can again be overloaded as above, due to the beam inner end being forced
up slightly by sailing loads.
It is also possible, but unlikely, for a Beam bolt to gall and seize in a bolt pad, which can
prevent you from folding up the boat. If this happens, then you can still fold up the boat
by simply releasing the bolt pad nuts from inside, or cutting off the Beam bolt head. To
avoid this, keep the threads well lubricated with a Teflon grease.
HOISTING MAINSAIL
If you find this is tight going up or down (a not uncommon problem with full batten
boltrope mains). There are now some spray-on silicon compounds that can help.
Remember to also check that the mainsail foot outhaul is slackened off.
BEARING AWAY
Don’t forget this is a very effective and safe way of absorbing gusts while reaching in
strong wind conditions, particularly under spinnaker. Rounding up tends to throw the
mast to leeward (the wrong way), and can increase speed dramatically - all very exciting.
However, bearing away throws mast to windward, speed falls off, and the motion feels
much safer. This may sound odd, but try it sometime in lighter conditions to get
confidence - it really works.