AUSTRALIAN SHARPIE TUNING GUIDE

The tuning guide below has been developed by Binks Marine.

Mast Step

Front of mast 4030 - 4050mm from the transom.

Spreaders

Poke = distance from a stiff batten across the side stays
Length - distance of the spreader from the side of the mast to the side stay
All Binks Marine Australian Sharpie sails are cut for the Proctor Stratus. Luff curves also suit the Epsilon. If you are using a different mast, Binks Marine suggest you contact them direct.

Rake and Rig Tension

WEIGHT 210 - 235

WEIGHT 235+kg

NOTE: The rake and centreboard settings are only approximate guides. Rig tension should be obtained by making sure that any slack is taken out of the leeward side stay. Each boat will be different and it is unlikely you will be able to replicate these figures exactly. For flat water you can assume the rake setting for one wind strength bracket up.

To check the rake, attach an 8m/26’ tape measure to the main halyard and pull it up until the top of the tape is level with the black band (not as far as the halyard can go!). Now pull on the side stays until they are tight and swing the tape to the centre of the transom at deck level. Adjust forestay and put marks on the mast until you have all of the rake settings listed above. (Note: if you pull a tape measure up the track 16’ using a slug to keep it attached to the track and the measurement to the transom is 20’ this equates to the 25’5” measurement from the black band.

Lowers

Lowers are generally best set up on the water. Set the rake to your 5-10 knot setting and tension your stays appropriate to the wind strength (no slack). Now get you forward hand to sight up the mast whilst the lowers are being tensioned until the mast is straight from the mast step to approximately 300mm below the spreaders. Use this lower setting for all rake settings above 8 knots. For the lighter winds ease lowers and pull on the 1/3 stay to pre bend the bottom of the mast, which flattens out the main.

Vang

In all but the lighter wind strengths pull the vang on until the top leech ribbon (top 1/4) sucks in behind the leech 50% of the time (unless footing for speed or driving through slop).

Cunningham

NOTE: when raising the MO5 main sail in order to make it easier to get up the track, pull the 1/3 stay on as tight as possible, let the forestay off and pull the side stays on tight. This will prebend the mast allowing it to emulate the luff curve of the mainsail.

If you have any questions please talk to the staff @ Binks or their Sailmakers:
Binks Marine / Proctor Masts – (08) 82946211
Sandy Higgins