For Outright

TUNE YOUR SAILS

Harry Melges (262) 275-9728 FOR OUTRIGHT [email protected] Andy Burdick (262) 275-9728 SPEED [email protected] Tim Healy (401) 683-7997 [email protected] Max Skelley (410) 271-4282 [email protected] Jeremy Wilmot (203) 783-4240 [email protected] onedesign.com

Melges 20 Tuning Guide Solutions for today’s sailors 2

The following tuning guide is We hope you enjoy your M20 Tuning Guide. North class representatives meant to be a good starting point when setting up your and personnel have invested a lot of time to make this guide as helpful as Melges 20. Depending on possible for you. Tuning and trim advice offered here have been proven total crew weight, wind and over time with top results in the class. sea condition and sailing style you may have to alter your North has become the world leader in sailmaking through an ongoing set up slightly from what is given here. As you read this commitment to making sails faster, lighter and longer lasting. We are tuning guide, write down any equally committed to working as a team with our customers. questions you might have and we will be happy to discuss As always, if you have any questions or comments we would love to them in detail with you. The goal of this tuning guide is to hear from you.Please contact your One Design class representative. achieve a rig set up that is fast in all conditions upwind and Sincerely, down. Your new North sails are designed with this “all around” philosophy in mind.

Ken Read President North Sails Group

Equipment Required Contents Harry Melges (262) 275-9728 xxxxx Pg. 1 Pre-Race Preparations [email protected] xxxxx Pg. 2 Rig Set-Up Andy Burdick (262) 275-9728 xxxxx Pg. 4 Sail Trim [email protected] Pg. 6 Sailing Downwind in Heavy Air Conditions xxxxx Tim Healy (401) 683-7997 xxxxx [email protected] xxxxx Max Skelley (410) 271-4282 [email protected]

Jeremy Wilmot (203) 783-4240 [email protected]

onedesign.com

Melges 20 Tuning Guide Solutions for today’s sailors 1

Pre-Race Preparation Launching and retrieving from keel and take great care when lifting Believe it or not this is when most the keel or lowering the keel. One of the most important items you damage occurs to Melges 20s. When and your team can do in preparing for trailer launching make sure the keel box It is a good idea to put some soap and high performance racing is to have your is well packed with padding, as the keel water on the keel guide blocks and in the

Melges 20 ready to race. Listed in this wants to shift as soon as the transom keel box to allow the keel to seat more section are just a few items we feel are starts floating. To ramp launch you will easily. If the keel guide blocks do not line critical for success on the racecourse. need to use the keel retractor crane and up fore and aft perfectly, put a body on just lift the keel about ½” to ensure you the bow or the stern to help tilt the boat Trailer and Boat do not damage the hull fairing plate. to line up the keel guides. Make sure when transporting your Make sure you pad the keel well on the Melges 20 that the keel bulb always sits leading and trailing edges and make sure Deck Preparation perfectly in the keel bed of the trailer. If you take great care when using the keel The factory Melges 20 comes ready to the boat is sitting where she belongs on retraction crane. race. There are a few small class legal the trailer you will find the bulb resting modifications that really help with sailing perfectly in the keel bed with space in When using an electric hoist be sure to the boat. the keel box both in front and in back keep the boat level or maybe a few inches of the keel. Also packing pre-cut foam down in the bow. Again we are trying to • With your spinnaker up at maximum between the keel edges / sides and the protect the keel. Also by holding the bow hoist mark the halyard with a black keel box will help prevent any movement down just a few inches we are protecting permanent marker. of the keel when trailing. It is important the spreaders from possibly hanging up to ensure that the keel fin is not touching on the hoist arm as the spreaders pass • With your bow sprit fully extended also the hull fairing plate prior to trailing. It is the arm. Keep in mind when you lower mark the tack line/bow sprit extender also important to ensure that the boat the bow the keel fin is vulnerable so care line. Make sure that you have the stays forward against the bow guide must be taken not to damage the keel proper knot tied in the end of the line when trailing. fin. Make sure you use the aft leg of the to account for it being tied to the tack lifting bridle attaching it to the transom of the spinnaker. It is best to tie the loop with about a 65mm or 2.5” loop Hull, Rudder and Keel to help keep the boat in a slight bow Class rules do not allow re-shaping of down attitude when lifting. to prevent the tack of the kite from these items. binding on the bow sprit end plug. When launching on a hoist it is best to • The bow sprit is shock corded to retract. Hull - For traveling to regattas and use the keel retractor crane. Hook the keel retractor to the lifting ring on the Ensure that the shock cord is adjusted general care of your new boat the so that it is just enough to retract the investment of our bottom trailing cover keel, make sure the lift ring is screwed all the way in the top of the keel. Take bow sprit and not retract with too and 1 piece top cover is well worth the much force. protection it affords. a tension on the keel lift winch and securely tie off the winch handle to the • Attach shockcord from the top of the Rudder - The rudder should always be horn cleat. Install the lifting straps to the lifting pins alongside of the keel utilizing forward stanchion to the upper shroud removed when not in use and kept in its above the turnbuckle to prevent the padded rudder bag. Remember to always a luggage tag type install. Also, install the longer aft lifting strap through the spinnaker sheet from dropping in and put away dry. top rudder gudgeon at the transom catching on the shroud car. using a rudder pin. When hooking up the • Apply some number scales to the jib Keel - We just talked about taking care hoist, put one of the lifting straps over of your keel when the boat is on the track adjustment locations. Place these the hook, then the aft leg, then the last above where the jib sheet lead comes trailer. When lowering the keel with the lifting strap. Now when you lift the boat keel crane make sure you have rinsed aft and above the spinnaker bag sock take care not to hit the spreaders on the on the port side. Number 1 should align out the keel box along with the keel hoist arm. It is best to have the boat at guides. Make sure the keel box is free with the traveler car pin when the car is 90 degrees or more to the hoist arm and all the way forward on the track. (front of any lines or padding. Also, make sure hold the bow slightly down to keep the you keep the boat level when raising or rig off the hoist. Keep the keel padding in of car even with front of track) lowering the keel to ensure the keel fin place until the keel is ready to be lowered Practice - Practice - Practice! does not get damaged. and be sure to always hold onto the It has been said that each mark rounding winch handle, keep all body parts away can be worth a minute on the course.

Melges 20 Tuning Guide Solutions for today’s sailors 2

Now that is a reference between the and mast on hoists and keeps the kite tunnel and adjust the diamonds to make first group and the last group of boats. from getting caught above the lower sure the mast is straight side to side. That is a lot of time and a majority of it spreader on a take down. comes at the corners and the first few Once the rig is ready to step you can minutes of a race. Knowing how your Double check the spreader angle and slide the mast aft, place the diamond

Melges 20 accelerates off the starting symmetry: The following process is stay over the keel and lock in the mast line is something you need to practice. performed at the factory when doing the base to the mast step deck plate. Rest Sets at the windward mark are critical, final rigging on every mast. Every mast the mast in the mast support on the rear especially if you want to gybe right away. is laser straightened so when adjusting mast hold down bunk. Now, attach the Having the ability to pass between two the diamond statys make sure to keep Intermediate shrouds to the outer shroud leeward gate marks absolutely requires them symmetrical. We are providing the cars, make sure the shroud cars are all the that you and your crew understand all process for future field checks. Using way forward on the tracks. Also, attach three spinnaker takedowns, the Mexican, an angle finder, level the mast using the the lower shrouds to the inner sidestay the windward and the leeward. You do cars and insure that they are all the way mast base, check the spreader sweep not have to have rock star crews in the by placing a straight edge from tip to tip forward on the tracks. You will want to Melges 20 class to be successful; you do on the diamond shroud or use a string ease both intermediates and lowers out need to have a regular steady crew who pulled tight. at least ¾ of the way on the turnbuckles are willing to practice. If we had “Time On to ease in attaching the forestay for the The Boat Meters” you would find the top For masts built prior do July 2013: The very first mast stepping. finishing boats in our class had the most upper spreader should measure from the accumulated time together sailing the string to the aft side of the mast track Set the diamond stays so that there is Melges 20. 9.2cm and the lower spreader should approximately 75mm (3”) of prebend in measure 31cm. the mast. By tensioning the diamond We highly recommend the spinnaker stays you put more prebend in the rig. launch system with the retrieval line and Do Not Adjust Spreader Angle The diamonds accomplish two important spinnaker storage sock in the cockpit. Forward of 9 cm at Top and 30 cm tuning tasks. First, they put prebend in The spinnaker take downs become quick, the mast to better fit the luff curve in at the Lower Spreaders or This Will safe and easy. the mainsail and set the rig up to sail Void the Mast Warranty. in a wide variety of conditions without Rig Set-Up needing a backstay. The other important Spreader angles too far forward makes aspect of the diamond stays is that they the mast less forgiving and more prone Mast Down support the top of the mast when you to inversion with the spinnaker up in are flying the Asymmetrical spinnaker. So, As the Melges 20 comes almost heavy wind. completely ready to race straight from it is important to have enough tension on the factory there is very little to do the diamonds to support the mast with For masts built after July 1st, 2013 to prepare your boat and mast to be the gennaker is flying. Refer to tuning competitive. With the mast down, pull utilizing dyform rigging we use the matrix chart. all the halyards down and tie off at the following spreader angles: The upper bottom, also make sure the turnbuckles spreader should be set to 115 mm, the Before stepping the mast it is best to pre are set evenly with similar amount of lower spreader set to 320 mm. furl the jib furler so it is ready to go before threads showing at the top and bottom stepping the mast. When furling the jib it of the open body. Another thing we To make sure the spreaders are should furl counter clockwise, so, to wind like to do is tie some light weight shock symmetrical, use an angle finder and up the drum turn it clockwise until the cord between the two lower shrouds find zero or level at the mast base, then drum has filled up with the furling line. around the front of the mast 6”- 8” check the angle on the port spreader down from their attachment points, and then the starboard spreader. Adjust It is possible to step the mast alone also above the lower spreader between as needed to make symmetrical and at but will be easier if you have some one the intermediates and the diamond the same time maintaining the correct pull forward on the forestay as you stays, and below the port spreader, also sweep. Make sure that the turnbuckle walk up the mast. Ensure that the mast between the Intermediates and around adjuster has at least 4 turns onto the base stays securely locked in the deck the front side of the forestay about 12” threaded stud. After setting the spreader plate and does not come out as you below their attachment points. This angle adjust the diamond stays so that are walking the mast up. Also, place a keeps the head of the spinnaker from you have approximately 75mm (3”) of sail bag, or the provided keel fin cover getting jammed between the shrouds prebend in the mast and sight up the over the keel to protect the mast and

Melges 20 Tuning Guide Solutions for today’s sailors 3

keel from scratching when raising and For masts built after July 2013 with up the rig so that the main sets up fairly flat lowering the mast. The spinnaker sail dyform shrouds we use the following with the lower cars at base when we are bag also works well for this or the factory base settings using the Loos PT-1 gauge sitting on the windward side of the boat. supplied keel fin cover. to check the tensions. Note that dyform With this set up we can pull the lower cars will produce a higher tension reading aft to power up the main when needed Once the mast is up, attach the Forestay for the same tension compared to 1X19. and not have to pull too much vang on to the furling tang. Set the uppers at 275kg (#39), lowers at to flatten the mainsail. Generally, if the 135kg (#28), diamonds at 175kg (#28). mainsail is backwinding with the jib in max Mast Up trim position,(top leach telltale just on the With mast stepped attach a 15M or 50’ Rig Tension verge of stalling at times but flowing 100% tape measure to the main halyard and hoist he tension on the upper shrouds is critical of the time) then you need to bend the to the top and lock off on the halyard latch. to the upwind shape of primarily the jib mast more to flatten the sail. You can do and to a smaller degree the mainsail. For this either by tightening the diamonds or moving the lower shroud car forward. You Check to see that the mast is close to maximum speed it is important to adjust centered by measuring to the top of the the shroud car position on the upper and will want to just take out the backwinding outer shroud track at the same position lower shrouds depending on wind and in the main and not go too far unless on both sides of the boat. Tighten/loosen sea conditions. The Melges 20 is designed you are overpowered and are looking to the upper shrouds on each side so that with shroud tracks on ramps to facilitate depower the mainsail further. the mast is centered side to side. ease of rig tune with minimal turnbuckle adjusting. As the wind increases you can Using the North tuning chart at the end of With the main halyard locked in the up move the upper shroud cars aft to increase this guide as a guideline for shroud tensions position, measure to the intersection of the rig tension and headstay tension. This in in the given wind conditions we then play transom and the bottom of the hull. The turn helps flatten the jib and depower the the cars to fine tune the power in the boat. measurement should be 9310mm or 30’6- rig. So as you start to get overpowered start Generally, if you are all the way aft on the 1/2”. Tighten or loosen the turnbuckle on to move the upper shroud cars aft on the shroud cars and still need to depower the forestay to achieve this measurement. tracks. You will want to be all the way aft by the rig further it is time to tighten to the approximately 16knots of wind. The class next step in the tuning chart. If you are Use the follwing setting for masts built rules allow for purchase on the sidestay never moving the cars aft on a beat then prior to July 2013 with 1X19 shrouds: cars to allow the cars to be adjusted more generally, you are too tight and should You will have to adjust the upper tension easily. Visit www.melges.com for the latest loosen to the next step down on the chart. when adjusting the forestay to maintain a shroud adjustment system set up. constant tension on the uppers of 250Kg Note that in heavy wind it is important (550lbs) when checking the mast rake. The lower shrouds control the side-to-side to move the lower shroud cars forward 2 The upper shroud cars should be in the sag or bend of the mast, how much the holes from your upwind setting prior to max forward position for tuning at base. mast can bend forward in the middle, and going downwind to allow the mast to bend The diamonds should read a tension of the headstay sag. We set the lowers so forward down low and reduce the tendancy approximately 95Kg (210lbs) when the that when both cars are all the way forward for the mast to inverse bend with the uppers are set at 250Kg tension. Now, in approximately 7 knots of wind there is gennaker up. move the lower shroud car two holes aft approximately 10mm of sag in the mast at and measure the lower shroud tension the lower spreader. Speed Targets at 130Kg (285lbs) and sight up the mast Speed targets are important on any on the aft tunnel side to insure that it is After you have set up the uppers to the keelboat. If you dial in a good feel for a straight side to side. Dial in the settings correct wind speed, sail the boat on both target speed in all the different conditions to achieve the desired tensions with the tacks checking the mast sag side to side you will find that your performance gains shroud cars in the base positions. and adjusting the lowers according to the will be significant. wind speed. Also, check the mainsail depth. Be sure to adjust the diamond stays to If the main is overbending or showing a Upwind targets are more important than this setting with the tension gauge and wrinkle into the mast below the bottom downwind but both will be helpful. Upwind to set the uppers and the diamonds to spreader you either need to ease off the we have developed the following target this tension to check the final mast rake. diamond tension a bit if the breeze is lighter range that we have found to be fast. An or pull the lowers aft on the tracks if it is important note is that you need to use Finally, recheck to be sure the mast tip is breezier. This will straighten the lower mast an accurate through the water speedo centered side to side and that the mast section and increase headstay tension and that a GPS based system will not be rake is 9310mm or 30’6-1/2”. flattening the jib. Generally we like to set accurate enough.

Melges 20 Tuning Guide Solutions for today’s sailors 4

Upwind Target Range tension in different conditions to see Jib Trim what is working the best. Wind Speed Boat Speed Because the jib on the Melges 20 is a Following is an overview of each main high aspect sail (tall and skinny) it is very 5 to 7 knots 4.7 to 4.9 control and how it should be adjusted. sensitive to small adjustments in jib sheet tension. Tightening or easing the jib 7 to 10 knots 4.9 to 5.1 Outhaul sheet 1/2” can have a big effect on boat The Melges 20 likes to have some power speed and pointing. 10 to 13 knots 5.1 to 5.3 down low in the mainsail so we like to keep the outhaul eased about 10-25mm The Melges 20 jib halyard is set up on 13 to 18 knots 5.3 to 5.7 knots in from the band In most conditions. In a halyard lock system similar to the the heavy air setting we tend to pull the mainsail. Some adjustment of jib height 15+ Knots 5.7 knots outhaul out to the band to flatten the sail, may be required using an extra shackle especially in flat water. In rougher seas on the head of the jib. The standard it may be fast to keep the outhaul a bit setting sets the jib so the foot is just off Downwind the condition where targets looser to make the main fuller down low. the deck in light air and just touching in pay off the most is in the low soak mode. more breeze as the shrouds are tightened This speed changes a lot depending Vang and is generally a good setting. on wave and wind conditions and is We use the vang upwind as soon as the best called by the tactician for each boat is overpowered. At the early stages given condition based on boat to boat of being overpowered we simply snug Generally in light to medium breeze set performance. the vang to help induce mast bend and the jib lead so that when luffing slowly flatten the mainsail. As you become more into the wind the luff breaks evenly. As Sail Trim overpowered we pull the vang harder the wind builds you will want to move Mainsail Trim to flatten the mainsail and vang sheet. the lead aft to flatten the foot and twist the head of the jib to depower. Downwind adjust the vang so the top batten telltale is always flowing, twist Because the Melges 20 does not have a It is a good idea to put some numbers backstay or main traveler it is relatively is generally good. Generally the vang with the slack taken out of it upwind and dashes corresponding to the simple to trim the main and steer different jib car positions on the track. We requiring very little movement by the will be too tight for downwind sailing. It is a good idea to put a number scale like to have a dash and number at each helmsperson. Like other boats main trim hole that the pull pin plunger will seat on the Melges 20 is keyed off the end on the boom next to the vang track to keep track of fast settings and for into. The first dash and #1 will start at the of the top horizontal batten. In light to 4th hole back from the front end of the moderate air we trim the main so that an approximate downwind setting. A medium vang setting for the offset reach track, at this position the front of the car the telltale on the top batten is stalled will be flush with the front of the track. about 25% of the time (the second leg and then a loose setting for the run provides the best performance. telltale from the top -at the second The Base setting for the jib car is #3. This batten, is flying 100% of the time). As puts the car in a position where the aft Cunningham the wind increases both telltales will fly end of the car splits the second bolt from We use the Cunningham on the Melges all the time. In light to moderate air the the front of the track. back end of the top batten should be 20 as another one of the depowering tools. We pull on just enough to remove parallel to the centerline on the boat, In winds below about 15 knots it is legal any horizontal wrinkles in the sail as soon in heavy air it will be pointed out as to inhaul the windward jib sheet to as we start to get overpowered. As you much as 30 degrees. With the square narrow the sheeting angle on the jib. become overpowered experiment with top mainsail on the Melges 20 it is This is legal to do and is sometimes fast. a very hard Cunningham to flatten the important to not over trim the mainsail. It only requires a slight tension on the main, pull the draft forward and twist Twist is your friend, when it doubt, ease windward sheet to make a noticeable open the head. Again, different wave it out to get the boat going through difference. Take care not to over inhaul conditions warrant different settings so the water. Also, keeping the mainsail as this will be slow. In light to medium you must experiment to find the fast trim soft and very twisted sometimes conditions we inhaul as much as 25mm setting. Downwind the Cunningham in order to sail the boat very flat can be on the clew of the jib. It is best to mark should be off. very fast. It is important to experiment the jib sheets in a way that you can with given heel angles and main sheet easily replicate settings from tack to

Melges 20 Tuning Guide Solutions for today’s sailors 5

tack. When in doubt, ease it out! Note: Gybing the Asymmetric For the leeward douse, you can either On the newer jibs we’re finding that On the gybe, the fastest method is to grab the lazy sheet off of the clew, or inhauling is rarely required so take care have the trimmer ease the kite as the grab the sheet just above the anti hiking when inhauling. boat heads down, then the forward crew pad to strap the foot. The helmsperson starts to trim the new sheet as quickly as then must bear off slightly, the clew We have placed a telltale on the upper possible to fill the kite on the new gybe. should be pulled in under the mainsail leech (near the spreaders) of the jib to This is called the pre gybe and requires to prevent the kite from blowing over help you judge how tight or loose the the driver to bear away to almost dead the leech of the mainsail, and then the sheet should be. The general rule of down wind and wait for the clew of tack line must be blown off completely. thumb is to trim the sheet hard enough the kite to be about half way from the The halyard should then be fed down as so that the upper leech telltale is just on headstay to the side shrouds before the crew gather the spinnaker. The key the edge of stalling, but never stalled. turning onto the new gybe. here is to maintain the tack and foot of Just as with the mainsail it will be easy to the kite and keep it out of the water, also stall the telltale in light air and very hard watch for the kite blowing behind the Mexican Gybe to stall in heavy air even with the sheet In heavier wind the Mexican style gybe leach of the mainsail. trimmed very hard. works the best. It is also best to sail with the jib out downwind in planing For the windward douse, the skipper can Jib Cloth Tension conditions. So, the trimmer will want sail low, while the crew start to trim the Adjust the small line at the tack of the to trim the jib in so that it is snug, the windward sheet to pull the kite around jib so the luff of the sail has some slight driver goes into the gybe straight away, to the windward side the forward crew wrinkles coming off it. It will be necessary the trimmer trims the kite in as the boat should blow off the tack to unload the to change the tension depending on heads down, the kite fills and backs into pressure off the kite. The clew should be the wind speed to keep the wrinkles the the tight jib once the wind hits the kite grabbed inside the shrouds and start to same in most conditions. In very heavy and jib on the other tack, trimmer blows stuff the kite in the bag gathering leach air, tension the luff so that the sail is off the sheet and trims the new sheet first for about 1/3 and then grab both. smooth. In flat water it will sometimes be as quickly as possible and releasing the Steer under the foot to keep the kite on fast to carry some horizontal wrinkles off jib sheet as soon as possible. When the deck. the luff. performed properly the kite will blow across the headstay and fill with a pop on For the “Mexican”, as you approach Leechcord the leeward side. the leeward mark on starboard, the Be sure that your leech cord is not too helmsperson should bear off into a slow tight. It is very easy to put a lot of tension Spinnaker Sets gybe, the trimmer will over-trim the on the cord in heavy air and have it too Forward crew pulls the spinnaker sheet as the boat gybes to port. Just as tight in light air. The key is to just stop the halyard up and the second crew pulls the boat is headed directly down wind flutter in the leach if there is any. the tack/pole out. Or, vice/verse, either and the mainsail begins to gybe, blow way works well. off the halyard. The spinnaker will blow Spinnaker Trim against the rig and fall on the deck. When the sail is 2/3rds the way down release Spinnaker Douse the tack and stuff the spinnaker in its bag. Spinnaker trim on the Melges 20 is much There are three types of takedowns: Practice of these three douses is vital to easier than that of a conventional poled the windward, the leeward, and the success on the racecourse. boat. There are a few tricks that can “Mexican”. make you faster downwind and make your sail handling easier. The windward douse is used when doing Spinnaker DousE with Take Down Line a port rounding and you are approaching We highly recommend using the take You will want to set up the spinnaker the mark on port tack. The “Mexican” down system on the Melges 20. This sheets to always gybe inside the luff is for rounding a mark to port but your system adds greatly to the ease and of the kite. So the tack line would be approach is relatively shallow on a simplicity of taking the gennaker down. over the top of the spinnaker sheet as starboard tack. The leeward douse is for With this system the entire process is it comes aft to the kite. When rigging – rounding a mark to starboard while on simplified. The middle crew typically “tack over sheet” is your reminder. starboard tack or when you approach starts to inhaul the takedown line while the mark at a very sharp angle while on counting down 3-2-1 and at zero the Always trim the kite so it is on the edge starboard tack and you will have to gybe forward crew release the gennaker of collapsing on the luff, it is not fast to quickly around a mark leaving it to port. halyard and the tack line guiding the lines over trim the kite. out so they do not snag. We always ease

Melges 20 Tuning Guide Solutions for today’s sailors 6

the halyard first, even on leeward drops. Conclusion On a leeward drop after the halyard is eased and the tack released the forward The Melges 20 is one of the most crew should tend to the foot and tack of exciting new boats available today with the kite to keep it out of the water. The rapidly growing fleets and excellent one driver needs to bear away to flatten the design racing. We hope all of the tips we boat. The forward crew can help to stuff mentioned are helpful to your Melges the last part of the kite into the sock. 20 sailing program. Let us remind you that these are the most important and On the set, it is helpful to pull the kite obvious helpful hints that we have forward to the front of the sock to help provided. Our experts will be happy to go it come out easier. Also, tending the kite further in detail with you anytime. halyard so it runs out freely helps insure a clean set. Many thanks for your purchase of North Melges 20 sails. Our goal is to provide Crew Positioning you with the fastest, longest lasting and Generally in light wind, you want to sit easiest to use sails on the market. We as far forward as possible between the are constantly going to regattas and stanchions. Keep in mind that you are are always learning more about how to not allowed to be in front of the mast. make these exciting boats go fast. Please Downwind, you will want to also sit contact us either in Zenda or San Diego forward and heel the boat to windward if you have any questions and we look as soon as you have enough pressure forward to seeing you on the water soon. to sail deep. As the wind builds you want to move the weight aft upwind so the middle crew is centered on the Contact North Sails mainsheet swivel. Downwind when For tuning information and complete planing everyone slide aft as far as details on how to setup your Melges 20 possible unless you are in marginal sails contact the North Melges experts planing conditions. Then it is best to listed on the cover of this guide. keep the weight more centered and move the weight fore and aft to get the best feel in the boat and keep her planing as long as possible.

Important Tips for Sailing Downwind in Heavy Air Conditions

• Make sure the rig is set up for the wind and see conditions

• Keep the outer shroud cars max aft

• Big ease on the kite or blow off the sheet in extreme puffs and waves with bow bury

• Mainsail sheeted in with vang off or if main is eased have some vang on

Melges 20 Tuning Guide Solutions for today’s sailors Melges 20 Quick Tune Guide: masts built after July 1st 2013 with Dyform shrouds

Adjustments TWS Uppers Uppers Uppers Lowers Lowers Lowers Diamonds Diamonds Headstay Jib Car X sheet (knots) Track Turnbuckle Tension Track Turnbuckle Tension (kg) Turnbuckle Tension (kg) Turnbuckle (mm) 2-6 0 -7 0-1 -1.5 0 +10 1-2 0-25 7-10 0-2 -5 1-3 -1.5 0 +10 2-3 0-25 8-12 1-3 0 250 2 0 130 0 175 BASE 3 0-25 11-14 2-4 +4 3-5 0 +8 0 3-4 0-25 13-18 3-5 v8 4-5 0 +12 0 4-5 0 16-20 5 +12 4-5 0 +16 0 5-6 0 18-25 5 +14 +22 0 6-8 0

Forward Aft mast rake setting +10 full turns on headstay, -2 full turns on uppers, +1.5 turns on lowers All turns are from base Shroud track settings are holes showing in front of car

Notes Turnbuckle Settings at BASE

Top Spreader 115 mm - Back of track to straight line from diamonds Turnbuckle Starboard Port Uppers Bottom Spreader 320 mm - Back of track to straight line from diamonds Lowers Mast Rake 9310 mm (30’6-1/2”) Diamonds Use calipers to record turnbuckle settings at base Headstays Change Lowers/Diamonds per table to minimize mainsail backwind

Flat Water - More Vang Waves - Less Vang and Less Lowers

Melge 20 Quick Tuning Guide Solutions for today’s sailors Melges 20 Quick Tune Guide: masts built prior to June 2013 with 1X19 shrouds

Adjustments TWS Uppers Uppers Uppers Lowers Lowers Lowers Diamonds Diamonds Headstay Jib Car X sheet (knots) Track Turnbuckle Tension Track Turnbuckle Tension (kg) Turnbuckle Tension (kg) Turnbuckle (mm) 2-6 0 -7 0-1 0 -4 0 1-2 0-25 7-10 0-2 -5 1-3 0 -3 0 2-3 0-25 8-12 1-3 0 250 2 0 130 0 95 0 3 0-25 11-14 2-4 +3 3-5 0 +3 AFT 3-4 0-25 13-18 3-5 +5 4-5 0 +5 AFT 4-5 0 18+ 4-6 +7 4-5 0 +7-10 AFT 5-6 0

Forward Aft mast rake setting +10 full turns on headstay, -2 full turns on uppers, +1.5 turns on lowers All turns are from base Shroud track settings are holes showing in front of car

Notes Turnbuckle Settings at BASE

Flat Water - More Vang Waves - Less Vang and Less Lowers

Melges 20 Quick Tuning Guide Solutions for today’s sailors 9

Turnbuckle Settings at BASE Turnbuckle Starboard Port

Corners Cunningham Tack slug Leech cord Foot chord

Numbers Country Code Battens Batten End Cap Leech Telltales Insignia Spreader dots Measurements stamp at head North Logo Bag

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Melges 20 Tuning Guide Solutions for today’s sailors