A balanced helm is ideal under all conditions, as it means the rudder is mostly aligned with the centerline and doesn't provide extra drag. The usual test for a balanced helm is to sail on a reach, then let go of the tiller and see what happens. If the boat comes slowly to windward, that's a mild weather helm, and that's okay. But if it turns hard upwind, or downwind at all (lee helm), the rig needs adjusting. (A slow, gentle turn upwind is okay.)
Keep reading and post your comments here!
Perfect San Diego Weather Greets Capri 14.2 Sailors
On September 20-21, the placid waters of San Diego's Mission Bay lived up to its storied reputation as one of the California's premier small boat racing venues. Here, once again Mission Bay Yacht Club (MBYC) hosted the Capri 14.2 National Championship. And once again the weather cooperated with blue skies, mid-70's temperature, and 8-12 knots of steady breezes.
Boats from MBYC, Arizona YC, California YC, and Westlake Village YC were divided into two classes, Gold, for veteran racers, and Silver, for the less-experienced. Trophies for Gold Fleet went 5 deep, and those for Silver went 3 deep.
MBYC carried home the first three places in the Gold Fleet, with the first place Trophy (and the National Championship) going to skipper Scott Finkboner and Crew Jennifer Lyons of MBYC.
Silver Fleet winners were skipper Bob Armenta and crew Mark Miller from Westlake Village.
Racing was marred by only one mishap, a capsizing and subsequent turtling. This Capri 14.2 sailor watched with interest as the sailboat crew managed on their own to pull the boat up (by pulling on the centerboard) until it lay on its side. At that point one of the chase boats moved in. It approached the masthead, where a crewman knelt on the chase boat bow and lifted the masthead out of the water. Then the chase boat moved slowed toward the hull of the Capri 14.2 as the crewman lifted the mast. By the time the chase boat had gone about ten feet the Capri popped upright. Then the chase boat pulled the sailors out of the water and transferred them to the Capri. The whole procedure took only a few minutes and demonstrated the advantage of having a veteran chase boat crew.
Gold Fleet - 2008 Capri 14.2 Nationals
Place From
1 - Scott Finkboner and Jennifer Lyons MBYC
2 - Scott Hoffmann and Tyler Caroe MBYC
3 - Kevin Olenick and Smantha Olenick MBYC
4 - Mike Hester and Sarah Hester Arizona YC
5 - John Mayall and Megan Mayall Arizona YC
Silver Fleet - 2008 2008 Capri 14.2 Nationals
Place From
1 - Bob Armenta and Mark Miller Westlake YC
2 - George Tingom and Barbara Tinghom Arizona YC
3 - Fred Johnston and Akane Nakagaki MBYC
Spin a Yarn: Today, this expression means to tell a story, much of which may be out of fantasy. The expression originated from the stories sailors would tell while making spun-yarn or doing other repetitious chores. The stories in this thread will help you to better sail your C14 and possibly learn a new trick that could have you rounding the mark a little faster. These articles have been published in the past by Catalina Yachts in their main sheet magazine but are now available on our website for free! These articles will be "stuck" in the forum and will also be linked on the homepage navigation menu. You are encouraged to comment on the articles and offer any further insights you may have. Our first article is about sailing in Heavy Wind and can be found at http://www.capri14.org/forum/spun-ya...=5212#post5212
The official Capri 14 Handbook is now available for free download. The guide is filled with more than 40 pages of helpful diagrams, instructions, and information about the Capri/Catalina 14.2 and the Capri 14 National Association. The guide is in PDF format and can be downloaded using the link below or via the C14 Handbook button on the left of the site.
Capri/Catalina 14.2 National Association
