Author: Tim Sayles

Shroud Termination

A recent question on the upper shrouds came from Stuart Austin, rebuilding USA 440, a 1969 Dubdam.  Stuart writes, “Rule 62 states that the lower ends of the shrouds should be “impossible” to adjust while racing. How do you achieve controls that can be tuned conveniently but still meet the rule?”

The rule references the “lower end” which is referring to the teminal attachment of the shroud to the chainplate or whatever hardware affixed to the boat. This does not refer to the critical adjustment mechanism that lengthens or shortens the upper shroud.  The rule is stating that the attachment point of the shroud may not be movable while under way.  The effect of this is that on an FD, you are not allowed to move the shroud fore, aft or athwardships while racing.  To be sure, many boats allow for this type of adjustment to be made between races.

2011 FD Nationals Announced


Noroton Yacht Club has announced sponsorship of the 2011 Flying Dutchman National Championship, to be held over Memorial Day weekend.  NYC, home club to Job Sandberg, former North American Commodore, was also the site of the 2006 Nationals that provided great Long Island Sound conditions and was immortalized in some of the great photography by Kevin McCabe.  Notice of Race and associated information to be published soon.

2011 FD Nationals NOR Posted


Noroton Yacht Club has released the Notice of Race for the 2011 Flying Dutchman National Championship, to be held over Memorial Day weekend.  Here are links for: Notice of Race and Entry Form

Please register now!  Late fee will be applied for entries received after April 30, 2011

NYC, home club to Job Sandberg, former North American Commodore, was also the site of the 2006 Nationals that provided great Long Island Sound conditions and was immortalized in some of the great photography by Kevin McCabe.  Notice of Race and associated information to be published soon.

2006 North American Championship

The 2006 North American Championship regatta was completed at Bay View Boat club in San Francisco recently. 13 boats showed up. Sailors came from region I and II and III on the east coast, and from SDgo and LA, as well as SF and NorCal.

Sails

Much of the FD’s well known power and upwind speed in particular is rightfully attributed to its generous sail area in relation to the boat’s weight. Fairly unique in the world of high performance dinghies is the FD’s use of an overlapping genoa. This feature provides special challenges for the sail designer in trying to achieve optimal shapes. The effective range of sail designs is of course broadened by the adjustability of the rig, but let’s take a look at some special features.

Foiled Again

The underwater control surfaces on an FD are asked to perform more than one task. Both the rudder and centerboard provide lift upwind, and to much different extents provide directional energy. Both the rudder and centerboard shape, range of adjustment and weight are governed by the class rules.