So, in my constant struggle to get mote time on water, I've lashed out on some formula gear. I've test rigged and I'm all set to get very wet this weekend (assuming it stays below 15 knots).
With the weekend racing up north, and I'm heading south, I'll be sailing solo on my first outing. Can any more experienced formula guys share any technique tips so I won't have to call coastal rescue on my first day out?
Pplllleeeaaaaasse,
I have seen you sail, and you are more then good enough to survive on a Formula board.
Can you get out any evening this week? I am pretty certain there will be people out some evenings this week. Am thinking of taking a day off (another) to hit the water this week too.
JB
Yep, Thursday looks like a great day so far (and I have nothing scheduled that day too).
JB
1 - Get an EasyUphaul (or fashion your own)
www.easyuphaul.com/
2 -Put the chicken strap on, it makes it really easy to get deep downwind in case you get caught out in too much wind for your experience level.
3 - Put your boom really high (forehead high) until it gets windy, then drop inch by inch to maintain control
I think falling in regularly is a major develomental issue for people. I know I do my share, but have noticed some of the really good guys arent carrying much of the burdon.
Jb
Also, an important one I forgot to add:
If you hear a 'gunshot', look at your mast first before ducking for cover.
Shear tip, I purchased a 2004 Starboard 155 and an older twin cam 8.5 for those light wind days. (yep we get them over here in WA
) I weight 95kg's
Have only used it 2-3 times, bloody thing is hard on the legs when up and running. And they try to go up hill all the time
No idea on how to use one in regards to mast base setting foot straps and so on. But its fun when you get them up on the plane, you will not regret getting it. Keep the sail size down its real tough on the skills if you don’t.
Mineral
Thanks for the tips guys, useful info!
I've read that you assist uphauling by standing on the upwind side of the board to tilt it to help lift the sail out of the water by getting the board to lift the sail clear of the water. Does anyone do this? I would have thought that it would damage the board?
Does anyone else find the board wants to turn upwind? Is there a trick to keeping the board on a deep broad reach other than pointing downwind and gunning it?
I've read that you steer them with the rig, like an old school one design - COE vs CLR. Is this the case? No footsteering at all?
Hey Sheartip,
Welcome aboard. Be careful Formula is very addictive. You'll be fine as you are a better sailor than me. Here are a few things Ive learned to make it easier.
1. Formula boards are designed for upwind/downwind... Not very comfortable reaching...
2. Uphauling...I've made an easy uphaul like the guys said. Start with a spare 2feet of rope. Tie it to the bottom of the rope to the uphaul and make a loop at the other end. Keep tieing knots in the rope until it is about the right length when uphauling. Other than that its easier when the nose of the board is to wind.
3. Harness lines. Get adjustable ones around the 26" mark. One big tip I received from the better guys was to really shorten the lines for upwind. Makes it much easier to apply rail pressure to point properly.
3. Upwind. Really push the foot of the sail on the deck. Again helps upwind.
4. Downwind... Let off those harness lines, hang on and feel your legs burn.... Make sure that you are putting lots of pressure on the rear leg otherwise the nose dips. Use the sail COE to push the board downwind.
5. Read lots on the internet. www.carbonsugar.com (AUS-120) is fantastic.
I'll try and get out Thursday night too.. Hopefully see you all there.
Thanks for the tips, keep 'em rolling!
I've been looking around the web for info and it's all high performance race tuning tips, none oriented to someone just starting out in formula. I'm just trying to avoid getting stranded on my first outing!
My main concern is sailing solo. I'll be in safe waters (St Georges Basin) but there's a lot of uninhabited bush around there. Not an easy place to call in the car and pick me up.
I've heard about loads of masts snapping - maybe leaving them in the sun too long? What are some other common breakages I should look out for? If I snap an arm off my boom, will it be strong enough to sail back home with only one boom arm for support?
I'm thinking about getting a small backpack and carrying a small repair kit / rope / screwdrivers etc, just for my solo adventures.
Good / bad idea?
Just itching to get out on the water and sail all over the bay!
Masts breaking can be an issue if you leave your gear rigged in the sun - especially if there is no flow of air over it.
It is much less common for rigs to break on the water unless they are mistreated.
Just make sure that downhaul is the last thing you do before you hit the water, and keep the rig in the shade when rigging up.
And most of teh masts that broke did so early in their life. If a mast lasts 6 months it is not defective. But knocks can cause stress points and result in breakage.
I havent heard of a Formula boom breaking such that you could not sail back to shore.
On older sails they generally let go at the mastcap or at the tack. Check yours carefully before you hit the water. Downhaul rope should be replaced by Formuline as soon as you can.
I have also broken a UJ, but that is as with all other disciplines types anyway.
If you sail somewhere with bigger waves (or shoredump) watch out for your battens, best to lift the whole sail out of the water when coming ashore. (Will not be an issue at St Georges basin)
Do be careful about depth, hitting the ground with your 70cm fin is real easy to do.
JB
Great to hear you are doing some sailing down at Georges Basin....there was a bunch of guys and a popular club only a few seasons ago...Maybe some of them will read this post and get motivated again to start it back up? If you can get to some of the Formula events then we can organise some rigging, sailing seminars as there seems to be some real demand from all the new people...cheers
the burning leg sensation is due to incorrect fin/board match.
there is a vast difference in fin stiffness with formula fins and the width of the tail needs to suit the lift of the fin.
so if your legs are burning then get s stiffer fin, getting a shorter fin will do nothing if it is a soft fin.
also, broad reaching on formula kit isn't that hard, just crank on the downhaul and/or use the bottom eyelet in the clew.
if you are still feeling too powered up then go deeper. the ball tearer in formula is broad reaching hiked out driving off the back leg with your hips swinging forwards. 
Thought I would use this thread since all the Formula fellas are posting.
I bought an old Formula a while back to get more t.o.w. over my smaller gear (best move I ever did). I used it with a 8.5m, will get a large rig one day hopefully. I realise my 70cm fin does the job but is too big for the sail, resulting in having to walk it out further and more drag and lift when it hits 20+knots. What size fin could I drop down to to get the same upwind ability on a 8.5m sail without all the downsides of an oversized fin?
Thanks.
i run an 8.5 with a 70cm Deb or curtis,
i have also used a 60cm curtis and for me find it too small and prone to spinout. the thing with formula is the tail width really requires a deep fin regardless of sail size.
only exception is with very soft shorter fins. for eg the C3 67 fin i have is very soft and extremely powerfull. so there is enough lift to enable me to use the fin.
Thanks heaps Gestalt, pretty much the info I needed. You've probably saved me a bit of money on a new fin. Much appreciated.
