Neil- you can't use a backstay on the 15 w/o a boomkin because the boom and leach would hang up on it! You could use running backstays, but what a hassle. 5 tyo 8 degrees sounds like a lot, but i've actually never measured the rake on my boats; just set them up so it feels right. I'd set the mast up straighter until it feels right, and if it's not going OK upwind, look to your sails. I'll try to get together with you at Folsom or maybe at Natoma sometime this winter but it'll be tough- I'm schedualled for a new knee in Sept and a other in Nov, and i'm already way too busy, and my house looks like ti was run over by a hurricane. jerry ----- Original Message ----- From: <ndorf@surfbest.net> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2011 5:44 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Sailing with the genoa on my M15

Curious for everyone (M15 sailors) to sound off where you set the mast rake? I have been sailing TwoCan with the mast about 5-8 degrees aft. It would seem to me that this would provide better pointing performance and less weather helm, but giving up some peformance on a run. What I experienced in Monterey was I was really fighting the tiller after rounding the bouy, and I know from looking over the transom it wasn't kelp stuck on my rudder. Oh, and my foresail that day was a lapper.

Jerry: I'm thinking about a way to rig a back stay with a turnbuckle to adjust just a little more bend in the mast. I know you designed the M15 to not require one, but have you ever heard of anyone making that modification?

Thanks,

-Neil

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