S NIP E / T UNIN G GUIDE
FORESTAY
The Snipe Class rules state that “the forestay must be all wire (no
smaller than 3/32”/2.4 mm) and shall be of such length as to prevent the
mast from touching the back of the mast partners.” When the forestay is
cut at the maximum allowable length, it is too slack. The forestay length
should be such that it barely allows you to attach the shrouds when
rigging.
To help keep the forestay from fouling the pole while jibing, tie one end
of a short piece of shock cord 1’ (30cm) up the forestay with the other
end attached to the tack fitting or to the bow. The shock cord will pull the
forestay tight so it does not get in the way of the pole when jibing.
MAST BUTT LOCATION
The mast butt position has been debated throughout the history of the
Snipe Class, but here are our recommendations. They are the same as
the discontinued 60” rule.
A quick way to check your butt position is to look at the amount of space
between the mast and the front of the partner when the jib is up with the
halyard tensioned. This is typically 3/4”-1” of space in front of the mast.
Check your mast butt to see if it is cut off squarely and perpendicular to
the mast.
SHROUD ATTACHMENT LOCATION
If your shrouds are 4’ 7 1.2” (141cm) apart, the distance from your
shrouds to the forestay should be 5’ 5 3/4” (167cm), from the front hole
on a Persson hull. If your shrouds are farther apart , you will need to
move them farther aft to help limit headstay sag upwind. If they are 4’
9” (145cm) apart, they should be about 5’ 7” (170cm) aft. If your shrouds
are too far forward, you will get too much headstay sag as the breeze
increases. If they are too far aft, you will not get enough sag.
In moderate-to-heavy air (over 15-18 knots), moving the shroud position
back 1” to the second or third hole will tighten the rig to help depower
the sail plan. This aft placement also encourages lateral bend, which
helps depower the sail plan upwind while minimizing the possibility of
off-wind mast inversion.
JIB TACK
The jib tack must be fastened at the most forward position allowed by
the Class rules to reduce the main and jib slot overlap. This distance is
11” (27.9cm) aft of the stem. Attach the jib wire on the bow fitting to the
point closest to this measurement. Class rules do not allow the jib and
forestay to share the same pin. Run your forestay under/through the jib
shackle to the second pin aft on the bow fitting.
DECK MARKS
With the boat on the trailer, the rig tuned at your rake measurement (jib
up), and the mast floating freely in the partners, place one mark at the
side of the mast and one on the deck that lines up with the mast mark.
This is your pre-bend or neutral mark. Place a mark 3/4” (1.9cm) in
front of the pre-bend mark and a mark 1/2” (1.3cm) behind the pre-bend
mark. These three marks will aid you when using the puller both upwind
and downwind.
RIG SETUP
PREPARATION FOR RIG TUNING
PERSSON
JIBETECH
Center of transom to mast butt
pin:
10’ 8 7/8”
Center of transom indent to mast
butt pin:
10’ 8 1/8”
Summary of Contents for Snipe
Page 1: ...SNIPE TUNING GUIDE ...
