Quantum International
Who will be named 2014 Quantum Collegiate Woman Sailor of the Year?
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Today marks the start of College Nationals in St. Petersburg, Fl with Women's semifinals. Already, the ICSA All-America Selection Committee has begun the careful process of reviewing the results from the 2013-2014 ICSA calendar to determine the top women sailors in the nation including the coveted Quantum Women's Sailor of the Year.
The committee, made up of one representative from each of the seven national conferences, considers the competitive records of each candidate in both regional and national regattas including the 13 women's only inter-conference events held throughout the year. These results combined with the conference and national championships are the guide for the selection committee to confer All-America honors on up to ten women, one of whom will be named Quantum Women's Sailor of the Year.
Specifically, the committee reviews: how the record compares to those of fellow competitors, the quality and quantity of the competition in which the record was achieved, and finally, how the record compares to those of All Americans selected in previous years.
Stay tuned for the announcement at the end of this week and good luck to all the women sailors!
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The 2013 ICSA/Sperry Women’s Nationals is a four-day event hosted by the University of South Florida, Eckerd College and St. Petersburg Yacht Club. May 21-22 is the Women’s National Semifinal Championship in which 18 schools compete to see which nine will go on to the finals. May 23-24 is the Championship, in which the nine from Semifinals will join the nine schools that already qualified by placing at the top of their district championship. ICSA Photo
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Quantum Key West 2014 • January 19 – 24 2014
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It’s great to be back! Quantum Sails is returning to Key West in 2014 for another exciting Quantum Key West Race Week! Entering its 27th year, this winter regatta offers exceptional racing and fun, shoreside parties. Mark your calendar for January 19-24 and start talking to your crew and making plans to attend. Premiere Racing’s reputation for excellent race management and regatta organization promises to deliver another great event and ideal get-away for all sailing enthusiasts. Be sure to let us know what we can do to help you get ready for this outstanding regatta. Details on invited classes, logistics information, and other details will be posted by Premiere Racing here and on the Quantum website.
Action from Quantum Key West 2013
Barking Mad took the win at Quantum Key West 2013 in the Farr 40 class against stiff
competition. It is the third Key West victory for this Quantum-powered boat owned
by Jim Richardson of Newport, RI. Photo by Chris Odom.
Photo by Chris Odom.
Photo by Chris Odom.
Photo by Chris Odom.
Photo by Chris Odom.
Photo by Chris Odom.
Photo by Chris Odom.
Photo by Chris Odom.
Photo by Chris Odom.
Photo by Keith Brash.
Photo by Chris Odom.
Photo by Chris Odom.
Photo by Keith Brash.
Photo by Keith Brash.
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Quantum Racing Welcomes New Crew for Summer Season
Photo by Keith Brash for Quantum Racing.
Quantum Racing returns to the Mediterranean for the 2013 summer circuit with Ed Baird at the helm and four new team members including Terry Hutchinson as Tactician. The team also welcomes Jordi Calafat, Spain, as Strategist; Romolo Ranieri, Italy, at the Mast and new shore crew Rowan Swanson from New Zealand. The team gathers this weekend in Barcelona, Spain where it will be training for the first European event of the 52 Super Series, the Trofeo Conde De Godo, May 23-26.
Commenting on his return to the team he led in taking Audi MedCup and World Championship titles in 2010 and 2011, Hutchinson says “Behind every closed door, a new one opens. I’m really looking forward to the four events this summer. To be welcomed back into the Quantum family is incredibly special.”
The 52 Super Series returns for its second year with a growing and highly competitive fleet that has seen different boats winning races at every regatta and standings separated by only a point or two. Ed Reynolds, President of Quantum Sail Design Group and Quantum Racing Managing Director, says the level of competition is what sets the TP52s apart and attracts the world’s top sailors. “No where else in the world do you see this type of Grand Prix monohull racing. It’s incredibly competitive, not only on the water, but also behind the scenes where we’re working to assemble a team of top-flight talent. We have a strong and highly experienced core group that knows the program and our new members bring a dynamic and expertise we expect will serve us well this season. We’re very excited about welcoming Terry, Jordi, Romolo and Rowan to the team.”
Photo by Keith Brash for Quantum Racing.
For Quantum Racing, the 52 Super Series provides an unparalleled opportunity for testing and validating the company’s sail design technology. The team’s continuing partnership with Bravo Systems and VSPARS is a key component of this process. “The data gained through our validation process with Bravo and VSPARS provides the team with critical knowledge for refining sail shapes and delivers a competitive advantage,” explains Reynolds. “And more than that, it ultimately leads to better designs for all types of boats powered by Quantum® sails.”
Quantum Racing also welcomes technical gear manufacturer Gaastra and 11th Hour Racing as new partners in 2013 and Amway Corporation and Sebago as returning sponsors. Through its new relationship with 11th Hour Racing, Quantum Racing has converted to a system for refillable water bottles nearly eliminating plastic bottle waste. The effort is just one of several initiatives spearheaded by the environmental non-profit organization to advance sailing practices that improve the energy profile and performance of racing boats, while improving the health of our waters.
Photo by Keith Brash for Quantum Racing.
See Quantum Racing crew profiles here.
Quantum Racing on Facebook
Quantum Racing on YouTube
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
German Regatta Season Kicks Off with MAIOR in Kiel
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Quantum customers in Germany had a good start into the regatta season during MAIOR, the annual offshore regatta, which takes place in Strander Bay off the coast of Kiel. The J/80 “Procedes Diva” with Bjoern Beilken and his crew won the 10-race regatta with just a four-point lead over second placed “Pike”. “Procedes Diva” is a long-time client of Quantum Germany.
In ORCi 3 Knut Freudenberg’s First 36.7 “Halbtroken” won its class on countback against “Sportsfreund”, a X-332 Sport. Halbtroken”carries a full Quantum® inventory and is optimized for ORCi with non-overlapping jibs. Congratulations Quantum® teams!
Results: http://www.kyc.de/regatten/maior/ergebnisse-wetter.html
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Q™ Sails See Great Results US Optimist Team Trials
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One hundred ninety-three sailors competed in the U.S. Optimist Team Trials, an event that qualifies sailors to represent the U.S. at International and Continental championships, including Worlds which will take place in Italy in July.
Hosted by Pewaukee Yacht Club (WI) on May 2-5, Quantum-powered sailors claimed second and fourth places. Congratulations to Ivan Shestopalov (2nd) and JC Hermes (4th) on their outstanding sailing! Both sailors used the Quantum® Radial sail (Green). Best wishes Ivan and JC as you prepare for Worlds!
Click here to learn more about the Radial sail and also Quantum’s new XR-1 Optimist sail.
Full regatta results here.
Ivan Shestopalov sailing at Optimist World Championships in 2012.
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
2013 Sperry Top-Sider Annapolis NOOD Report
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By Scott Nixon, Quantum Atlantic
This past weekend Annapolis hosted the annual Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regatta. Cool air and water temperatures made for fall-like sailing conditions on the Chesapeake Bay. Winds were light to medium and very shifty from the NE all weekend making for some very tough racing. Tacticians were put to the test as large shifts and pressure differences on all three days made some tough calls.
Special congratulations to Quantum® customers Jim Richardson on his Barking Mad Farr 30 and Bill Sweetser on his J/109 Rush for great and convincing class wins!
Team Barking Mad. Photo © Sara Proctor.
Over 1,000 sailors were on the Bay for this great event and start to the Spring season in the Mid Atlantic. Quantum® sails were on many one design classes and the Quantum Atlantic service team was on hand with service and sail repairs for our customers.
Photos © Sara Proctor.
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Interview with 2013 Lightning Southern Circuit Champ Ed Adams
Quantum Newport (QN): Congratulations on the win! As the sailmaker, of course the first thing we need to ask is – How was your speed?
Ed Adams: It was good. Upwind we were very consistent. There was rarely a condition [light air or heavy air] where we couldn’t make the boat go fast. At times in light air when we weren’t faster than the boats around us, we had to make an adjustment or two to get going faster again. As usual, in heavy air we always had excellent speed.
Side note: When we talked about the Circuit with Mark Allen, perennial Pontiac fleet champ and long time Quantum customer, he got a little incredulous about Ed’s upwind “consistency”. “Consistent? I watched Ed sail above and around boats. I saw him crack off, sail below and sail away… He was ridiculously fast upwind!”
QN: And downwind?
Ed: Amazing boat speed! I think we passed 100 boats downwind over the course of the circuit – that’s not a hyperbole, I think we passed 100 boats. Have you done any other tweaks to the Runner since we worked on it a couple of years ago?
QN: No, other than getting the tweaks hardwired into production a little more consistently, it’s still the same Runner we’ve been making for the last two years. And how about the VMG Spin? [Ed carries this as a second spin, suited specifically for light and lumpy conditions].
Ed: Ok, wow. That runner was fast; very stable. We didn’t use the VMG as much, but when we did, it gave us an edge as usual.
QN: Any other feedback from the Circuit?
Ed: Consistency was the key because you only get one throw out in the circuit. I think we threw out a 15 or 16 overall. Most of our scores were in the top 10. There were guys who got 1, 2 or 3 OCS over the course of the circuit. You could win two regattas and not win the whole thing. You could even win all three events with an OCS in each, but you couldn’t win the overall.
QN: So avoid the OCS.
Ed: Yes. My crew [Nancy Haberland and Ben Cesare] got a little frustrated with me because I was really conservative on the starting line and got a lot of bad starts. I was not pushing the line too hard. If you took our position at the first top mark we probably would have been tenth overall, but we made a lot of comebacks.
QN: You got a second at Savannah, can you tell us about that?
Ed: We should have won the Deep South. I got stuck on the Leeward mark. After we cleared ourselves of that we ended up with a 16. We should have gotten a nine. But, conditions in Savannah were fun. Racing there is like frostbiting a river or sailing in Charleston. It’s like college sailing: shifty, lots of current – fun.
Ed Adams and Nancy Haberland in light air at the Deep South Regatta. Photo by Parker Bass Photography
Click here for information on Quantum's fast Lightning sails.
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week 2013
Too much of a good thing?
With superlatives like “monster” waves, “insane conditions” and “crazy action,” being tossed around, Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week 2013 will go down as an event to remember.
The regatta opened and closed with dramatic winds that ultimately led to a cancellation on Sunday of all competition offshore and very limited racing inshore. Only the intrepid competitors in the Pursuit Class got a race in before the event was called. By mid afternoon, the winds surpassed 40 knots, which was just about when the final awards were starting to take place.
Melges 20 Fleet. Photo © Sara Proctor.
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In the Melges 20 class, Quantum sails finished 1, 2. Michael Kiss and his crew on Bacio took top honors in convincing fashion with blazing speed, great tactics, and sharp boat handling. Congratulations to the Bacio team that also included Chris Rast, tactician, and Jamie Kimball main trimmer. In the number two spot was Bob Hughes who sailed a superb event on Heartbreaker with Morgan Reeser and Brian Janney.
Bob Hughes' Heartbreaker placed second in the Melges 20 class. Photo © Sara Proctor.
In the Melges 20 Corinthian division, Mark Bremer on USA 17 came out on top with his crew of Dani Rast and Mitchell Kiss. This was Mark’s first M20 event – well done! Also on the podium for Corinthian teams was Paul Hulsey and crew on the Melges 24 Hoodlum Racing. Congrats!
Hoodlum took second in the Melges 24 Corinthian division. Photo © Sara Proctor.
Bert Carp sailing with Quantum Atlantic’s Dave Gross nailed first place in the J/80 class on USA 11. Four bullets in eight races carried the team to a super finish. Congratulations!
Here’s a round-up of the top five finishes for Quantum teams in each division. Congratulations teams!
2013 Sperry Top-Sider Charleston Race Week
Top Five Results
J/80
USA 11, Bert Carp, 1st
J/70
Menance, Kerry Klingler, 5th
Viper 640
Bliksem, Pieter Taselaar, 5th
Melges 24
Corinthian – Hoodlum Racing, Paul Hulsey, 2nd
Melges 20
Bacio, Michael Kiss, 1st
Heartbreaker, Robert Hughes, 2nd
Corinthian – USA 17, Mark Bremer, 1st
Swan 42
Vitesse, Jon Halbert, 3rd
PHRF A
Rebecca, Glenn Gault, 2nd
Dauntless, Don Terwilliger, 3rd
Fearless, John Lucas, 4th
Wicked 2.0, Douglas Curtiss, 5th
PHRF C
Mighty Puffin, Steve Thurston, 1st
Natural Disaster, Barney Hathaway/Tom Moulds, 3rd
PHRF D
Island Flyer, Denny Manrique, 2nd
Diana Sea, Bernie Cignavitch 3rd
Pursuit Class Spinnaker
Indigo, Elliott Dodds, 1st
Naut-on-Call, Eddie Evans, 3rd
Alexandria, Joseph Hanna, 4th
Pursuit Class Non Spinnaker
Houzee, Francisco Davila, 1st
The Usual Suspects, Robert Aymar, 3rd
Peregrine, Timothy Vienneau, 4th
Full results here.
Pieter Taselaar and crew on Viper 640 Bliksem. Photo © Sara Proctor.
Kerry Klingler, head of Quantum's J Boat Division on Menace. Photo © Sara Proctor.
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Turn Up the Speed with New Opti Sail Designs from Quantum
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Quantum Sail Design Group announces the introduction of new sails for Optimist sailors worldwide.
The new Quantum XR-1 optimist sail combines crosscut panels with a radial top resulting in more volume at the top for faster sailing, especially downwind. Lighter reinforcements reduce overall weight and improve performance. Top of the line sailcloth delivers superior stretch resistance, strength, and durability. The Quantum XR-1 is available in two sizes based on skipper weight.
The new XR-1 opti sail combines crosscut panels with a radial top.
Quantum’s classic Radial opti sail has undergone a redesign for a more stable form, less stretch, and excellent shape-holding ability. Sail panels are cut with threads facing the stress direction for greatest strength. The Quantum Radial is available in two sizes based on skipper weight.
The Quantum Radial is a proven winner.
All sails come complete with battens, vision window, luff and leech tell-tales, IODA royalty button, tube bag, sail ties and sail numbers (digital eights for customer installation). Factory-installed numbers are available.
Recent Results for Quantum Opti Sails
2013
IODA South Americans – 1st
2012
USODA Team Trials – 1st, 10th
Annapolis JO Regatta – 1st, 5th
IODA Worlds – 7th Overall, top American
USODA National Championship – 4th Overall, 1st Blue Fleet, 1st & 2nd White Fleet
TSA Mardi Gras Regatta – 1st
Gulf Coast Champs – 1st, 6th, 8th
Scotiabank Regatta – 4th Overall 1st Blue Fleet
Great Lakes Champs – 2nd Overall
Valentines Day Regatta – 3rd
TSA Regatta Lake Canyon – 1st, 5th
More information about Quantum’s Optimist Sails is available at: www.QuantumSails.com/Classes
Quantum’s Opti Sails are available through any Quantum Sail Loft worldwide as well as these exclusive retailers in the United States:
KO Sailing
Attn: Mark
2321 NASA Parkway
Seabrook, TX 77586
T: 281-867-8200 or (800) 276-SAIL (7245)
E: kostore@kolius-sailing.com
Web: https://www.kosailing.com/
Store Hours
M-F 8:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday 8:30 am – 5 pm
Sailing Pro Shop LLC
Attn: Art or Berkley
885 West 16th Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
T: 800-354-7245 (800-35-4-SAIL)
E: Orders@sailingproshop.com
Web: http://www.sailingproshop.com/
Store Hours
Monday-Thursday, 9 am – 5 pm
Friday, 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm
Dinghy Shop
Attn: Marguerite
334 S. Bayview AVE
Amityville, NY 11707
T: 631-264-0005
E: info@dinghyshop.com
Web: www.dinghyshop.com
Store Hours
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Sailing with Confidence
As cruising sailors, we must be self-sufficient. Several miles off shore is no place for surprises. If something breaks or goes wrong, no one is going to make a service call. You are on your own. If that realization makes you anxious at times, you’re not alone. It’s natural to worry about what might happen, but it’s easy to calm your nerves and sail confidently.
Whenever you experience that uneasiness, it’s almost always related to the uncertainty of the unknown. As a responsible skipper, gather as much information as you can about your boat, crew, and the water before setting sail. The best way to combat anxiety is to be prepared.
When it comes to my boat, I have less anxiety when I know how best to sail it. I am confident when my boat is safe and seaworthy. I also teach my crew about the boat, including how to handle emergencies. Reviewing all checklists lends to my safety and that of my crew and boat. A little education and practice can easy everyone’s minds.
It also helps to consider the what-ifs: What if the bilge pump stops working? What if the engine needs oil? What if the frayed halyard snaps? Don’t worry about these things, double check them. Know how many life jackets and fire extinguishers you have on board. Listen to the weather forecasts. Consider the what-ifs and prepare for them.
When you have learned to solve problems that can occur at sea, have confidence in your sailing and seamanship skills, and confidence in your boat and equipment, you are ready to really enjoy sailing.
Be smart, but beware of overconfidence, for it can lead to carelessness. Don’t always expect the worst, but never assume that things will be fine. A little anxiety now and makes us cautious, and that makes us good skippers.
Captain Jack Klang
About the Author: Jack Klang is a Cruising Consultant for Quantum Sail Design Group. He has shared his vast experience with thousands of sailors through his seminars, a syndicated newspaper column, magazine feature articles, television and movie appearances. He is the author of “Cruising with Quantum” a series of how-to articles covering all aspects of sailboat cruising as well as an instructional video. Jack is recognized as one of the country’s five best sailing speakers, appearing at boat shows across the country. For the past five decades, Jack has sailed the Great Lakes, Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. He earned his first Coast Guard captain’s license at age 18 and has logged over 30,000 miles under sail as a cruiser, ASA instructor, charter captain and delivery skipper. Contact Jack at captjack1(at)charter.net.
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
13th Summer Sailstice Celebration Sets Sail June 22nd
Tall ships to small ships–sailors around the world are invited to celebrate the 13th annual Summer Sailstice on the weekend of June 22, 2013. Traditionally held the weekend closest to the summer solstice, this global celebration of sailing invites everyone to sail ‘together’ regardless of where they are or what they sail. Every year, the event connects more than 19,000 sailors all over the world to celebrate and showcase life under sail.
Participation is easy! Register for free on the event website to declare your participation and invite others to join you. Celebration events are planned for some areas; check “Featured Events” on the website to see what’s available. All entrants have a chance to win prizes donated from sailing companies including Quantum Sails.
John and Bobbi Clauser and crew on Bodacious powered up at Point Blunt during
Summer Solstice. Photo: © h2oshots.com
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Year-Long Cruise Delivers ‘Countless Special Moments’
Two years ago Chris and Erica Conway decided to leave New Jersey behind and take their family on a one year Caribbean sailing adventure. After fifteen months of planning, they set off on July 1, 2012 on their Beneteau 473 Patronus. Now in their eighth month onboard, the family has settled in, enjoying the life they expected and the surprises they didn’t.
The Conway Family from left to right: Porter, Riesling (on her mom's lap), Erica, Chris, and Bryson.
Chris and Erica decided to set sail for a number of reasons, such as giving their three young kids the opportunities to learn independence, remain open minded, and develop life skills. Most importantly, however, the veteran sailors wanted the chance to spend quality time as a family while their children were still small.
They spent fifteen months preparing for the journey, studying sailing blogs, talking with sailors, accessing Cruiser’s Forums, and reading books about families who had done what they were preparing to do. With so much information available, Erica said the trip has gone as anticipated, for the most part.
“Our journey has been very much what I expected, with just a few small exceptions,” she said. “Living on a boat with five people is much more work than I had anticipated. Because we are a family of five living in about 400 square feet of space, we must keep the boat clean as well as tidy.”
They’ve also had to adjust to on-board schooling. Though Erica was a teacher before she had children, teaching her own kids while on a boat is an entirely different dynamic. She is, however, taking advantage of their travels to create unique lessons for each child. “I try to make our sightseeing on land part of our curriculum, which is great fun and very authentic.”
Patronus in her first regatta off the coast of Grenada. Parents Chris and Erica loved introducing
their kids to racing, which resulted in the Youngest Crew award!
Before the Conways set sail, they mapped out a plan for their twelve month excursion. It didn’t take long, however, to recognize the need to be flexible. “We learned very early on that all of our plans are written in the sand at low tide,” said Erica. “Weather is the biggest factor. Sometimes we can’t leave port when we want to, but more often we decide to leave before we are ready due to an excellent weather window that may not last long.”
They’ve also adapted their schedule to accommodate their new buddy boat, Anything Goes. “We met another family of five early on in the trip and we have been sailing together ever since,” said Erica. “It is wonderful to have another couple to share this experience with, to help with boat problems, and to play cards with at night. Our children have become very close, and the year has been enriched with countless special moments between the ten of us.”
Though the Conways gave themselves twelve months to sail, Erica said they’ve realized that a year isn’t enough time to see and do everything they’d planned. “Our biggest challenge has been fitting in everything we wanted to see and do. We know that we have better experiences when we slow down and spend a lot of time in each place, but the longer stays mean fewer ports, and all the islands in the Caribbean have such wonderful things to offer. We don’t want to miss any of it!”
Regardless of the weather or scheduling conflicts, one thing the Conways haven’t had to worry about is their sail inventory. “Our sails have been great,” said Erica. “Our new Quantum main has been a real workhorse. We enjoy the furling system more than we thought we would. Reefing is simple and easy, and the sail performs well in every condition.
“The storm jib that came with the boat was recut and redesigned by Dave Armitage of Quantum, and it is our favorite. We use it a lot in the Caribbean because the trade winds are typically in the 15-25 knot range, and the boat is balanced well with a reefed main and the small jib. It keeps the center of effort lower than the reefed genoa so the boat sails flatter and faster.
“Our gorgeous new Quantum spinnaker is easier to set than we expected and does beautifully in 10-20 knots of wind. We used it on the passage down, as well as between some of the islands.”
With just four months left in their adventure, the Conways are looking forward to making more friends and creating lasting memories together. “Spending time with our children has been my favorite part,” said Erica. “It has been a joy to discover new places and meet new people with them.”
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
New Season Sail Check
When your boat comes out of the barn and spring prep begins, it’s a good time to take a close look at your sails to make sure they’re ready for another season. Use this inspection checklist to guide you through the process. Early identification of minor problems gives you time to take corrective action before they become major issues.
Sail Cloth
Sun damage can be detected visually and by hand. Sail cloth that feels and looks like tissue paper may be beyond repair. Pull on the cloth with the grain and across the grain of the fabric. If you can tear it, see your sailmaker for an evaluation or new sail quote. For laminate sails, lay the sail out flat or in large sections and rub your hands across the surface feeling for scratches or gaps. Scratches may indicate localized film cracking that can be difficult to see and is a common symptom of an aging laminate sail.
Stitching
Check the stitching on both sides of the sail; stitching on machine-sewn sails will usually give out before the sailcloth. Scraping at the stitching may reveal weak or sun damaged thread.
Hardware
Check spur grommets, pressed rings, eyelets, boltrope, and batten pockets for corrosion and damage to surrounding cloth. Also check the condition of stitching on hand sewn rings and reefing eyelets. Check all slugs, slides, shackles, hanks, and wire for corrosion, cracking, wear, or any other damage that can end a day of sailing. It’s a good idea carry spare replacement hardware with you on the boat.
Batten Pockets and Battens
Pockets should be hole-free and working as designed. Check each batten pocket by first inserting a batten and applying a little tension to it. The batten should not be allowed to float around loosely in the pocket. Pockets with elastic should provide enough resistance to hold the batten against the leech edge. Finally, visually inspect your battens for chips and cracking. Flex them slightly while sighting down the surfaces, as some cracking is not visible while relaxed. See your sail service provider if you can’t get sufficient tension on your batten pockets or need a replacement batten.
Reinforcement Patches
Multiple layers of sailcloth are used to strengthen the corners and edges of the sail. Make sure these areas are in good condition and do not show signs of damage that can be caused by strain and chafe.
Headboard
Check the headboard for corrosion, halyard shackle chafe, and the condition of rivets. Check the reinforced edge where the sail cloth meets the headboard; flexing in this area can cause damage over time.
Reefing Points
Reefing points should be in a straight line slightly lower than the reefing tack and reefing clew and spaced 18” to 24” apart.
Roller Furler UV Cloth
Start by checking the sewing on the leech and foot edges of the UV cloth. These areas are always exposed on a furled sail and will be good indicators of the thread condition on the remaining cover material. If you can break the sewing with your fingernail, it’s time for a re-stitch. Some discoloration or fading of the cloth is normal after a few years of use. When inspecting the fabric, look for any holes or signs of chafing, and use the same procedure for checking sail fabric. Note: There are many fabric choices for UV coverings; a common one is Sunbrella, which is quite a bit heavier than UV Dacron. This added weight can distort sail shape, especially on smaller boats. For this reason, UV Dacron is often the preferred choice.
Sail inspection should be done at least once each season. If time or space are limiting factors, contact your local Quantum loft for this service. Inspections and small repairs early on can often prevent large repair bills later.
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
It’s Spring…Time to Hit the Boat Shows!
Strictly Sail Pacific
Oakland’s Jack London Square
April 11-14, 2013
Quantum Sails at Booth #42
Stop by to say hello to the crew from Quantum Pacific and attend free seminars offered by Quantum’s Bill O’Malley.
Appropriate Sail Technology
Thursday, April 11, 3:30 pm
East Pavilion
This presentation addresses modern sail design and construction, sail materials and sail handling systems and equipment available for today’s cruising sailor. Whether an older yacht or a new one, we walk you through the vast array of options and explain what makes sense for your yacht.
Safe Sailing at Sea
Friday, April 12, 1:00 pm
C Exhibit Hall
This presentation discusses the right sails for the job; mainsail, genoas, jibs, spinnakers, staysails and storm sails. What are the best practices and configurations for your sail plan when sailing offshore. We will discuss mainsail and headsail reefing, shortening sails, getting sails down, heavy-weather sails, storm sails.
Sail Trim for Control – The Cruising Sailor
Sunday, April 14, 11:45 am
A Exhibit Hall
Learn how to trim your sails for comfort and performance while cruising. We will discuss mainsail trim, headsail trim, use of the vang, rig tuning and backstay and downwind sailing techniques to make your sailing more enjoyable, comfortable and safe.
Strictly Sail Pacific details here: http://strictlysailpacific.com/
Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show
Annapolis City Dock and Harbor
April 25-28, 2013
Over 100 maritime exhibitors including Quantum Sails
Nearly 80 sailboats on display
Door prizes
Cruisers University will be offered with renowned cruising experts including Quantum Atlantic’s David Flynn speaking on Sail Trim for Control.
Sail Trim for Control provides instruction on best practice sail trim for cruisers. The goal is to present the sailor with ways deal with common cruising concerns of heel, over-powered situations, best upwind performance and easy down-wind sailing. We examine all the components of sail shape and trim and how to use the controls on your boat to overcome these common concerns.
Register for Cruisers University here: http://www.usboat.com/cruisers-university/home
Boat show details here: http://www.usboat.com/spring-sailboat-show/home
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Celebrating Ten Years of Collegiate Women Award Winners
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Since 2003, the Quantum Woman Collegiate Sailor of the Year award has honored a female sailor performing at the highest level in district and national championships. We are celebrating the history and significance of this award with a series of profiles featuring past winners.
Corrie Clement Lambert
2003 Quantum Woman Collegiate Sailor of the Year
Today, we salute Corrie Clement Lambert who won the inaugural award in 2003 while sailing for Old Dominion University. Now a physical therapist living in Seabrook, TX, Corrie continues to sail on anything and everything.
The depth of Galveston Bay limits her options, but she’s been able to race J-22s, V-15s, OD35s, and the 2011 J-105 North Americans. Corrie credits her experience at the Rolex International Women’s Keelboat Championships with introducing her to keelboat racing.
Courtesy Photo. Despite an injury sustained the night before, Corrie's mom
joined her in sailing a J/22 in the Houston RIWKC in 2007. A real trooper!
Since college, Corrie has spent some time coaching, including a stint as the head coach for Norfolk Collegiate. She also occasionally coaches in Seabrook, introducing kids to Laser sailing. She just purchased a Sunfish to do the Wednesday night races in Seabrook, saying “It is a lot different than a Laser Radial, but should be fun!”
Corrie’s collegiate sailing not only helped develop her teamwork and leadership skills, it also prepared her for her career. Sailing with different people and different learning styles translates well for her work as a physical therapist.
She encourages all collegiate sailors to not be intimidated by sailing on different boats with new people. Instead, try to learn something new every time you go out.
The 2013 winner will be announced on May 24, 2013 following the ICSA National Championship in St. Petersburg, FL.
Genny Tulloch
2004 Quantum Woman Collegiate Sailor of the Year
Genny Tulloch was a sophomore at Harvard University when she won the award in 2004. After graduating, Genny moved to San Francisco, California where she continues to pursue her passion. She’s made a career of it, working in broadcasting and media for sailing, and is currently covering the America's Cup.
Genny graduated from college as a junior to pursue her sailing, with an Olympic campaign in match racing along with various other offshore and professional racing. Her off-shore racing background involves being the only female on the Morning Light race team (the basis of the Disney documentary movie), multiple Transpac races, and an overall victory in the Los Angeles-Tahiti race and a division win in the Sydney-Hobart Race. Additionally, Genny has raced a variety of other boats: from high-performance skiffs and Extreme 40 catamarans to Melges 20s, 24s and 32s, Farr 30s and 40s, and TP 52s and many classes of match racing boats.
Genny says that winning the 2004 Sailor of the Year Award gave her the motivation to make sailing a career. Her collegiate experiences not only taught her about starts, small course tactics, and boat handling, she also learned how to structure time in her professional and personal lives, and be involved in small and big team dynamics which help navigate life on and off the water.
Genny Tulloch competing at College Nationals her final year.
Genny Tulloch with her Olympic campaign team, Jenn Chamberlin in
the middle and Alice Leonard on bow.
Genny was the only female crew member on Morning LIght, pictured
here at the finish of one of their Transpac Races.
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Anna Tunnicliffe, 2005 Quantum Woman Collegiate
Sailor of the Year on the 49erFX. Photo © Andrea Mead Cross
In 2005, Anna Tunnicliffe won the Woman Sailor of the Year award while competing with Old Dominion University. Following graduation, Anna took her sailing expertise to the US Olympic Sailing Team, where she competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympic games. In a regatta that came down to the last two legs of the final race, Anna was triumphant, winning gold in the Laser Radial class, and bringing home the first US women’s Olympic Gold sailing medal in 20 years.
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Olympic Round Robin with Debbie Capozzi, Molly Vandemoer,
Anna Tunnicliffe. Photo © Ian Roman
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Olympic Opening Ceremony: Anna Tunnicliffe, Molly Vandemoer,
LeBron James, Debbie Capozzi. Photo © US Sailing.
After the 2008 Games, Anna decided to focus on match racing and another Olympic Campaign. At the 2012 Games in London, Anna and her crew finished fifth in the Elliott 6m.
Anna often shares her skills with others when she coaches youth Laser sailors. She especially enjoys encouraging the young female sailors. For them, she wants to lead by example. At this stage of her career, that means campaigning for the gold medal in Rio, 2016.
As a collegiate sailor, Anna learned how to train, be self-disciplined, and about the sacrifice required to make a dream come true. Winning the 2005 Sailor of the Year Award gave her the spark she needed to pursue her dream of Olympic gold. She’s surpassed her expectations – in addition to her Olympic gold medal, Anna has been named winner of US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year four times and is a two-time winner of the ISAF World Sailor of the Year award.
Alana O'Reilly, 2006 Quantum Woman
Collegiate Sailor of the Year
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The Quantum Woman Collegiate Sailor of the Year in 2006 was Alana O’Reilly, who graduated from The College of Charleston. Alana recently finished an 18-month-long Olympic campaign in Women’s Match Racing where she took second place. Before that, she spent five years coaching at Georgetown University.
Her college career greatly impacted Alana, teaching her how to be a part of a team, how to be consistent, and how to get over a bad race. Winning the 2006 Quantum Woman Collegiate Sailor of the Year Award has given her the opportunities to be more involved in sailing, including her Olympic campaigns.
Alana has no immediate plans for another Olympic bid and is planning to take some time off to just enjoy the water. She is currently the Junior Program Coordinator at Annapolis Yacht Club.
Adrienne Patterson and Melissa Pumphrey, at the 2007 ICSA Women’s
National Championship. Photo by GTS Photos for ICSA.
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Adrienne Patterson, was a junior with St. Mary’s College of Maryland when she received the 2007 Quantum Woman Collegiate Sailor of the Year award. The same year, Adrienne was named Woman Athlete of the Year for St. Mary’s College and recognized as an ICSA All-American. Following graduation, Adrienne went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in teaching. Coaching and teaching have always been her passion, and she has years of experience working at numerous yacht clubs and as a private coach. Currently, Adrienne is Sailing Director at Key Biscayne Yacht Club. Adrienne continues to be active in the sport, competing in the women’s 470 class and Olympic match racing.
Kaitlin Storck
2008 Quantum Woman Collegiate Sailor of the Year
Kaitlin Storck has stayed busy since receiving the 2008 Quantum Woman Sailor of the Year Award while sailing at Tufts University. She got right into sailing Laser SB3s for the World Championship in Dublin, then moved to 470s, where she had the chance to sail with Olympic athletes. Though an inspirational experience, she realized the 470 wasn’t her boat. She went on to sail with the All-American Offshore Team and in multiple races, including the Block Island Race, Annapolis-Newport Race, and the Transatlantic.
Kaitlin also did some more match racing. She sailed the Team Race Worlds, British Match Race, Match Race Olympic Trials, and the US Sailing Women’s Match Race Championships. She’s also still racing with her family, winning the J/80 North American with her dad and brothers.
Winning the Sailor of the Year Award was a goal Kaitlin set for herself as a freshman in college. Receiving the award was not only extremely satisfying, it also gave her the confidence she needed to try other types of sailing, as well as coaching.
Kaitlin is a graduate student at Tulane University where she is working on a master’s degree in public health. She also coaches the Tulane sailing team. In New Orleans, Kaitlin often sails a Melges 24 in the local racing scene.
Stay tuned for more profiles in this series….
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Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Successful Anchoring: Tips from Captain Jack
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By Jack Klang
Cruising Consultant, Quantum Sail Design Group
Anchoring is a peaceful, non-crowded, free alternative to harbor hopping for coastal cruisers. With the right equipment and proper technique, you can stop rushing to the marina and anchor at any time.
Equipment
First you need the right equipment. Most anchor designs will work if properly deployed. It must be of adequate size and have several feet of heavy chain and sufficient nylon line attached. If using all chain, you will need a mechanical or electric windlass (or a strong, willing crew) to raise it.
Mark each rope at intervals of 20 to 25 feet and attach a floating marker. I use and old, brightly colored laundry soap container with a generous supply of light line, also marked at the same intervals. The float shows your anchor location to other boats so they can avoid possible entanglements. It can also be used to back out and retrieve your anchor if it has become snagged.
Preparing to Deploy
Before releasing your anchor, attach a float line, slightly longer than the depth of the water, to the head of the anchor. Launch this before lowering your anchor.
Make sure you have the proper anchor scope* for your needs. Anchor scope is the ratio of the distance from the anchor to the boat’s deck, divided by the distance from deck to the lake bottom. Recommended scopes for anchoring are:
- 5:1 for anchoring while aboard or in a protected area with good holding ground
- 7:1 in most conditions, providing the anchor is well set
- 10:1 in a storm
Example: The water depth is 15 feet and my bow is 5 feet above the water line (total 20 feet). I have let out 100 feet of line including chain. My scope is 5:1 (100 divided by 20).
Circle the chosen location using your depth sounder to verify the charted depths. Be alert to uneven depth soundings, which may indicate underwater obstructions, heavy weeds, or rocks. Make sure to circle the entire area where your anchor scope will allow your boat to swing during wind shifts.
Deploy
Head into the wind and bring your boat to a stop with your bow over the selected spot. Deploy your anchor marker float then lower the anchor. Maintain control of the rope so it doesn’t run out. Shift into reverse and slowly back downwind while paying out the rope. Shift into neutral and drift until the predetermined anchor scope causes the rope to tension. Make the anchor line fast and shift into reverse to set the anchor.
To determine if your anchor has dug in, test the tension on the anchor line with your hand. If there is continuous and strong tension, you are set. If the rope vibrates with only slight resistance, your anchor is not holding. Retrieve and redeploy the anchor or simply let out more rope until strong resistance is met.
Tips for Successful Anchoring
- Check the weather forecast for wind speed and direction and thunder storm possibilities.
- Search navigation charts for protected bays, coves, and rivers, noting the water depth and bottom material.
- Look for sand, mud, or soft clay bottoms. Avoid weeds, hard clay, and rocks.
- Avoid underwater obstructions, strong current, exposure to wind driven waves, boat traffic, and ferry routes.
- Have an alternative location in mind.
- Arrive at unfamiliar anchorages in daylight with the sun overhead.
- At sundown light your 360 degree white anchor light.
- Before turning in for the night establish range markers on shore that will be visible after dark to verify your location.
- Be ready for changing conditions: have a pre-planned escape route, including compass headings, GPS waypoints, and distances.
About the Author: Jack Klang is a Cruising Consultant for Quantum Sail Design Group. He has shared his vast experience with thousands of sailors through his seminars, a syndicated newspaper column, magazine feature articles, television and movie appearances. He is the author of “Cruising with Quantum” a series of how-to articles covering all aspects of sailboat cruising as well as an instructional video. Jack is recognized as one of the country’s five best sailing speakers, appearing at boat shows across the country. For the past five decades, Jack has sailed the Great Lakes, Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. He earned his first Coast Guard captain’s license at age 18 and has logged over 30,000 miles under sail as a cruiser, ASA instructor, charter captain and delivery skipper. Contact Jack at captjack1(at)charter.net.
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Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Learning Curve: J/70 Lessons Learned at the Bacardi Cup
By Terra Lee Berlinski
The new J/70 has gathered a lot of momentum from coast to coast. Earlier this month, twenty boats competed at the 2013 Bacardi Miami Sailing Week making it the fourth major regatta in the short history of the class.
Participating in the regatta was Quantum San Diego’s Eric Heim who served as trimmer and tactician on board USA 98 owned by Al Poindexter. It was the crew’s first regatta together, resulting in a lot of lessons. Reflecting on the highs and lows of the regatta, the boat, what worked and what didn’t, Eric took away several lessons from the event.
During Wednesday’s practice, it blew 16-20 knots providing steady planing conditions. Upwind, the bowman and pitman hiked legs out while the tactician/trimmer hiked in ball form next to the winch, in order to make trim adjustments. This allowed the helmsman to focus on steering. It was helpful to cross-sheet the jib to the weathered winch and to foot rather then pinch through the waves. Downwind, the jib stayed open while planing to give more sail area in front of keel to help pull the bow down.
Al Poindexter's US 98 also sailed in Key West before heading to Miami for the Bacardi Cup. Photo by Keith Brash.
Thursday the regatta kicked off in the southeast corner of the bay with 0-5 knots of breeze. The first race finished with boats still drifting on the course. In a dying breeze was crucial to keep the tiller centered in order to reduce drag. Sail trim and weight movement were more effective for steering than a slow tiller.
Friday and Saturday offered typical Miami sailing conditions, puffy and a moderate breeze with some inconsistent planing. The rig was tuned to base with the headstay at 58 3/8”, the uppers at 24 and lowers at 18. In flat water to short chop, we could inhaul the jib aggressively upwind. This helped shape the bottom half (power) of the sail, and the leeward sheet helped to shape the top half (twist).
The traveler was an essential tool to keep the boat powered up and on its feet (controlling the heel). The leech is the most important part of the main sail. Leech tension controls how high or low you can point. When easing the main sheet you open the leech. By using the traveler instead of the main, you are able to maintain leech tension while depowering the boat and holding a higher point. The traveler system in our J/70 left something to be desired. The skipper had to use his foot against the lines to push the traveler into the ease and it gave back equal resistance with the trim. Such a key tool should be fluid in its functionality.
Downwind legs were a struggle for the majority of the fleet. Many of boats were not comfortable sailing optimal angles in marginal planing conditions. It was important to protect against the teams who went high, but stick with teams who went low even though it was not the fastest course. As comfort grows in the boat, the fleet will close the gap in the downwind making them more competitive.
There were plenty of sketchy, close interactions on the course that came very close to violating some of the fundamental rules. Part of this can be chalked up to the learning curve of a new class and figuring out what the boat can handle, but safety should never be disregarded. Let’s avoid it turning into a cowboy class where people disregard the rules and think it’s ok.
Sailing upwind, the J/70 moves like a little big boat, providing an easy transition for skippers wanting to scale down. It’s not a muscle boat; nothing is overly loaded. A good team will be able to work it around the course by synchronizing body weight movement fore and aft, heel angles, and smooth transitions. More finesse than power.
No weight limit has been set yet, which is a perk. Weighing-in has some major drawbacks in regards to assembling a team. The J/70 does not box people into in a corner; friends and family are all welcome creating a warm atmosphere and a diverse class.
US 98 at Quantum Key West. Photo by Keith Brash.
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
Quantum Welcomes New Loft in Palma de Mallorca
Quantum Sail Design Group is pleased to introduce its newest international affiliate: Quantum Sails Palma de Mallorca, owned by Juan Jose Merayo and his sons, Juan Ignacio and Juan Pablo. The Merayos’ loft is a 1,200 square meter, fully equipped, full-service sail loft located in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
The loft’s extra-large sewing machines allow the Merayo’s to service sails of all sizes and types, including both membrane and panel sails. In addition to sail making, Palma de Mallorca provides large sail washing services, storage facilities, sail painting, and canvas work, including covers and sailboat upholstery. They also offer pick-up and delivery service to all yacht types, including super yachts, in Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca. Juan Pablo oversees sail service and production at the loft.
With six employees on site, Palma de Mallorca is able to provide the quality and service associated with Quantum sails, as well as on-board advice and client support on cruises and in regattas. Sail designer and crew member Juan Ignacio spent three years developing high-performance J/80 sails. He has successfully crewed with clients, finishing second at the 2011 J/80 worlds in Denmark, first at the 2011 Cope del Rey, and winning the 2012 J/80 World Championship in England.
Loft owner and manager Juan Jose has 30 years of sail making experience, including the last 12 years as a sail consultant and loft owner in Palma de Mallorca. He is a classic sail expert who focuses on giving his client’s the attention they need and deserve when selecting the perfect sail.
Contact
Quantum Sails Palma de Mallorca
Son Fosquet 10, Poligono Son Noguera 07620 Lucmajor
Mallorca, Spain
+34971432329
Juan Jose Merayo, Loft Owner
+34627003185
jmerayo@quantumsails.com
Juan Ignacio Merayo, Designer/Top Racing Sailor
+34652796680
imerayo@quantumsails.com
Juan Pablo Merayo, Service/Production Manager
+34616138032
pmerayo@quantumsails.com
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed
J/70 Speed Lessons from Terry Flynn & Kerry Klingler
Terry Flynn and Kerry Klingler sailed together on Kerry’s J/70 at the St. Petersburg NOOD. Here are their observations on sail design, crew weight, tuning, sail trim and more.
Terry Flynn: Here is a quick overview of how we arrived at the sail designs. First as a sailmaker the J/70 is quite a challenge. With great success in the Melges 20s and similar classes, we had an excellent starting point. Taking into account the differences in rigs and mast bend, sheeting angles and class rules, we built and tested a few sets of sails. During our two-boat testing process, we photographed the sails from all angles to verify the sailing shapes and flying shapes were what we expected to see.
With any one-design class there are unknowns. The biggest unknown in the J/70 class became the crew weight. The weight rule was dropped before Quantum Key West. Crew weight is a balancing act: too much and you suffer in lighter winds and mainly downwind. Will the extra weight keep you from planing sooner? Will the lack of weight hurt upwind in the breeze? At Quantum Key West, the Quantum sails excelled in the light to medium winds at the beginning of the week; were not pleased with the overall results in the higher winds. Again, the biggest variable was crew weights. Weights varied from 630 to 745 pounds.
Photo by Allen Clark, Photoboat.com.
We had planned to do some two-boat testing before the NOOD. Our list of tests included optimizing the crew weight, testing different rig tensions on the uppers and lowers including headstay lengths and crew placement for downwind. We got in a great day of testing with our training partner Richard Lehmann and Quantum’s Wally Cross. It was nice to check our work and see if it worked or didn’t. During the regatta we talked about our rig settings, what we thought the wind was going to do during the day and in general bounce ideas and thoughts off each other. We also docked next to each other and went over rig tuning at the end of the day.
Kerry Klingler: The J-70 has some unique qualities that have to be taken into account for racing. The first is the speed differential in the boats. If you tune and trim properly the boat is a lot faster. This is true upwind and downwind.
Photo by Keith Brash.
Upwind: Our tuning guide now has the rake set at 58.25”; this gives me a pretty nice feel in the boat even in the lighter wind ranges. Care should be exercised, as you need to have the right shroud lengths to carry this amount of rake. Marking the spreaders is critical for fast easy trimming of the jib. Terry and I worked together on the trim issue. I was the constant check on how tight the sail was. This tightness was from me sitting on the windward side looking at the leech through the window. It was easy to see the closeness of the leech in relationship to the spreader mark and adjust slightly. Also I used speed to help with trim, if I felt it was hard to get the boat up to speed a slight ease could make all the difference. Looking for more point we would sheet in slightly.
The boat is also very dingy like and requires constant trim on the mainsheet. Easing in the puffs and keeping the boat flat seems to be fast. Also trimming in the light wind and going for more pointing seems to work well. I think this is why a lot of the boats are sailing with four crew members. You can have one crew constantly working the main to get the most speed out of the boat.
Downwind in marginal planning conditions: This is the one area where the biggest gains can be made on the racecourse. The difference between planning speed and displacement sailing can be over four knots. The key we learned is the following: the boat likes flat water, keeping the bow up and pressure on the rig is vital. When sailing to leeward to other boats we always seemed too loose to the boats to windward of us. We seemed to be caught in their waves and could not adjust easily to get the boat through this added waves. When we sailed to windward of other boats, we were able to adjust to the pressure on the sails and the waves. The key is to not plow into a leading wave but to head up slightly and keep the boat on a plane. The other key was to have a crew locked on looking behind for puffs. Hook one puff, before your competition, and you could make up some big distances.
Photo by Keith Brash.
Lessons Learned
- Keep trying more crew weight; over 700# seems to be the minimum.
- In-Hauler. Shorten the Jib clew blocks to as close to clew as you can get. This will make improve the lead so when you pull the windward sheet it pulls it in and not up and forward.
- How much In-Hauler? We had great results just outside the cabin top.
- Halyard tension. The halyard arrangement is easy to use so don’t be afraid to play and adjust to help with this to help shift gears in puffs. In 8 kts we found just little scallops between hanks was fast. I think our actual halyard adjustment line should be longer so it can be played when on the rail.
Get the latest Tuning Guide and Quick Tune chart here.
Terry Flynn
Quantum Gulf Coast
281- 474-4168
tflynn@quantumsails.com
Kerry Klingler
Quantum J/Boat Division
914-924-3466
kklingler@quantumsails.com
Kategorier: Quantum International Feed