More Rigging Tips
Whether you race or simply want top cruising performance from your Tanzer 16, there
are several pieces of equipment which will improve your boat's performance.
The headsail of the Tanzer 16 can greatly determine windward performance. Therefore,
a genoa can make a very significant improvement in
the boat's handling characteristics and acceleration.
When sailing the Tanzer 16 in heavy air, the jib or genoa can be difficult to trim.
The job of trimming the jib can be greatly eased with hexarachet assists on the
jib sheets. These can be mounted behind the splashrail on each side of the mast
or just behind the jib track as shown in the drawing.
Also, in heavy air you will need to hike out as much as possible. This can be enhanced
by adding hiking straps for both the skipper and crew.
Hiking straps can free up hands for trimming and steering and also help you use
your weight more efficiently.
Mainsail shape can be controlled with a downhaul and
an outhaul. This allows you to adjust for optimum mainsail
trim on all points of sail. They can be invaluable for depowering the sail quickly
in heavy air.
For the utmost in downwind performance, we strongly recommend a
spinnaker. One method of rigging is described in the drawing. The topping
lift for the pole is actually often rope, rather than shockchord, and a downhaul
is only needed in heavy air. The halyard and topping lift can be cleated under the
thwart so the skipper can handle the lines while the crew sets the sail. The sheets
may be run above, is shown, or below deck (which decreases the gear the crew sits
on). A launcher can also speed up, and simplify, spinnaker sets and take-downs.