Aussie mast rake

I was just checking out the pics from the Austrailan nationals and it looks like the aussies use a bit more rake on the 18 than anyone I've seen in the states (of course I've always heard this was the case). Even in what appears to be moderate breeze and mild seas they seem to be carrying a lot of rake (maybe they were expecting the breeze to build). Just wondering if anyone's set up their boat like that here. I may give it a try next season just for gits and shiggles although I'd probably have to add an adjuster to extend my forestay. Otherwise just starting some discussion during the wintertime blues.

http://hobiecatnationals.com.au/photos/day1/bo_files/page37-1012-full.html

http://hobiecatnationals.com.au/photos/day1/bo_files/page37-1006-full.html

sm

if you're looking at the height of the blocks when sheeted in, i think i'm about the same...
we were measuring distances of rake at lk mcConaghy during the NA Championships and found that alot of us were playing with similar numbers (another good reason to attend a championship event!, see my remark in 'making 18s' go faster)
i have heard they do tend to run with heavier crew weights and that the winds are stronger although i have yet to sail there and confirm it... one day....

paul

Yes, I'm basing it on the distance between the main blocks and the general "look" of the mast. It just looks to be significantly more raked than what I see from racers in the states. I'm running a stacked lower block (single ratchet block with a triple mounted above it) and a single three-sheave upper block and I would estimate that I have about the same distance between my blocks as the guys in the pictures that are running low profile blocks, so I would estimate them as having about 2" to 3" more rake.

sm

First, you have to understand that raking the mast back is a very effective way to depower the boat.

Raking the mast back a bit will allow you to point a bit higher on the upwind legs, but at some point you hit a point of diminishing return and if you rake your mast too far back and try to fleet race here in the states, you will get your butt handed to you on the downwind legs.

Long story short, and based on my personal experience @ the Melborne H-18 Worlds in 2004/5, they spend more time sailing in higher winds and bigger waves than we do here in the US. That is why you see them raking so much further back than we do here in the US

Take that as you choose, but don't get too wrapped around the axle tuning your boat based on a picture from a totally different venue than the one where you normally sail.

Stephen

_________________
If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.