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We are huge proponents of the adjustable outhaul system. The ability to change the shape of the sail (called variable geometry) is the key to unlocking the full wind range and performance potential of your sails. It's significance is equateable to the transmission in a car or the gears on a bicycle. Quite simply, multiple power settings broaden the use and range of the sail.
Our new Formula outhaul system expands on the original idea. It is pre-packaged and race ready with Ronstan blocks for 4:1 purchase, longer adjustment straps and low-stretch single braid Spectra line. Our Formula outhaul system is superior to cleat based outhaul systems in several ways:
- It fits any boom and installs in seconds without the uses of any tools.
- It provides 4:1 purchase on each side of the boom without the cost and weight increase of using additional purchase at the clew.
- It's easier to make small adjustments with the ribbed webbing providing a perceptible feel of every 3 mm (1/8") of adjustment.
- It's not necessary to first pull on the adjust before releasing the outhaul.
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PERFORMANCE TUNING
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Less outhaul tension will make the sail fuller and move the center of effort further aft. This makes the sail more powerful for light wind drive and acceleration. You can sail deeper and faster downwind with a fuller, looser sail. More outhaul tension will make the sail flatter and move the center of effort forward. This streamlines the sail for over powered conditions and improves upwind performance by creating a lean tight sail profile. Experiment with the adjustment to find the optimum setting for your sailing conditions.
Formula Outhaul System Setup Instructions
1. The Formula Outhaul system is comprised of two closed loops of line with the adjustment strap and pulley integrated in the loop, and one 300 cm length of Spectra line. Separate the these three elements by un-tying each end of the outhaul line from the pulley blocks.
2. Release the CamLock buckle and open the webbing strap to its maximum length. This is an important step to achieving correct adjustment.
3. Make a fold in the line of the adjustment loop 20 cm (8") off the long end of the webbing strap (Fig. 1).
4. Secure the adjustment loop to your boom with a double girth hitch - see the assembly diagram. Keep the pulley block away from the girth hitch. Wrap the folded line around your boom and draw the entire assemble through the loop at the end of the fold (Fig. 2). Repeat for a second wrap around the boom (Fig. 3).
5. Adjust the line tensioning of the girth hitch so the end of the long webbing loop is as close as possible to the boom (Fig. 4).
6. Position the girth hitch just behind your rear harness line with the webbing exiting the girth hitch on the lower outside quarter of the boom facing you, but slightly on the underside of the boom. This positioning keeps the adjustment loop out of your grip in an overhand position.
7. Repeat the attachment for the other side of the boom.
8. Attach the outhaul line to the pulley block on one side of the sail with a bowline knot.
9. Lace the outhaul line through the end of the boom, the clew of the sail and back through the end of the boom.
10. Set your boom length to the maximum desired length you will need.
11. Leaving 20-25 cm (8-10") of slack, secure the end of the outhaul line to the adjustment pulley with a bowline.
12. Tension the adjustment straps slightly on either side to tack up the slack.
The ideal adjustable outhaul setup should allow you to pull the outhaul to its maximum AND release it to its minimum on EITHER side of the sail. If you do not have the full range of desired adjustment on both sides of the sail, you must change the slack or tensioning of the outhaul line (step #11) and re-tie the outhaul line to the pulley.
To tension the outhaul while sailing, pull the strap forward (toward the mast). To release the outhaul while sailing, simply press the CamLock release tab with your thumb. For fine control of tension release, hold onto the pull-strap with your fingers while pressing the CamLock tab with your thumb.
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