CaptainAhab
Active Member
I've been coaching a squad of Laser 4.7 boys this past year. We've had a windy winter here in South AU. Watching these guys working their asses off upwind while doing all the right things(vang sheeting, properly adjusting the rig, etc). It got me thinking that the entire boat is out of balance. The daggerboard was designed for the full rig(7m2). It was actually oversized slightly, so the boat would point well in light winds. If you drop the sail plan 33%, then the daggerboard/centerboard size should drop as well. I believe that as soon as you get excessive heel/weather helm in a 4.7 you should lift the board a minimum of 1". Depending on conditions and size of sailor it could be 2". It allows the sailor to keep the rig & foils vertical which increases lift, Also by going a bit faster you will generate more lift. Between the two it will easily make up for a little less board(which is the wrong size based on very basic yacht design). Anybody out there lifting 4.7 daggerboards to increase performance?