Centerboard positioning on 26X

[selyab]

Can someone please explain how the centerboard is to be positioned when sailing on various points on the 26X? I have read some posts about it and didn't realize some people are constantly tuning its position. Thanks.

[Chinook]

Centerboard wants to be all the way down when sailing into the wind, close hauled. When sailing directly downwind, the board is nothing but extra drag and can be completely retracted. In between, on a reach, centerboard halfway down is recommended.

[opie]

Selyab,
Do an advanced search on "centerboard position" and you will get 99 hits.

[ronacarme]

Selyab...Your search will also show best CB positiion varies with sail combination (main alone, main and jib , etc) in use.
Also, www.int505.org suggests varying CB position on an International 505 sailing dinghy, depending on wind/boat speed.
One can thus try to minimize drag, maximize steering control and maintain slight to neutral weather helm (avoid excessive lee or weather helm) by varying CB position in response to boat, course and sea conditions.
Ron

[DaveB]

Depends on sea conditions and direction of wind, I found in a X the board all the way down works best even down wind. I tried many positions on the centerboard in all wind positions and current.
There are so many conditions for centerboards for wind current and sailing direction it would require a spreedsheet of many tables.
I found keeping the centerboard down does reduce speed less than .20 knots and thats sail and power. Under sail with board down usually gives best performance and stabile boat.
I do Lift the centerboard in diffrent conditions but cannot tell you on a short post.
Traveling in less than 6 ft. of water...pull it up to make headway and little leeway.
Takes practice but once learned will enjoy.
Dave