Racing the VISS

My first opportunity for racing the VISS was at Gosport, where I sailed regularly with the Proteus so it is a good place to try and get some benchmark speed comparisons. Unfortunately the wind at Gosport on the last two outings was quite fluky and yet still managed to come out smelling of roses even in a brand new boat. However even at this early stage, I am learning about this craft. Very different to what I have been used to.

The first lesson is the importance of setting up the sheeting system. Because I am using a spiral drum, the guide says is important to keep the drum in the same position on the winch relative to the boat and adjust the length of the sheets if there is any shrinkage, rather than doing anything with end points. Salt and sunshine can shrink sheets with frightening speed so after a few sets of races I am already extending the sheets. Untying a couple of half hitches is easy with a pair of pointy tweezers. On the VISS you measure the sheets with the sheet hook down the side of the hull against the chine so the sheets are always the same length.

The second lesson is that the rig is powerful and the focus when sailing is all about de-powering by easing sheets for maximum acceleration in a gust. The setup guide is very clear on shroud tension and in the gusty weather it is better to keep the shrouds relatively slack so the top of the mast has some flex . Over tighten the shrouds and the rig becomes too stiff and unforgiving.

It is nice to sail a completely dry boat even in mid to top end A rig conditions.

I haven't had the chance to do any boat speed work yet as the wind was too shifty. There might be an opportunity for that this Sunday although the forecast is looking lightish. It will be good to line up against Craig (Proteus) and Dave (V12) in steadier winds at Datchet even if the water is well down in the current extended drought.

Thats all for now. If anyone reading this sails a VISS and you have any tips, send them to me or if you just want to talk about sailing the boat I am all ears.

Work to do on set up