Tuning the Rondar Firefly

Following a lucky couple of seasons I have been asked to write an article about tuning the Rondar Firefly of which perhaps 30 have now been turned out. The basic hull is still the old Porter model which seems competitive in most conditions although the better wooden boats have an edge upwind.

Below are few tips for the Rondar which I hope you'll find useful.

Mast position

At Felixstowe in 1997 our mast was in the furthest possible position forward - the back mast pin being 46.5cms from the centreboard bolt. At the 1998 Nationals we sailed the 2nd half of the week one hole further back but had to adjust the mast gate further back to keep the rake the same - both seem fast but I am favouring the back setting at present.

Spreaders

Set the spreader length with 2 holes showing - this should make them about 32cms from the mast to shroud. Set the spreader rake at 140mm measured from back of mast to a line drawn tight between the spreader tips. This is a nice neutral position for the spreaders which I still prefer. (Note - if your mast position is further back your spreader rake will need to come further forward to about 130mm to compensate).

Shroud settings

Your shroud settings may be different between Port and Starboard because of the way the boat comes out of the mould - mine is 2 full holes different and higher on Port. To check this let the mast lie forward so it is resting on the front of the mast gate with the mast on level ground on a light wind day, start with the shrouds slack and then increase the tension until they are both just taught with the mast still touching the front of the mast gate. This is a good all round setting for your shrouds.

Mast Rake

Mast rake is difficult to measure but with the new long masts if your boom is anywhere near the transom on the Rondar you're probably be raked too far back and the mast should actually look quite upright in the boat. Another guide is that with my rake adjuster set in the right place it's very hard to attach the jib halyard to the hook. Once you're happy with the settings for jib halyard /rake adjuster in a Force 2-3 mark it off (i.e. - where the hook comes to on the mast) and pull the adjuster on to this reference point in all conditions. This means that you have to pull the adjuster on more in stronger wind to take up the stretch that occurs in the jib halyard. Some people advocate doing the opposite but I haven't found that works very well for me.

Common mistakes

Shrouds too tight in light winds - slot becomes too closed - brakes applied
Spreaders too long will have the same effect.
Jib sheet too tight will have the same effect.

If your crew weight is heavier (we are 19.5 stones), or you are lacking power try,

Rig more upright - also may improve pointing, although books will tell you different.
Spreader rake further forward
More shroud tension - only above force 2-3 for reasons given above.
Spreaders longer - only above force 2-3 for reasons given above.

Finally there's more then one way to skin a cat just as there's more than one way to set up a Firefly and go fast. Other people's ideas will differ from mine but I hope the above information is of some help - it should certainly be a good place to start.

Good Sailing and Good Luck!

STUART HUDSON