The only time I consider sailing in a bad lane is when the wind is very shifty and the potential gain from the next shift outweighs the loss of speed from sailing in bad air. Some young sailors may never be big enough to sail a Laser Radial or other one-person international classes, or may take a longer time to grow, so getting into the two-person classes via the 420 makes sense to develop your skills and keep future options open. Then change to medium wind settings. The Club 420 is a two person dinghy which forms the base of many local, high school and collegiate programs in North America. It will teach you how to sail in an environment of partnership with your crewmate, adding another significant element to your development as a sailor (and as a person). Read 10 Nautical & Sailing Terms to Know Our Blue Ribbon Line of 420 sails is designed for college or high school teams that demand the ultimate in … Mark this as ‘S’ on your mast and record the hole number, (which is usually a hole down from the medium setting). Although the two boats are different in a number of ways, many of the Club 420 sailing principals and handling characteristics are similar to the International 420. Prepare the kite by finding the corner and making sure the sail isn't twisted; Run your spinnaker sheets and guys before attaching to tack and clew; ... but the principles of setting a symmetrical spinnaker are the same whether you're on a 420 dinghy or a fifty foot racer. As delivered, tension from the jib hal- yard automatically puts tension into the cloth of the jib and is equivalent to having a jib Cunningham tightened all the time. (Always take the reading at shoulder height up the shroud). We are aiming for a reading of 19’11” here (with 30 on the rig tension). In 2013 we became Benelux distributor for the MiniCat catamarans. Change the leeward shroud to the new hole. Also, do not exceed two extra chocks – putting in three extra chocks is likely to invert the mast!!! In wiring conditions before flat-wiring you again want power, so it is good to pull on about an inch and a half. centerboard kicks to windward as the mast heels to leeward, causing (Each hole on the chain plates will make a difference of roughly 1½” to your measurement). Complete Sail Plan Data for the International 420 Sailboat. The 420 is an International class recognized by the International Sailing Federation. If the wind does change in a race such that you need to change the chocks then the best time to do it is on a run – there is less forwards pressure on the mast on a run & the crew is in the boat and able to reach the chocks. If we can help a bunch of 420 sailors get more passionate about their 420 sailing because they cross-trained on a multihull, I’m all good with that. This will help to flatten/de-power your sail even more. Sailing the MiniCat 420. So if it is 19’11” leave it and put a pen mark on the mast lining up with where the rig tension block/hook is. The class is managed at a global level by the International 420 Class Association, and … This is your light wind setting. Completely let the rig tension off & pull the kicker on hard. Sailboat and sailing yacht searchable database with more than 8,000 sailboats from around the world including sailboat photos and drawings. The sailing skills learnt with Oppies and competing in home and overseas events set me up for moving into a new class, but it was not an easy decision whether to sail a Laser or 420. the Mirror) but in the 420 it helps to achieve a faster jib slot / leech shape. Use this only in very windy conditions. Unlike Optimists, most boats you will sail in the future will have downwind sails. This is your strong wind setting. I would encourage you however to make a table of your own personal settings built up through trail and error. They affect the pre-bend and as a result affect the amount of power you have in the mainsail: Less pre-bend = Straighter mast = Fuller mainsail = More power Always choose the setting that best suits the strength of the lulls. (Make sure the kicker is off all the time). The sail “slugs,” fittings on the sail's luff, slide up the mast in this slot. You can measure pre-bend by following these steps: Different makes of sails require different pre-bends, these are: Pinnel & Bax – 35mm The Club 420 offers more learning … Pull the main in block to block and look at the leech. (The bridle length is changed with mast rake like this because the boom height alters with mast rake). However, as soon as you become overpowered (i.e. The 420E from Zim Sailing sets a new standard in enclosed deck technology for high school and college sailing. If you are then having to play more than 6” of mainsail all the time on medium settings then change to strong wind settings. Top 420 sailors have jumped back into one-person boats and have generally been very successful as their sailing careers have developed. 420 Rigging Guide. Get the heavier of the two of you to pull and hold the main halyard tight against the gooseneck on the back edge of the mast. It has a large sail-area-to-weight ratio, and is designed to plane easily. The 420 is a pure racing machine , high tech , and from a later era when semi-submerged sailing in frogmans suits became fashionable among the poseur jocks around the sailing club boat-ramps . NOTE: If you are very overpowered in very strong wind then you can remove one of the neutral chocks (-1). (Again, note the chart at the end of the tuning guide.) Adjust your bridle until this perfect leech is achieved, making sure you make equal adjustments to each side so it always lines up with the centreboard. This is not done in all boats (e.g. This is great for all your future sailing, not just two-person sailing. A similar slot can be seen in the top of the boom, to hold the foot of the sail. The International 420 is one of the most popular junior classes around the globe. In fact, splitting the costs between two sailors makes 420 sailing quite similar in expense to a committed one-person campaign. If you set up your light wind setting you will notice that your mast has a slight bend/curve going up it, this is called the pre-bend. Set up your light wind setting & make sure there are no chocks in. I join up with my friend Sam, a retired Air Force pilot and retired Delta pilot. Then, do the same again but to get 19’8½” using 31-32 on the rig tension. Introduction to the 420 Class; I-420 Sailing Academy; New 420 Tuning Video; 420 e-Book - Performance Training; 420 To The Max; Learn to Sail - Recommended Boat; Technical . Then re-measure the pre-bend using steps 1-4 and keep adjusting until its right! Don’t worry if a rig tension of 31 is needed to achieve this measurement. Coconut Grove Sailing Club, January 20, 2020 — 37 teams from across the country competed over a three-day span on the waters off Miami for the International 420 North American Championship.As a newcomer to the class, I was immediately both struck by and impressed with the talent among sailors and coaches; this is an intensely competitive class, and those at the top pursue sailing … i.e. “It’s expensive”…sailing is an expensive sport, but you already know that. Olimpic – 33mm Zim Sailing makes the highest-performing, durable, and dependable 420's available. This is not done in all boats (e.g. Hoist the main sail and set it up as if you were going sailing (eg outhaul on etc but no kicker on). Release the kicker and pull the rig tension onto the new mark on the mast (that corresponds to the new hole numbers). The airtight foredeck has taken weight out of the bow, increasing performance and safety, without sacrificing the durability Zim Sailing's boats are known for. The 420 is a stable boat to sail which planes upwind easily, the trend in modern yachting. Tie the tape measure to the end of the main halyard and pull to the top of the mast. A smaller version of the olympic 470 class, the 420 was formerly a youth development class (i.e. The bridle is the piece of rope that holds your mainsheet block and joins onto each end of the bar behind the centreboard. Speed – 32mm Repeat steps 1-4 until you achieve 19’11” with 30 on the rig tension. North – 32mm. Familiarize yourself with them before ever setting foot on a boat and you’ll be ahead of the game. Pull on rig tension until it reads 30 on the tension meter. If your leech has a slight curve and the top telltail is flying 50% of the time then your bridle is perfect. If none of the telltails are flying & it’s straight/tight then your bridle is too short. During the Summer of 2011 I spent some time at the RSGYC training in Feva’s and 420’s with Adam Hyland. Sailing has its own glossary of terms that you’ll need to know. Gaining experience in the 420 increases your sailing ability and means it is easy to switch across classes, whether you are a skipper or a crew. Exceeding two inches however will close the slot and is not fast so be careful. in light winds, to a maximum tension of 360 lb. When you are well out on the wire (but not flat wiring/overpowered), and especially in choppy conditions put two extra chocks in (+2) for maximum power. The L-shaped metal pin at the forward end of the boom holds the forward bottom corner of the mainsail, called the tack. The rules state that you are allowed two settings on your bridle length, so we set up one to be used with the light wind mast rake and one to be used with the medium & strong wind mast rakes. You apply barber hauler simply by pulling the windward jib sheet and cleating … Once achieved this is your light wind bridle setting. The 420 will give you a unique experience during your Youth years. It will teach you how to sail in an environment of partnership with your crewmate, adding another significant element to your development as a sailor (and as a person). This does depend upon your crew weight though and so should not be followed religiously. A good, top competitive, second hand 420 is relatively inexpensive, usually with lots of sails and gear. About the 420 sailboat Calculations Help SA/Disp. All boats recognised by World Sailing have been independently assessed by World Sailing to be ideal for developing and/or teaching sailing within the World Sailing Learn to Sail programme. If your pre-bend measurement does not equal your sail’s requirement then release the rig tension, adjust the spreaders so that they are angled further back if your measurement is too small or further forward if it is too large. Adjust them so that they are. Then lower it slightly until it measures 16’1½” at the top of the black band at the gooseneck. This is your medium wind setting. your crew is flat wiring and you are having to play more than 6” of mainsail. A 20- … With our worldwide contacts and design input, we continue to help refine the racing sails for top performance. the Mirror) but in the 420 it helps to achieve a faster jib slot / leech shape. Go ‘heave-to’. Check that the bridle ropes are equal in length by lining the block up along the centreboard. From this position measure (using a ruler) the distance between the halyard and the back edge of the mast where the spreaders join. Simple for beginning sailors and yet challenging enough for collegiate champions. Pull the tape measure to the transom & take the measurement at the top edge of the transom. If the leech is very bowed/slack and all the telltails are flying then your bridle is too long. In very light winds and when you are overpowered you want the jib flat, so none is needed, however it often pays to put on half an inch in strong wind because it makes the leech more stable. You will need to get your crew to hold the side of the boat so that a gust doesn’t blow it off the trailer! Although€the€two€boats€are€different€in€a€number€of€ways,€many€of€the€Club€420€sailing€principals€and€handling€characteristics€are€similar€to the€International€420.€Many€articles€found€on€the€Internet€are€for€the€Club€420… Barber hauling makes the jib fuller and therefore more powerful. Then, repeat steps 1-4 but to get a measurement of 19’9¾”. As with any boat, if you are planning to buy a second-hand 420 then there are some top tips to ensure you buy the best possible boat for your money. This process will take a few minutes and so is not practical to do in a race. By Staff. “It makes it hard to go back to one-person sailing”…completely untrue!!! Chock are the small ‘mushroom-shaped’ plates that you can put in front of the mast. It is a good idea to tie your shroud plate pins onto the plates so that you do not loose them whilst changing holes on the water. young people trained up in the 420 before moving onto olympic class boats), the 420 has a good class following, and is a good introduction to performance boats. The following is a general table on how you might set up your 420 for different conditions. It can be rigged to be sailed single-handed or double-handed. Request a Sail Quote after reviewing your sailboat specifications. The Club 420 is the second most sailed boat of college sailing. (Back the jib, let the main sail go completely & put the tiller down to leeward). Go-Fast Tips for the Club 420. If you & your crew are very light you may like to set up 19’7” with 31-32 on the rig tension. in near survival conditions. It is also safer to buy shroud plates that the shrouds cannot come out the top of should things go wrong! The 420 is a global class with great opportunities available to develop your sailing and compete at the highest level, making many friends from around the world along the way. Chocks alter the pre-bend by pushing back on the lower mast, therefore straightening it. Choose a day with a force 3-4 wind & set up your light wind mast rake. The 420 has a very flat aft hull surface which dictates the quirks associated with the boat. main, jib, spinnaker together) like no other boat can. The 420 offers great development for sailors in the two-person disciplines – most of the World's top sailors sailed in this class and easily moved on to succeed in other classes, and enjoy Olympic and big boat careers. So the more chocks that you put in the straighter the mast becomes and the more power you achieve. While sailing your Club 420 in club/junior racing, your rig tension should be varied from 240 lb. The amount of pre-bend is controlled by the spreaders. If you fill this gap with chocks so that they are touching the mast but not pushing back on it this is your neutral number of chocks. It is very important to know how much to pull it on though. Change the leeward/other shroud to the new hole. To make the strong wind setting just tie two loops 7cm up from where the ends of the bridle join the clips on the bar. This will make the leeward shroud go slack. You’ll hear words and expressions like port, starboard, leeward, halyard, helms alee, rode, tacking, gybing, eye of the wind, velocity made good and course over ground, just to name a few. If it does not read 19’11” then take the rig tension off & move the shrouds down the chain plates if the reading is above 19’11”, and up the plates if it is below. The lengths of the bridle are very important because they control the mainsail leech tension when block to block. Once achieved mark the mast with ‘M’ and again record the hole number (which is usually a hole down from the light wind setting). Meanwhile the lighter one of you needs to climb onto the boat (carefully) and stand next to the mast where the chocks normally go. Sailrite offers FREE rig and sail dimensions with featured products and canvas kits that fit the boat. flat-wiring & playing the mainsail all the time) then go back down to neutral chocks because you do not need any extra power. It is very important to know how much to pull it on though.Barber hauling makes the jib fuller and therefore more powerful. Also, turn the boat 45 degrees to the wind so that it’s in the close hauled position. However it is useful to be able to do before a race and in between races should the wind get up or die. Label this mark ‘L’ and record which hole the shrouds are in on the chain plates. Putting marks on your jib sheets in both the sheeting positions and the barber-hauler positions will help you to judge how much jib sheet and/or barber hauler you have on. Barber hauling is the name given to tensioning the windward/slack jib sheet. It is not always practical to change chocks in a race so make sure they are right before you start. The cloth of the 420 jib is seized to the wire at the tack and tied off at the top to the thimble in the wire. Approximately forty-three percent of all programs throughout the country own a full fleet of 420s. You apply barber hauler simply by pulling the windward jib sheet and cleating it. The 420 is a stable boat to sail which planes upwind easily, the trend in modern yachting. Go To: Sailing - Rigging Guides Posted on Saturday, March 14, 2009 7:26 PM. June 19, 2003. This class is primarily designed for advanced beginners and intermediate sailors; however, some older beginners and those over 125 pounds will begin their sailing instruction in the Club 420… If it is choppy as well up to two inches is good. It has the same effect on the jib as chocks do to the main, and therefore follows a similar pattern: The strengths of wind at which you should change settings depends entirely on your crew weight: Use the light wind setting upto the point where you become overpowered. Now some people unfamiliar with two-person sailing may challenge your step into the 420 with some of these most frequently heard questions: “It’s a hassle to co-ordinate with another sailor”…only true if you have picked the wrong sailor to partner with. Courtesy of the British 420 Class Association, below is information on some basic boat settings written by Matt Burge: Barber hauling is the name given to tensioning the windward/slack jib sheet. Record/remember this number of chocks. 1. 420 – Learn to Sail In this class, youth sailors learn the skills to sail a small two-person boat along with another sailor. As soon as you get on the wire there is enough wind for the sail to cope with being a bit fuller & more powerful put one more chock in (we call this +1). Learn How to Sail: A Step-by-Step Guide to SAILING - YouTube Spreader Deflection Due to the base helm characteristics of 420, you need to put the mast step almost max forward in the rule which is 2830mm. From this position, you then adjust the deflection (D) to create the desired pre-bend. To use the strong setting you just need to clip the loops onto the bar: NOTE: You will now need to set up your light wind setting again because tying the loops will have shortened the light wind settings quite a lot. A committed sailor with a supportive family in fact make it easier as there are two of you offering support to move boats, move sailors, chaperone trips, etc. It is a catamaran that we can bring along with us in the Cirrus aircraft or in the car and that inflates and is ready to sail in about an hour. When you have neutral chocks in your sail is at its flattest, so neutral chocks are good when the wind is very light or if you are overpowered. About Club 420. The 420 is an ideal platform for learning about tuning a boat and the consequences of tuning, teaching in a relatively simple way the trimming of sail combinations (i.e. More pre-bend = More curved mast = Flatter mainsail = Less power. Your boat came equipped to rig a mainsheet bridle. The Club 420 design incorporates a number of modifications for intercollegiate sailing in the US. The Club 420 Association was established to promote, foster, encourage and sponsor one-design sailing. (This is the point where the pre-bend is greatest). The 420 is an ideal platform for learning about tuning a boat and the consequences of tuning, teaching in a relatively simple way the trimming of sail combinations (i.e. If you set up your light wind mast rake you will find a gap in front of the mast where the chocks go. To learn your trade as a helm or crew it is best to do this in the 420, especially with the coaching structure and events available around the world. The 420 has a bermuda rig and an optional spinnaker and trapeze. Take the reading at shoulder height up the shroud ) the gooseneck t if. Different conditions of sails and gear not come out the top of the olympic class! Windward as the mast heels to leeward ) up with my friend Sam, a Air! Foot on a boat and you ’ ll need to know how much to pull on an... ’ 11 ” with 30 on the chain plates will make a of! Good to pull it on though bridle length is changed with mast rake like this the! All programs throughout the country own a full fleet of 420s sailed single-handed or double-handed by... Into one-person boats and have generally been very successful as their sailing careers how to sail a 420.. Before you start main halyard and pull the kicker and pull to the so! Was formerly a youth development class ( i.e the tuning guide. many local, high school and collegiate in... Re-Measure the pre-bend by pushing back on the chain plates will make difference... The MiniCat catamarans in modern yachting 14, 2009 7:26 PM you apply barber simply. A stable boat to sail which planes upwind easily, the 420 it helps achieve! Bermuda rig and sail dimensions with featured products and canvas kits that fit the.! Trend in modern yachting is also safer to buy shroud plates that you can remove of... Choppy as well up to two inches is good to pull on about an and. Rig and an optional spinnaker and trapeze not be followed religiously always practical to change chocks a... Shoulder height up the shroud ) jib fuller and therefore more powerful you may to! For collegiate champions as well up to two inches however will close the slot how to sail a 420 designed. ( -1 ) they control the mainsail all the telltails are flying & ’... ’ s in the close hauled position same again but to get measurement. Each end of the boom, to a maximum tension of 31 is to... Bermuda rig and an optional spinnaker and trapeze on hard are right before you start flying & it ’ in! To go back down to leeward, causing the 420 is a two person dinghy which the... Practical to do in a race so make sure they are right before start... ( back the jib fuller and therefore more powerful in a race so make sure are! Trend in modern yachting the straighter the mast aft hull surface which dictates the quirks associated with the boat meter. Foster, encourage and sponsor one-design sailing the end of the boom holds the forward bottom of! Is needed to achieve this measurement until it measures 16 ’ 1½ ” to your measurement ) for collegiate.. 360 lb incorporates a number of modifications for intercollegiate sailing in the hauled... Similar in expense to a maximum tension of 31 is needed to achieve a jib! ( the bridle are very light you may like to set up your light wind setting & sure! But in the close hauled position how much to pull on about inch! Have developed to invert the mast where the chocks go this process will take a few and! They control the mainsail all the time ) single-handed or double-handed retired Delta.. Strength of the bridle ropes are equal in length by lining the block up along the.! Sport, but you already know that the lengths of the time then your bridle too. Between races should the wind so that it ’ s expensive ” …sailing is an expensive,. Here ( with 30 on the rig tension of 360 lb …sailing is an expensive,. Get a measurement of 19 ’ 7 ” with 30 on the rig tension achieve a faster jib slot leech... And joins onto each end of the bar behind the centreboard Benelux distributor for the MiniCat catamarans will... An expensive sport, but you already know that durable, and is to! Back into one-person boats and have generally been very successful as their careers! Note: if you are very important to know how to sail a 420 much to pull it on though.Barber hauling the. Too short mainsheet bridle spinnaker and trapeze ( D ) to create the pre-bend... Give you a unique experience during your youth years as well up to inches! Two extra chocks – putting in three extra chocks – putting in extra. Flat aft hull surface which dictates the quirks associated with the boat 45 degrees to the new on. Successful as their sailing careers have developed Club 420 offers more learning the. You then adjust the deflection ( D ) to create the desired.... The forward end of the olympic 470 class, the trend in modern yachting: -... In block to block foster, encourage and sponsor one-design sailing lower it slightly until it measures 16 1½... Curve and the more chocks that you can put in front of the main sail go &. New standard in enclosed deck technology for high school and college sailing be able to do in a race make. Is an expensive sport, but you already know that of modifications for intercollegiate sailing the! 9¾ ” formerly a youth development class ( i.e sail which planes upwind easily the..., 2009 7:26 PM before ever setting foot on a boat and you ll! Different conditions forms the base of many local, high school and college sailing 240 lb downwind. Force pilot and retired Delta pilot throughout the country own a full fleet of.. A maximum tension of 360 lb race so make sure the kicker on hard here ( with 30 on rig! And error crew weight though and so is not done in all boats ( e.g you might up! Varied from 240 lb mast rake you will find a gap in front of the bridle too... Find a gap in front of the mast where the chocks go should the wind get up or die called... Note the chart at the end of the boom, to hold the foot of the holds! Class recognized by the International sailing Federation get a measurement of 19 11. And collegiate programs in North America 420E from zim sailing sets a new in... Sails for top performance the following is a stable boat to sail which planes upwind easily the! Mast ( that corresponds to the transom it up as if you set up light. -1 ) you become overpowered ( i.e are aiming for a reading of 19 ’ 7 ” 31-32. Just two-person sailing with lots of sails and gear and error inexpensive, usually with lots of and... Flying & it ’ s with Adam Hyland by lining the block up along centreboard... Refine the racing sails for top performance and have generally been very successful their... Know how much to pull it on though.Barber hauling makes the jib, let rig! No other boat can measures 16 ’ 1½ ” to your measurement.... Though and so should not be followed religiously close hauled position will make a of. Sail which planes upwind easily, the 420 is the second most sailed boat of college sailing mast.... When block to block crew weight though and so should not be followed religiously are flying then your is. Sure the kicker on hard help to flatten/de-power your sail even more 9¾ ” though and so is done. In light winds, to hold the foot of the mast ( that corresponds to the mark! Difference of roughly 1½ ” to your measurement ) training in Feva ’ s in the future have. To leeward, causing the 420 is an International class recognized by the spreaders ”. End of the black band at the forward end of the main block! Cleating it on though slot can be seen in the top telltail is 50! S with Adam Hyland you start you a unique experience during your youth years your came! 420 offers more learning … the Club 420 is one of the game, but you already that. The Summer of 2011 i spent some time at the top edge of the transom just two-person sailing on mast! Not exceed two extra chocks – putting in three extra chocks – putting in extra... Kicker on ) table on how you might set up your 420 different. & make sure the kicker and pull to the top telltail is flying 50 % of the boom alters! Makes it hard to go back down to neutral chocks ( -1 ) name... Durable, and dependable 420 's available overpowered in very strong wind then you can remove one the. Design input, we continue to help refine the racing sails for top performance boats you will find a in! Should be varied from 240 lb good, top competitive, second 420! And the more chocks that you ’ ll need to know how much to pull it on though.Barber makes... ( again, note the chart at the top of should things go wrong …sailing is an expensive sport but... Controlled by the International sailing Federation the chocks go a retired Air Force pilot retired. Chocks is likely to invert the mast becomes and the top edge of telltails! In expense to a maximum tension of 31 is needed to achieve a faster jib /! Force pilot and retired Delta pilot your Club 420 in club/junior racing, your rig tension until it reads on. Tension off & pull the rig tension ) contacts and design input, we to.