PEEL OPTIMISATION CHARTS

Recently I have spent some time optimising the cross bridle setup. 
Relative to 1991 models it is possible to greatly improve turning radius
and simultaneously shorten the lines, reducing bridle drag.  It's
fascinating; turning can be improved to the point where the inside tip is
effectively moving backwards through the air and consequently collapses
from lack of inflation pressure in light winds!  I'm uncertain whether to
bridle Peels for the tightest possible turns - leaving it to operator
skill to avoid collapses or to back off to an "idiot proof" compromise. 
The Table 2 cross bridle dimensions for 5m reefing Peels and 6.4m reefing
Peels do allow over steering in some conditions.


Table 1:     Peel Bridle Differences

       3.6m Peel              1st -2nd    3rd - 2nd   4th - 3rd
                                 mm's        mm's        mm's
                   Tip            0           4           30
                   2              5          12           70
                   3              8          22          100
                   4             10          35           90
                   5             13          35           90
                   6             13          35           90
                   Centre        13          35           90
                   2nd bridles are all approx. 730mm long, knot to knot



       5.1m Peel   Tip            0           6           37
                   2              0          13          100
                   3             15          40          130
                   4             25          45          125
                   5             25          50          125
                   6             25          50          125
                   Centre        25          50          125
                   2nd bridles are all approx. 1010mm long, knot to knot


       6.4m Peel   Tip            5          12           50
                   2             10          20          115
                   3             25          50          150
                   4             35          60          150
                   5             40          65          150
                   6             40          65          150
                   Centre        40          65          150
                   2nd bridles are all approx. 1220mm long, knot to knot



Table 2       Cross Bridles, In Metres
                          3.6m Peel   5.1m Peel   5.1m Peel   6.4m Peel
                                                  (Reefing)   (Reefing)
              Tip           1.11        2.42              1.60        2.00
              2             1.10        2.47              1.58        1.98
              3             1.11        2.53              1.60        2.00
              4             1.15        2.60              1.66        2.07
              5             1.21        2.68              1.74        2.17
              6             1.29        2.76              1.86        2.31
              7             1.39        2.85              2.00        2.47
              8             1.51        2.95              2.16        2.66
              9             1.63        3.06              2.34        2.87
              10            1.76        3.18              2.53        3.09
              11            1.90        3.31              2.72        3.32
              12            2.05        3.44              2.92        3.56

These are our best choices as at June 1992 (and I'm still not that happy
with the primary bridling on cells 1, 2 and 3, all models).  When
improvements are introduced new optimisation charts will be published.  I
have no especial monopoly on knowing what the best bridle dimensions are
so don't be afraid to experiment for yourself.  For example, my
impression is that 6.4m Peel primary bridles are maybe a little too
forward.  I hope that those who discover improvements will share their
knowledge with others as I am committed to doing.

The simplest and best way to "power up" a Peel is to shorten (at the skin)
the No 3 bridles by 5mm (3.6m Peel), 7.5mm (5.1m Peel) and 10mm (6.4m Peel). 
Usually we do this only on the central rib and the 2 or 3 bridle sets each
side of centre and will sometimes re-rig or de-rig this change even
between races to match changing wind conditions.  This modification is
also the most effective cure for persistent luffing.