Nacra Inter 18: Pre-bend or side bend

nacra55 wrote: What are you trying to do?
Trying to learn to sail properly. I learned about those 2 type of bend this winter reading books and was convinced that the pre-bend was better. So i decided to check if the mast of my cat has any pre-bend in it and adjust if required. I haven't checked yet but wanted to be sure before inducing any bend.
Thank you.

Your Diamond tension on Inter 18 is relative to wind speed you need a loos gauge to set properly. The higher the wind speed for the day the tighter diamond tension. Nacra has gauge settings that are relative to wind speed I will post you mine . I have a F17 I almost positive its the same carbon mast . http://www.shopsoundboatworks.com/loprtega3.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=loprtega3&gclid=COLh_ojtwcUCFQiRHwodJUEAqg Here is loos gauge
Diamond tension:
To measure the tension of the diamond wires, use a Loose & Co tension gauge which
you put onto the wire and let go. (the expensive one with the two wheels)
This one gives you the most accurate readings. The numbers that work on this tension meter are:
32-36, until 15 knots
36-39, from 15 to 25 knots
39-42, from 25 plus
The carbon mast is very stiff sideways and flexible fore/aft.
Hope this was helpful, contact Nacra for tension # just to be safe

Read up on this site it may answer some of your questions
http://loosnaples.com/how-to-use-pt-series-tension-gauges
I think of the diamond tension as a kind of gross adjustment and the Cunningham as a fine adjustment. Like the front vs rear derailleur on a bike.
As I learn more, we are using the Cunningham much more often (sometimes 3 - 4 adjustments on an upwind leg depending on how much the windspeed varies). Someone told me once if you are sheeting in/out more than a foot or two, then you need to put on more Cunningham.
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