Lido 14 Performance Tips

To attain maximum performance, while adhering to the rules and regulations of the current Lido 14 Class Association Bylaws, you should consider making the following changes to your Lido 14.

1. Remove the lip at the aft end of the centerboard slot per Approved Change #21 which reads..."21. Removal of the lip at the aft end of the centerboard slot, but not in excess of, or behind a line representing a continuation of the slope of the inside after edge of the centerboard trunk, is permitted.
2. Use a centerboard that provides very high stiffness (usually achieved by building the board from wood), minimum drag (through excellent surface finish work), and minimum weight.
3. Locate your centerboard at the maximum depth permitted. This change increases your centerboard's lifting action. See the measurement drawing in the current Lido 14 Handbook/Roster and Approved Change #4 for details.
4. Locate your centerboard at the maximum aft position permitted.  This reduces weather helm.  Refer to ARTICLE XIII - DESIGN, CHARACTERISTICS, AND EQUIPMENT - CENTERBOARD SPECIFICATIONS and the measurement drawing in the current Lido 14 Handbook/Roster.
5. Set your centerboard maximum forward angle per the following technique.  With the centerboard in the full down position, find the point on the hull that is 36" aft of the centerboard's leading edge.  Mark that spot.  Similarly, find the point on the leading edge of the centerboard that is 36" down from the bottom of the hull and mark that spot too.  Measure the distance between these two marks.  You should strive for a distance of 52" to attain the angle considered optimum.
6. Set your centerboard gybe to the maximum permitted by the Bylaws (equally distributed port and starboard).  This increases your upwind performance by making the boat sail slightly higher upwind when sailing close hauled. Refer to the following: ARTICLE XIII - DESIGN, CHARACTERISTICS, AND EQUIPMENT - CENTERBOARD SPECIFICATIONS, Approved Change # 39, Approved Change #43, Approved Change #54.
7. Use a light weight (no minimum specified by the Bylaws!) and low drag rudder.
8. Set your rudder rake to the maximum forward angle permitted by the Bylaws.  This reduces weather helm and drag. Refer to ARTICLE XIII - DESIGN, CHARACTERISTICS, AND EQUIPMENT - RUDDER SPECIFICATIONS and the measurement drawing in the current Lido 14 Handbook/Roster.
9. Move your jib sheet fairleads to the maximum forward and inboard position permitted by the Bylaws.  See the measurement drawing in the current Lido 14 Handbook/Roster for details.
10. Set your mast rake per your sail maker's recommendations.

These tips are provided by John Papadopoulos, Past Class Champion and Class President.