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The genoa tracks are back down and fitted with new cars. The tracks were removed for cap rail varnish work this winter. While off, the fastener holes were glued with wood spiles and re drilled. We were tasked by the sailmaker with extending the tracks four feet forward. Easier said than done! To begin, there is no source for ready made track to match the existing track, so we had to machine the sections from solid stock. To join the tracks seamlessly, Don machined a half lap joint which Syd then welded and polished. In setting up to fasten the tracks down, we realized that the port track sat aft of the starboard track location, and that the stopper hole patterns were very skewed side to side. The alignment of our cars could not be matched to within an inch and a half. With some careful patterning and some re drilling, the tracks now line up exactly side to side as do the car stop holes. Don also fabricated us a new set of genoa cars from patterns cast at the Mystic River Foundry. The old ones not only look like something from Eastern Europe in the 50’s (they actually are), but also seemed a bit frail (see comparison photo). The new cars are truly bullet proof. Note the increased sheave diameter which in addition to being stronger, helps to bring the lead angle to the sheet winch down. I am happy to report that the new primaries DO NOT over ride when sheeted directly from the new cars!