Heavy Air sailing

Hello Chris,

Even with 1,000 lbs on the rail you will not be able to hold the boat down in a true 25 to 30 knot wind with one reef and a No. 3.  Aerodynamic forces go up with the square of the velocity. You will need a No. 4 or Storm Jib, whatever you want to call it, and at 30 knots of wind you will need a second reef even if you drop the traveler. If you haven’t already read the piece entitled "PHRF Racing" on this web site  (Sailing "ALL") you should. Sailing fast in chop or large waves requires technique on the part of the helmsman.  In addition, use your barberhauler to pull the clew of your jib outboard two or three inches going to weather if you have a cabin top foreward track.  You should do this with your No. 2 or No. 3.  You should be able to do 6.1 or 6.2 knots to weather using this technique in small waves (1 to 2 foot waves).  You won't point as high, but you will be much faster with a better VMG. 

Bill

Quote: Originally posted by WarBird on 25 October 2008

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Chris,

Why n are you sailing in 25-30 without calling me????  Did you spill your beer??  Do gimbaled drink holder cause a cocktail to slosh to much to make the sailing any fun?

WarBird

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