Trouble tacking in light wind no jib

Will Gilmore

Will Gilmore

.
Oct 19, 2017
7,744
O'Day 19 Littleton, NH
907Juice said:
It was a good example of a saggy main and newer jib. We ended up just reefing the main and our boat leveled out.
Click to expand
That doesn't sound right. Photoman is taking about the boat heeling to windward. Small boat, light air, two grown-ups on the windward side.
You sound like you are describing too much lift going into heeling force from an overly deep camber of a stretched out sail. At least that's how I read it.

-Will (Dragonfly)
 
907Juice

907Juice

.
Apr 7, 2016
184
Beneteau First 305 Seward, Alaska
Will Gilmore said:
That doesn't sound right. Photoman is taking about the boat heeling to windward. Small boat, light air, two grown-ups on the windward side.
You sound like you are describing too much lift going into heeling force from an overly deep camber of a stretched out sail. At least that's how I read it.

-Will (Dragonfly)
Click to expand
Oh my bad, I did read it wrong... yeah we had too much lift. New mainsail fixed it for whatever it is worth.
 
  • Like
Likes: Will Gilmore
B

BobbyFunn

.
Apr 16, 2017
841
Federation NCC-1701 Riverside
Photoman369 said:
On the 170 it heels a bit and she is not ready for that
Click to expand
The 170 is sensitive to wieght, so it is also sensitive to sail area. Honestly, i reef at anything over 10kt. Yet, i wont go out unless wind is over 8kt. Soo...i hardly ever sail without the reef.

That reef will be the best upgrade you can get for the 170.

Our first time out was with just the jib and it worked ok but we didnt have good luck up wind. Between the huge amount of hull and terrible sail balance, i had no choice but to hoist mainsail to get back to the boat ramp.
 
Joe

Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
8,004
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
No offense but you are now learning the difference between a real sailboat and one no so much, from your previous experience.
Sailing small boats is the best way to become a proficient sailor. Your crew weight is really considered "ballast" and its placement, (fore and aft, side to side,) dramatically affects your boat's sailing characteristics.

If it is possible, can I suggest dropping the mainsail entirely and try sailing JIB only. You will certainly be able to tack with just the jib and your crew will get the feel of handling the sail without stressing about the boat heeling too much.

It is also very good practice to switch jobs, let her steer and you handle the sails..... I do that all the time on my boat.... You'd be surprised how much confidence that will instill....
 
  • Like
Likes: Will Gilmore
B

BobbyFunn

.
Apr 16, 2017
841
Federation NCC-1701 Riverside
One other cool benefit of always using the jib on the 170 is heaving to.

Backwind the jib or tack without changing the jib sheet. Let out the main and the turn tiller as if tacking again. Hold in tiller in place.

The 170 will stop and drift slowly. We do this regularly for snacks or getting lines untangled.

When ready to go just change jib sheet straigten rudder then start pulling in main.
 

Attachments

Photoman369

Photoman369

.
Jun 18, 2016
26
Macgregor 26X Petoskey
All great advice and thank you for the clear steps. It helped tremendously. We have been having a blast as we both settle in to the 170 style. Thanks again
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Top Bottom