I think I have an idea of what it means to have a balanced boat with sails set perfectly. But, I would like to hear from you on the subject. Thanks, John Richard s/v Jack's Place
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Sails providing direction as well as stability
At first approximation a well-balanced sailplan means to me that there is neither too much weather nor too much lee helm; i.e. the vessel wants to sail in the chosen direction without a lot of helm action. A secondary characteristic of a well-balanced sailplan is that it should enable one to lock the helm down without the vessel changing course at the slightest provocation. In other words, I experience a balanced sailplan as something that provides both direction (viz. the sails are steering) and stability. This is a very interesting question that is quite important if you want to use a windvane successfully or a not too strong autopilot. I am very curious to hear what others on this board have to say about it. Flying Dutchman
At first approximation a well-balanced sailplan means to me that there is neither too much weather nor too much lee helm; i.e. the vessel wants to sail in the chosen direction without a lot of helm action. A secondary characteristic of a well-balanced sailplan is that it should enable one to lock the helm down without the vessel changing course at the slightest provocation. In other words, I experience a balanced sailplan as something that provides both direction (viz. the sails are steering) and stability. This is a very interesting question that is quite important if you want to use a windvane successfully or a not too strong autopilot. I am very curious to hear what others on this board have to say about it. Flying Dutchman
not using the brake
In terms of performance, one of the most important lessons is that the rudder functions as a brake; the more you must rely on the rudder to get where you're going, the slower you'll get there. The sails are balanced at the point when the boat sails a desired course with the rudder amidships. This is not simply a matter of balancing the center of effort between jib and main. On smaller boats, sail balance can sometimes be achieved by shifting crew weight. On larger boats, sail balance is sometimes a matter of the finer points of sail trim, such as keeping an open leech on the main, or changing the amount of twist on one sail or the other. For example, my 410 often develops lee helm in light air. I solve this imbalance by easing the jib an inch, moving the main traveler to weather while sheeting out (thus introducing twist) and by asking the crew to sit a bit forward on the leeward rail. I can suddenly sail close-hauled with the rudder amidships, which tells me I'm balanced.
In terms of performance, one of the most important lessons is that the rudder functions as a brake; the more you must rely on the rudder to get where you're going, the slower you'll get there. The sails are balanced at the point when the boat sails a desired course with the rudder amidships. This is not simply a matter of balancing the center of effort between jib and main. On smaller boats, sail balance can sometimes be achieved by shifting crew weight. On larger boats, sail balance is sometimes a matter of the finer points of sail trim, such as keeping an open leech on the main, or changing the amount of twist on one sail or the other. For example, my 410 often develops lee helm in light air. I solve this imbalance by easing the jib an inch, moving the main traveler to weather while sheeting out (thus introducing twist) and by asking the crew to sit a bit forward on the leeward rail. I can suddenly sail close-hauled with the rudder amidships, which tells me I'm balanced.
I agree with John and Henk, but.....
Once you have everything balanced, the most fun thing to do is now steer your course by only adjusting the main using only the traveler. This is especially fun when racing in heavy wind and you are passing boats with no one at the helm. It kinda makes them do a double take, which causes them to lose focus and concentration! Regards. Bruce Neon Moon
Once you have everything balanced, the most fun thing to do is now steer your course by only adjusting the main using only the traveler. This is especially fun when racing in heavy wind and you are passing boats with no one at the helm. It kinda makes them do a double take, which causes them to lose focus and concentration! Regards. Bruce Neon Moon
Yeah, that works pretty well for cruisers
However, I thought that racers would want to adjust the angle of attack of the headsail at the same time in order to "stay in the groove". The consternation you describe reminds me of a time I was following my wife and daughter-in-law in my car, as they were driving right in front of me in their car, while cruising along one of these endless highways in Idaho without any other cars in sight. As I got bored enough to slouch further and further down in my seat behind the wheel I noticed that I was able to stay on the road by only watching the rear-view mirror plus a second mirror on the back of the windowshade. So, in a moment of total insanity I decided to overtake my wife's car while totally slumped out of view behind the wheel. After I passed them like that (with nobody visible behind my wheel), and moved in front of them I sat up and glanced back, expecting to see great consternation. To my amazement, everything was cool and they did not even flip birdies at me! Later, I found out that they had been chatting away and never even noticed that they were being overtaken by a car without a driver..... Flying Dutchman
However, I thought that racers would want to adjust the angle of attack of the headsail at the same time in order to "stay in the groove". The consternation you describe reminds me of a time I was following my wife and daughter-in-law in my car, as they were driving right in front of me in their car, while cruising along one of these endless highways in Idaho without any other cars in sight. As I got bored enough to slouch further and further down in my seat behind the wheel I noticed that I was able to stay on the road by only watching the rear-view mirror plus a second mirror on the back of the windowshade. So, in a moment of total insanity I decided to overtake my wife's car while totally slumped out of view behind the wheel. After I passed them like that (with nobody visible behind my wheel), and moved in front of them I sat up and glanced back, expecting to see great consternation. To my amazement, everything was cool and they did not even flip birdies at me! Later, I found out that they had been chatting away and never even noticed that they were being overtaken by a car without a driver..... Flying Dutchman
Modern jets
A little off topic... Most modern commercial jets uses computers to adjust trim (similar in concept to balanced sails). This maximizes fuel efficiency, which as you can imagine is very important with a big jet. It's just like we don't want our rudders to be off centerline and act as a brake. Ron Mehringer h26 Hydro-Therapy
A little off topic... Most modern commercial jets uses computers to adjust trim (similar in concept to balanced sails). This maximizes fuel efficiency, which as you can imagine is very important with a big jet. It's just like we don't want our rudders to be off centerline and act as a brake. Ron Mehringer h26 Hydro-Therapy
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