October has been a lion on the coast of Maine. Colder and windier than usual. Yesterday I
enjoyed 20 knots, gusting to 30, nearly on the nose to get home. It was forecast, my wife at home (warm and dry), would remind me.
Air temps in the 40's in that wind, you need a cautious approach. I watched a smaller boat, deeply reefed, try to sail out of Pulpit Harbor. No go. Knocked flat several times before it left the harbor!
It helps to have a plan for 30 on the nose. I left my main covered and hoisted my mizzen and after slowly powering out, waves over the house, and staying wide of lee hazards, we (boat and I), slowly fell off while unrolling the genoa - inch by inch - until the boat liked the speed and direction.
There are times when a big reliable diesel, turning slowly, can make the difference between a bad day and a,... reasonably, memorable day.
So I had my fun at the end! Sailing a yawl, 'jib and jigger', is usually something you do off the wind. To windward, you need some main for drive. Starting with a furled jib (about 110%), I dropped the centerboard and tried to sail into my harbor against the foul current of the ebb. The lee helm caused by most of your SA on the headstay, takes patience and anticipation. You've got to adjust your helm before it's needed to keep the boat drawing.
As the wind and waves were cut back - as I tacked to windward - I began to sense and picked up the rhythm of the fickle lee helm. We (the boat and I), started to stretch out our tacks.
Outside the moorings I used another yawl trick(final track loop inside): Roll up the genoa and let go of everything. A yawl takes care of the rest, heaving to.
You drift slowly in the 15 knot breeze at 0 to .5 knots, to leeward in a slick of smooth water. I enjoyed riding in that slick for 15 or 20 minutes. The day got better,...
I needed a refresher in heavy weather. Don't do it, Tom! Duh,...
