Daysailer II heeling/new sailor encouragement

[Andy]

Please help a budding sailor here. Partner and I just acquired an early 80s or late 70s Daysailer II (no teak) in excellent shape. Trying it out on a lake with switching winds had me terrified though I didn't let on... I am about to take a class in basic sailing and have studied many books so that I know my jib from a hole in the ground. Please advise on the ease or not of capsizing and righting. It has a centerboard with an enclosed trunk. It has a red-orange hull #3257. I know how to let the sheets go so she'll turn into the wind, but unfortunately my partner likes the heeling part alot. What is the degree of optimum heel for this fine vessel? I am getting a Lev-o-guage so I can keep Captain Swifty Pants in check. Thanks for any input.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Daysailor

Andy -The ideal angle of heel for the daysailer is none. This is unattainable but if you were trying to get maximum speed out of it you'd keep it perfectly flat. Use those foot straps and hike hard to go fast.As far as tipping the boat - its pretty hard to do. I had water come over the rail several times and was able to save the boat. Make sure that in gusts the sheets are NOT cleated so they can be eased in a hurry.Righting the boat is hard. You'll work hard and be tired by righting it and bailing it out. You might consider adding a port in the transom to facilitate draining it. Also, if you carry an outboard dunking it will make it pretty sick.So - the trick is to keep it up right. Which is done by sailing relatively flat. Tell Swifty Pants to keep you dry.Justin - O'day Owners' Web