Difficulties steering

[shanker]

This past weekend I went out and the winds werearound 8 - 10 knotts. I put up the main and decided not to pull out the genoa. I was sailing close hauled, or so I thought. I wanted to go on a run so I decided to veer off to starboard. Here is where the problem started. I could not get the boat to go to starboard . I eventually reefed the main and was able to head off on my run. Why was this so difficult to do. The wind speed was correct as I used a wind gauge. I tried to use the furler as well and it also did not help. What was happening and why couldn't I simply veer off? What should I have done? Was I 'in irons'? New experience for me and unfortunately my wife lost what little confidence she had in me as a sailor :cry:.

Shanker

 

[Allan12210]

Maybe a silly question, but did you ease the mainsheet? If you still had it trimmed for close hauled maybe the boat was trying to round back up into the wind.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

8 to 10 knots is right about when I reef my main.

If you weren't feeling any resistance in the rudder (striking the motor or some other mechanical blockage) then I have to agree with Allan. In those winds the boat would have a good deal of weather helm (tendency to turn into the wind). If you tried to fall off the wind (turn away) with the main sheet pulling the boom close into the center line of the boat you could easily overpower the rudder and the boat would refuse to turn. Ease (let out) the sheet until the main just starts to luff and then turn the rudder. Keep easing the sheet until you get on your new course.

This is not unique to the H260. Most modern sloops are designed with "weather helm" as a safety factor. If a gust hits, the bow goes into the wind, spilling the power from the sails. A scary ride but better then getting slapped down.

If you think about the physics of it, having the wind at 90 degrees to the boat with the sails in tight is a bad idea.

 

[soling42]

Dave and Alan are on it. Ease the main sheet when you bear off. Steering with the sails AND the helm are a tandem event. One goes with the other.

I know it sounds odd to reef the main at 10kts but Dave is right again. The main on the 260 is really a little oversized for this boat and designed for light wind, which is good. With that said, it needs to be shortened earlier than most boats this size to keep the boat on its feet and to keep your admiral in her seat smiling.

If it's just starting to white cap on the water, reef the main before you leave the dock. If it's a pretty solid windy day, reef the main and don't roll out the jib. Anymore wind than that and it's time to watch the game back at the dock/clubhouse.

The only other issue (and Dave touched on it)might have been due to the rudder not being fully down, giving you all the control it can muster against the juice produced in the main.

Let the fun begin, Mike

 

[Alan]

You guys are 'good'!! You nailed it. An unbalanced sail plan produced by the lack of a headsail combined with not easing the main sheet produced a force that the rudder could not overcome.

 

[shanker]

Great advice guys. I really need to get out there and experience these situations to learn how to handle them and keep the boat 'in balance'. I remember trying to ease out the main as I veereed off to starboard. It just would not go. I also remember the rudder not feeling right, like something was binding. I checked and there was not obstruction. This must be the overpowered rudder that you mention. So the weather helm was fighting my rudder...is that correct. I wanter to steer to starboard but the weather helm was not allowing the boat to go because it was trying to turn the boat into the wind. That makes sense and I can now clearly remember that exact feeling and not understanding why I struggled with the rudder. Not till I reefed the main did it eventually move. So that is key, reef quicker. Is that heavy rudder feeling a sign that the boat is out of balance? What about droping the main and using a reefed genoa?

At one point I tried the genoa. I cleated it off so only a small amount would unfurl. I'm not sure if that helped or not. Is this something I should or should not do. If I have to reef the main should the furler stay put?

Shanker.

 

[Alan]

shanker, you've got the basic idea. I woulod HIGHLY recommend you buy Don Guillette's book 'Sail Trim' available from the Store on this site. You should also visit the Sail Trim forum here on the Featured Contributors. There is a vast amount of knowledge there.

 

[yachtsman]

It's all about balance!

Weather ( :dance: ) you are sailing a 26' yacht or a 85' maxi it's all about balancing your sails around the mast. Ease and pull on, mess around till you find the least helm on your yacht. Mostly this will also be the fastest point of sail.

 

[shanker]

Thanks guys...all great advice. I have to start looking around this site some more and take advantage of the info here. We have long winters in Canada so I'll have plenty of time to do research but I really appreciate your direct advice.

 

[BrianW]

Shanker, my H26 keeps much better control if I sail with the main and always keep at least a portion of my roller-furled jib showing. If I am overpowered at that point, I know I should have reefed my main long ago. You asked if you could sail with furled jib only. You CAN, but you'll be better off with using a reefed main and furl the jib for "fine tuning". When I'm extremely lazy, sometimes I sail with jib only if it's just for a short late afternoon sail with a gentle breeze. The key is playing with your sails to get the feel of your boat under all sail and wind conditions, but make sure you have plenty of room to allow for mistakes. BrianW