Emergency Closehauled Stop

[Sublime]

Don, a comment on the last methodology regarding the main. It is assumed that you can reach the boom to do that. However, for many with bimini's and other encumbrances that is difficult. Additionally, a large main (such as mine) also makes that a difficult and time consuming alternative.

I love these "what if's". Thanks

I'd have to try it but I think I'd have to leave the wheel to do this. Plus, I'm not sure I'm strong enough to push the boom forward.

 

[SkiRacer1486]

Ease out the sails all the way, point the boat straight into the wind and, while keeping the bow as close to head-to-wind as possible, turn the wheel very rapidly lock-to-lock about 3 or 4 times.

 

[Scott B]

Don, a comment on the last methodology regarding the main. It is assumed that you can reach the boom to do that. However, for many with bimini's and other encumbrances that is difficult. Additionally, a large main (such as mine) also makes that a difficult and time consuming alternative.

I love these "what if's". Thanks

I'm with you. Usually sail with bimini, dodger and connector so boom is difficult to get ahold of quickly. Also Mainsheet is on cabin top ( love the new double ended main sheeting on the new Hunters ) and quite often bodies or dog in the way to slow me down to get to it. With a fractional rig, jib is quite small vs. large main, so letting out the jib would now slow me down. Heading upwind would still have momentum.

With 3 boat lengths, I think I would do a quick turn in either direction, depending on relationship to the other boat.

 

[Gudenuph]

We could stop a heavy, masthead rig on a beat by executing a "Crash Tack" with full rudder and not releasing the jib. When the jib backwinded, we'd apply full rudder in the opposite direction as if to tack back. We would be hove to and dead in the water within 2 1/2 boat lengths.

Geohan

 

[kito]

As a newbie that has never encountered this yet, I have to say that my first reaction would probably be to let the main go and turn the rudder full port or starboard depending on my tack at the time. Stopping would not be my first priority, but just avoiding a collision is. Grabbing the boom to backwind wouldn't be an option since the boom would be outboard I would imagine. Grabbing the boom and backwinding the main seems to me to be dangerous and may end up in the drink myself.....but again, I am a newbie.

 

[tomgrigsby]

. I apologize for the distraction, just trying to put a laugh in, sorry nobody got it. However, 13 seconds of advanced knowledge could have put him in the lead without any drama. If he was paying attention.

I got it, but didn't have anything to add. Too bad there's no "like" button.

Anyway, stopping my 10,000lb boat in a straight line in 3 lengths isn't possible from close hauled at speed. Turning would be my move of choice. Either fall off or head up, and end up hove-to, depending on which move would give me better stand-off from the vessel ahead. With my fin keel she turns and stops nicely. Casting off the sheets without rudder action wouldn't keep me from hitting the other vessel due to momentum.