Falling over!

[Holly Pierce]

My husband and I were sailing in light wind of 10-12 mph on the lake this weekend. We've sailed in other boats before and when you start to heel over I've never been afraid. I mean I've stood on the other side of the boat to balance myself while handling the sails. However when we started to heel over in our Hunter well, it was an experience. She just seemed to keep going over. Both of us became very nervous and we were able to get the boat back up. How far can it heel over without losing control of the boat? We sailed Colgates before and were told they would never completely heel all the way over. Just wondering as this is our first Hunter. Thanks for any advice! Holly

 

[Terry]

Hi Holly, our 1989 H28 was the same way...

very tender, but a blast to sail. Most of the experts say that 23 degrees heel is about the maximum for best performance. The further over she goes causes more air to flow out the top of the sails thus reducing the chance of going over. Many times I had the H28's rail in the water, around 40 degrees. The keel helps to keep the boat on her feet, but of course will not prevent a knock down (rare but possible).I start reducing sail around twenty knots of wind, first by reefing the main, then the head sail. This helps to maintain speed and to prevent the boat from becoming over powered.Terry

 

[Brad]

same here

my 260 does the same thing, and it also is my first hunter. kind of nerve racking at first, but pretty fun once you get to know the boat.Brad