FIRST TIMMER

[TOM]

WHAT ARE THE GUIDE LINES FOR HOW MUCH SAIL TO DEPLOYAT DIFFERENT WIND SPEEDS. MY FIRST TIME OUT I FIGUREDI WORK WITH THE JIB (RF) AND GET A FEEL OF THE BOAT.NEXT I THOUGHT I TRY A FULL MAIN WITH A LITTLE JIB.IF THIS A GOOD WAY TO START? I WANT TO CONTROL THEHEAL OF THE BOAT UNTIL MY WIFE AND I ARE COMFORATABLEWITH MORE AND MORE HEAL. I PROBALLY WON'T BE OUT THEREOVER 15MPH FOR A WHILE. SO UNDER 15MPH CAN I FULLY LET OUT BOTH MAIN AND JIB AND STILL CONTROL THE HEAL?

 

[Campy]

Sailing

Try the main first, then add the jib and you'll gain a better appreciation for the proper balance of the boat.Go to your boats national web site and poke around, there's lots of information on sail area and type to use out there. When in "trouble", heeling uncomfortable too far, remember to release the mainsheet first head into the weather second. You'll get the hang of it!Have a blast!!

 

[Rob R.]

You're on the right track...

I would recommend one of Gary Jobson's books, or better yet, get another C-25'er to go out on your boat with you. You will learn a lot - FAST!I agree with the other post, try running with main only for starters. It is easier to control than the jib and you can more easily let it out if things get dicey. Once you have the main down pat, start with the smallest jib you have. If you have furling, let out about a 100 percent jib (the trailing edge of the jib just brushes the mast when dead center). This will give you enough sail to get going and get a feel for the two sails working in concert.If you feel you are over-canvassed (you are heeling to much), letting out on your traveler to spill wind from the main. That will bring your heel back down to a reasonable level in moderate winds. If that doesn't work, you'll need to bring in some jib.When you are ready to try winds 15 mph and above, you should look into reefing the main.Good Luck, and let us know how you make out. Remember - go slow, and have fun!Rob

 

[Kevin Dykema]

jib

I had a Cat 25 for 9 years. It does not sail very well with jib only. If you are worried about too much sail area, start with the main only then add the jib. The jib will not add to the heel very much. The main is the one that will cause the boat to heel, but is easy to control by spilling air or reefing. Under jib only the boat is difficult to control and nearly impossible to tack.

 

[Jonathan]

stop healing over

Always have your sails all the way up except in heavy wind or foul weather(in that case it may be better to stay in. Let your main out to depower the boat. You can also sail with just your main until you are comfortable.