Recently in Maine we have also been experiencing very gusty winds from the NW. In very gusty wind (6k then 20k) going upwind is there a way to handle the centerboard position to help control the boat? The centerboard has a high aspect ratio (deep and narrow) and is forward hinged.
Gusty centerboard
- Thread starter Quoddy
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With lightweight planing centerboard racing boats sometimes its best in heavy gusts to pull the board halfway up ... this allows the boat to skid to leeward a bit so that it doesnt heel over so radically. Changing the CLR to a more 'rearward and up' position by rotating such a board partly up will counteract if the helm pressure radically increases when the boat aggressively heels --- it allows the bow portion of the boat to 'skid off' instead of 'digging in' which cause the boat to more 'round up' when heeled.
When above a beam reach, one still 'plays' or momentarily drops the traveller instead of releasing the mainsheet (which can 'power-up' a mainsail, especially if you dont have a vang) during those moments when the boat is overpowered - called 'blading-out the main'. That may be a technique that will keep your boat on its feet; but, will depend on the mechanical advantage of your traveller controls. Another way to explain this is that instead of 'feathering up' by turning the boat into the wind, the boat stays on a somewhat straight course and the 'feathering up' is accomplished by momentarily 'dumping the traveller' to keep the boat on an even heel angle ... but hold onto your hat as you will greatly accelerate.
When above a beam reach, one still 'plays' or momentarily drops the traveller instead of releasing the mainsheet (which can 'power-up' a mainsail, especially if you dont have a vang) during those moments when the boat is overpowered - called 'blading-out the main'. That may be a technique that will keep your boat on its feet; but, will depend on the mechanical advantage of your traveller controls. Another way to explain this is that instead of 'feathering up' by turning the boat into the wind, the boat stays on a somewhat straight course and the 'feathering up' is accomplished by momentarily 'dumping the traveller' to keep the boat on an even heel angle ... but hold onto your hat as you will greatly accelerate.
Well and good except that the Hunter 260 is not a lightweight dinghy. It is a 5500 pound displacement hull and has no main sheet traveler to play with. With it's lack of deep ballast it is quite susceptable to the effects of heavy gusting. I deal with it on mine in either of two ways depending mostly on my mood.
First and easiest is to reef for the gusts and be done with it.
Second, and more fun is to sail it somewhat like a dinghy by playing the main sheet. We get lots of gusty stuff on the bay most summer afternoons. When I'm out in my 260 I tighten down the boom vang, sit next to the wheel rather than behind it and ease the main sheet in the gusts, steering against whatever weather helm I allow to develop. This of course would be easier if there was a well designed traveler. I don't see winching the weighted center board up and down as an option on the 260. With it's cascaded tackle it is simply not a realistic option.
First and easiest is to reef for the gusts and be done with it.
Second, and more fun is to sail it somewhat like a dinghy by playing the main sheet. We get lots of gusty stuff on the bay most summer afternoons. When I'm out in my 260 I tighten down the boom vang, sit next to the wheel rather than behind it and ease the main sheet in the gusts, steering against whatever weather helm I allow to develop. This of course would be easier if there was a well designed traveler. I don't see winching the weighted center board up and down as an option on the 260. With it's cascaded tackle it is simply not a realistic option.
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