Handling H23.5, 240, 260 in waves

[Nicky17000]

We have the 23.5 but I mentioned the others because I know there are a lot of similarities.
I know they are fair weather boats so I don't expect top performance in boisterous conditions.
However, I feel after all these years, I still have a lot to improve on my handling especially when going close hauled in choppy conditions.
While the boat is usually well mannered and balanced with slight weather helm in normal conditions, I get the bow blown off the wind in choppy situations. It is too light to cut across the waves and it slows down so much that the centerboard becomes ineffective.
So my usual action would be to drop the jib and start the motor at low speed just to give her some momentum to go over the waves.
While this method always brought me home safely, I feel I am depending too much on the motor and its not fun.
Any ideas welcome

 

[Nicky17000]

What I should have also mentioned is why I would be out at sea in such conditions.
I am in the Mediterranean and it is renowned for its sudden mood swings.
Sometimes I'm out in light variable wind and suddenly there are strong gusts and the sea becomes instantly agitated.
It's not uncommon to get waves at an angle to the swell.
I also added another reef in the main, between the original and the foot. I use it for safety especially when alone, I use it even before needed.
It does not reduce the area much but it helps flatten the main a lot and makes it more controlable.
I also have a smaller moderate weather jib that I am quite happy with because I can keep it up longer than the original one.

 

[soling42]

The freeboard on these boats is huge so it's going to get pushed about, especially when it gets nasty. It's a compromise that is the trade off for the boat being so light weight, roomy and yet portable. A more substantial, narrower and tougher boat will do much better in windier conditions. I motor it in when it gets past a solid 20kts.

I'm sure others will chime in with gusto but I'd say you've reached the design limit of this light weight hull and it's undersized rigging when you need to reef it further than the 1st reef point and haul in the jib.

My Class C RV is livable compared to a Mercedes but I wouldn't drive it over 65mph.

As a fellow trailer sailor who's owned two of the 3 boats you'd listed for over 6yrs and often sail them in tight chop and confused seas, I'd say trim and sail handling can only go just so far with these boats. With that said they're far more comfortable and roomy than most sailors get, tows great and sets up with ease and is a fantastic light air boat.

Good luck, Mike

 

[Alan]

First off you need a balanced sail plan and have your main as flat as possible. The jib should be cracked off slightly with the approach of each wave to allow you to power through. The most difficult part is driving the boat through a strong chop. Of course a lighter boat will not have the momentum to drive hard through waves so you need to learn to 'drive' through the waves for maximum effect. A good helmsman can maintain a fairly steady speed by driving slightly higher as the crest rolls under the boat then fall off slightly to gain speed coming back down the back of the wave. This takes practice to perfect but it pays huge dividends.

 

[Benny17441]

It looks to me that your boat is unable to sustain the high course you desire for those conditions. Waves usually stretch perpendicular to wind direction. Trying to sail close hauled means you are likely to be plowing into the waves head on. A reduction in speed will cause the apparent wind to move aft disrupting balance and allowing the headsail to blow you off course. Choose an easier course even if you have tack a few times to your destination. Go on a reach, reef and trim your sails and you should be able to hit them waves at a shallower angle and maintain speed and the boat in balance. I always look for the most comfortable point of sail and then decide how much I want or need to deviate from it. Don't know enough about your boat to make specific recommendations about triming but do support the fact of running the engine if it helps. You may indeed be able to sustain a higher point of sail when motor sailing.

 

[Nicky17000]

Thanks for your answers.

Actually the main it too baggy for my liking. I checked it out at a local sail repairer and he said that the material is still OK and it was designed that way. To compensate, I set the mast with mast bend over 4 inches at the middle and it sets better and without creases.
The ammount of people on board also makes a difference. I feel I can carry more sail better when we are 4 of 5 people onboard, than when I'm alone.