If it were blowing hard and you wanted to fly one sail which would you choose head or main?? Other than reefing the main ,I have seen it both ways but on other types of boats how does the Cat 22 handle one or the other? Alan
head sail or main sail?
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I've only been sailing a few years. However, I would think it would be somewhat dependent on point of sail. In practical terms, I sailed about 12 miles back to the harbor last year in 25-28kts. and 4-5 ft. seas on smaller headsail alone. It was a close reach coming out of the cove (to avoid beam on), but then broad breach/ run all the way in. Getting into harbor was another story! (When I came to realize there was no way I would motor in those seas...)
Living and learning and living to tell about it!
Living and learning and living to tell about it!
I just got back from a sail in 20 plus winds, I flew just the main to try it out and it worked great, I then added the jib had a great time. Points of sail this is stuff I need to learn we were going 45 deg. into the wind from our port side. Alan
The answer is: your choice. The masthead rig on a C22 will make the boat go faster upwind with just the jib. Other points of sail it's a tossup. I've always favored the jib going downwind, too, 'cus ya don't have to worry about the boom if you gybe. Try each one in different wind conditions, there is NO right answer, only the one that works for YOU.
Into the wind is the controlling answer.
This is my procedure for sailing in bigger, rougher conditions and for "heaving to in a sense" for trailerable sailboats with lengths below 26 feet.
Down wind just about anything will work including bare poles. On a beam reach I prefer a reefed main over 110 jib. Single reef with the use of your vang and mainsheet will allow you to flat out cover some water in a hurry.
Upwind or into a wind that is around 15 to 19 MPH or above is a tricky question that depends on your confidence. Without a storm jib then a single reef in the main with the 110 jib will go into the wind nicely. If the waves are larger than 3 feet this will pound the boat too hard unless you know how to steer into the waves. A second reef works better here.
If you have to drop down to using the main only with a single reef you will have difficulty going upwind at all.
Button up all entry points for water into your boat (hatch boards, hatches, anchor lockers and lazerettes) to practice any of these sailing points.
I sail big wind as much as possible and have found some basic rules that I always practice and follow.
1. I NEVER OCCUPY SPACE ON MY BOAT WITHOUT MY INFLATABLE LIFEVEST ON. If anchored I try not to be too dorky and loose the vest.
2. NO ONE IS EVER ABOARD WITHOUT WEARING A LIFEVEST ON ON MY BOAT UNLESS ANCHORED!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I always use a jib/genny downhaul.
4. I have a safe depowering system that allows to leave the cockpit to change a sail, reef or otherwise change items on my boat. They are;
4A. My topping lift is set to allow the boom to be raised 16 to 18 inches. It is very easily reached and easily hooked to the boom in the WORST of conditions. This instantly depowers the boat.
4B. I lock my rudder with a simple tiller tamer into a 30 to 45 degree angle off center. Usually to starboard.
5. I use the headsail downhaul to strike the headsail. This downhaul has a turning block beside or in front of the headstay. I insert the downhaul line through the second hank down from the top of the sail. The top clip of the downhaul is cliped into the headcar/cap of the sail. The sail will simple crumple onto the deck when pulled. I backwind the headsail to keep it dry while doing this.
6. The boat will do lazy circles driftiing downwind without power while you go forward to change sails, to stuff them into bags and down below or reef the main etc.
6. Correct whatever you want while drifting and then go back to sailing.
I have a storm jib that is right at 75% and made out of 10oz. cloth. This is very inexpensive and resolves many or the bigger wind problems.
By learning how to depower your boat, to change whatever, you will gain confidence in your bigger wind sailing.
My wife and I also fly dual line kites on any days she calls BS. on and it's almost as much fun as sailing.
Ray
This is my procedure for sailing in bigger, rougher conditions and for "heaving to in a sense" for trailerable sailboats with lengths below 26 feet.
Down wind just about anything will work including bare poles. On a beam reach I prefer a reefed main over 110 jib. Single reef with the use of your vang and mainsheet will allow you to flat out cover some water in a hurry.
Upwind or into a wind that is around 15 to 19 MPH or above is a tricky question that depends on your confidence. Without a storm jib then a single reef in the main with the 110 jib will go into the wind nicely. If the waves are larger than 3 feet this will pound the boat too hard unless you know how to steer into the waves. A second reef works better here.
If you have to drop down to using the main only with a single reef you will have difficulty going upwind at all.
Button up all entry points for water into your boat (hatch boards, hatches, anchor lockers and lazerettes) to practice any of these sailing points.
I sail big wind as much as possible and have found some basic rules that I always practice and follow.
1. I NEVER OCCUPY SPACE ON MY BOAT WITHOUT MY INFLATABLE LIFEVEST ON. If anchored I try not to be too dorky and loose the vest.
2. NO ONE IS EVER ABOARD WITHOUT WEARING A LIFEVEST ON ON MY BOAT UNLESS ANCHORED!!!!!!!!!!!
3. I always use a jib/genny downhaul.
4. I have a safe depowering system that allows to leave the cockpit to change a sail, reef or otherwise change items on my boat. They are;
4A. My topping lift is set to allow the boom to be raised 16 to 18 inches. It is very easily reached and easily hooked to the boom in the WORST of conditions. This instantly depowers the boat.
4B. I lock my rudder with a simple tiller tamer into a 30 to 45 degree angle off center. Usually to starboard.
5. I use the headsail downhaul to strike the headsail. This downhaul has a turning block beside or in front of the headstay. I insert the downhaul line through the second hank down from the top of the sail. The top clip of the downhaul is cliped into the headcar/cap of the sail. The sail will simple crumple onto the deck when pulled. I backwind the headsail to keep it dry while doing this.
6. The boat will do lazy circles driftiing downwind without power while you go forward to change sails, to stuff them into bags and down below or reef the main etc.
6. Correct whatever you want while drifting and then go back to sailing.
I have a storm jib that is right at 75% and made out of 10oz. cloth. This is very inexpensive and resolves many or the bigger wind problems.
By learning how to depower your boat, to change whatever, you will gain confidence in your bigger wind sailing.
My wife and I also fly dual line kites on any days she calls BS. on and it's almost as much fun as sailing.
Ray
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