Heaving To

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May 17, 2004
2,111
Other Catalina 30 Tucson, AZ
Mates; There is an interesting discussion going on over on the SAIL TRIM FORUM. Most sailors think that "heaving to" is a heavy weather tactic but it has many more uses than just that. Also, most sailors think they remain stationary when they heave to but when it is done correctly they are actually drifting slowly backwards. When it is performed incorrectly, they are actually sailing slowly forward with their beam to the waves which, as you can imagine, is not the best of ideas. If you have ANY questions about ANY aspect of sail trim, you should pop over to the SAIL TRIM FORUM. When you enter the sail trim forum, it is like walking into a room where a bunch of sail trim experts are sitting behind desks waiting to answers your specific questions. That sure beats asking your dock neighbor, who may confuse you with his answer. No one persons knows all the answers but the collection of regulars on the forum sure now their sail trim stuff. I've learned a lot and I consider myself a pretty good sail trimmer.
 
Mar 18, 2005
84
- - Panama City, FL
To be exact, a correctly hove-to boat will drift to leeward while pointing somewhat forward of beam-to the wind, and repeatedly hooking up into it, stalling, and going astern. When this is done in small enough increments in moderate winds, net downwind speed can be as little as a knot.
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
Tai Chi Sailor

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