How is this for a new topic of discussion: heavy weather sailing in a Vega
I'm reading John Rousmarie's "Fastnet Force 10" at the moment, and thought that it would
be interesting to see what people's experience have been with their Vegas in heavy
weather.
If you have that kind of experience, describe for us, if you will, the conditions you were in
(sea and wind conditions), and how you dealt with them. What sail combination worked
for you and what tactics would you employ in survival conditions? How well does the Vega
heave to? At what point, windspeed wise, does it become impossible to keep any canvas
up. Also, what about slowing the Vega down using drogues, warps, or sea-anchors? What
would be your favoured tactic? And so forth....
As for us, my wife Kristen and I were out on the Chesapeake Bay this weekend in fairly
breezy conditions, with winds around 31mph, gusting above 40mph. Being new owners of
our Vega, Whisper #2751, and being novice sailors to boot, it was a little bit nerve-racking
at times. We eventually ended up motorsailing with a double reefed main to get back to
our slip before dark. Before that, we sailed under double reefed main and three or four
rolls in the 115% jib, but still felt a bit overpowered as we heeled to 40 degrees or so at
times.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Hans Ericsson, Whisper #2751
I'm reading John Rousmarie's "Fastnet Force 10" at the moment, and thought that it would
be interesting to see what people's experience have been with their Vegas in heavy
weather.
If you have that kind of experience, describe for us, if you will, the conditions you were in
(sea and wind conditions), and how you dealt with them. What sail combination worked
for you and what tactics would you employ in survival conditions? How well does the Vega
heave to? At what point, windspeed wise, does it become impossible to keep any canvas
up. Also, what about slowing the Vega down using drogues, warps, or sea-anchors? What
would be your favoured tactic? And so forth....
As for us, my wife Kristen and I were out on the Chesapeake Bay this weekend in fairly
breezy conditions, with winds around 31mph, gusting above 40mph. Being new owners of
our Vega, Whisper #2751, and being novice sailors to boot, it was a little bit nerve-racking
at times. We eventually ended up motorsailing with a double reefed main to get back to
our slip before dark. Before that, we sailed under double reefed main and three or four
rolls in the 115% jib, but still felt a bit overpowered as we heeled to 40 degrees or so at
times.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Hans Ericsson, Whisper #2751