How does your h26, water ballast, handle in heavy air? I am new to the h26 and would like to have some advice on sail sets at different wind speeds and conditions. I have the factory full batten main and 100% jib. Thanks,
How does your h26, water balist, handle?
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H26/260 Heavy Weather Handling
John Baumgartner would be an authoritative source for this question but he's on the high seas right now and maybe can't respond. Personally, I don't see much difference in heavy weather handling between the water ballast boat and a similar 26 conventional keel boat. The key (as in any boat this size) is to reef early (about 15mph is my unreefed max). The power is in the main while the jib helps balance the boat. I've been in some pretty high winds/waves and if the boat is trimmed properly it can be an exhilarating ride. If I feel lazy and just want to relax in high winds I go with jib only if possible. Heavinig to is always a good option if you need a break. The last resort is to start the engine because that's where you get cavitation even with a long shaft.
John Baumgartner would be an authoritative source for this question but he's on the high seas right now and maybe can't respond. Personally, I don't see much difference in heavy weather handling between the water ballast boat and a similar 26 conventional keel boat. The key (as in any boat this size) is to reef early (about 15mph is my unreefed max). The power is in the main while the jib helps balance the boat. I've been in some pretty high winds/waves and if the boat is trimmed properly it can be an exhilarating ride. If I feel lazy and just want to relax in high winds I go with jib only if possible. Heavinig to is always a good option if you need a break. The last resort is to start the engine because that's where you get cavitation even with a long shaft.
Handles Great!
There's lots here on the topic, but you'll find some general themes - 1.) Learn to reef, reef early, and reef often. She'll settle right in and track like a dream at a comfortable heel angle. 2.) Don't drive directly down wind. The main shadows the head sail and you'll spend all your time trying to get the jib to power up. The main still has plenty of juice to drive the boat at reasonable speeds at 15 or twenty degrees off of DDW. 3.) Enjoy. These are great boats. Laugh at your friends and their keel boats from the beach you just drove up on while they're setting anchors and trying to figure out how to get to shore without getting wet.
There's lots here on the topic, but you'll find some general themes - 1.) Learn to reef, reef early, and reef often. She'll settle right in and track like a dream at a comfortable heel angle. 2.) Don't drive directly down wind. The main shadows the head sail and you'll spend all your time trying to get the jib to power up. The main still has plenty of juice to drive the boat at reasonable speeds at 15 or twenty degrees off of DDW. 3.) Enjoy. These are great boats. Laugh at your friends and their keel boats from the beach you just drove up on while they're setting anchors and trying to figure out how to get to shore without getting wet.
Heavy weather?
The 26/260 are bay/coastal/near shore boats. If you're new to sailing you might only notice its a nice "windy" day and hastily head out on a gusty 20-30kt day. Puffs and lulls will tear at most sailors optimistic hearts while they peer out the office window. The truth of a truly gusty day is usually much more like work anticipating the next knockdown. True heavy weather will be beyond even this and well beyond this boats design limits. While other heavier boats will revel in just such wind with a seasoned crew, this boat will punish you for such a mistake, but can bring you home safely in the end. There was a day when I'd be sailing high performance gear designed for just such a blow with sort of a maniacal lust. Had lots of fun but those days and the eqt chase are behind me and I've bought this boat to cater to my stiff knees and cruising comforts(although I'm still challenged by the 260, I'm tolerant of its short falls on a blustery day). While I can't speak for him, John Baumgartner has done open water(bays/sounds) crossings as others have done with the 260 but as anybody in a smaller boat should be, they are meticulous in planning their weather window and are very experienced sailors. He has also patiently sought safe harbor for days while "heavy weather" would pass. His current trip is the envy of many who sadly will never quite get to it. I'd say you have a great boat. Hey, I've got one and it's pretty fast in a true 5-20kts. Beyond that it better only be a broad reach on shortened sail or preferably head to the club and brag about the good ol' days. If the lake/bay looks like its covered with grazing sheep.....I'd keep this one tied up and crew with the guys who have the heavier ride and more experience. Just my 2cents. Enjoy your boat within its design limits and have a great season. Michael
The 26/260 are bay/coastal/near shore boats. If you're new to sailing you might only notice its a nice "windy" day and hastily head out on a gusty 20-30kt day. Puffs and lulls will tear at most sailors optimistic hearts while they peer out the office window. The truth of a truly gusty day is usually much more like work anticipating the next knockdown. True heavy weather will be beyond even this and well beyond this boats design limits. While other heavier boats will revel in just such wind with a seasoned crew, this boat will punish you for such a mistake, but can bring you home safely in the end. There was a day when I'd be sailing high performance gear designed for just such a blow with sort of a maniacal lust. Had lots of fun but those days and the eqt chase are behind me and I've bought this boat to cater to my stiff knees and cruising comforts(although I'm still challenged by the 260, I'm tolerant of its short falls on a blustery day). While I can't speak for him, John Baumgartner has done open water(bays/sounds) crossings as others have done with the 260 but as anybody in a smaller boat should be, they are meticulous in planning their weather window and are very experienced sailors. He has also patiently sought safe harbor for days while "heavy weather" would pass. His current trip is the envy of many who sadly will never quite get to it. I'd say you have a great boat. Hey, I've got one and it's pretty fast in a true 5-20kts. Beyond that it better only be a broad reach on shortened sail or preferably head to the club and brag about the good ol' days. If the lake/bay looks like its covered with grazing sheep.....I'd keep this one tied up and crew with the guys who have the heavier ride and more experience. Just my 2cents. Enjoy your boat within its design limits and have a great season. Michael
Specific to sail setting...
I find that in heavy air (15 knots) and beating into the wind, the boat sails best when the jib is tight and the main is actually a little loose. The natural instinct is to tighten (flatten) the main down in heavy air when beating, but I find the leaving it out a bit with the luff backwinding a little actually makes the boat sail faster and is easier to handle. In reaches and runs I make sure the boom vang is tight so the main doesn't balloon. In shifting winds be very aware of that boom! In heavier air, as the others have said, "reef". The 26 and 260 handle miraculously better, significantly more stable and quieter, when reefed properly. I'll also roll in the jib with my furler, but if you don't have a furler consider having a shock-cord on-hand so you can drop the jib quickly and secure it down if you can't get it off.
I find that in heavy air (15 knots) and beating into the wind, the boat sails best when the jib is tight and the main is actually a little loose. The natural instinct is to tighten (flatten) the main down in heavy air when beating, but I find the leaving it out a bit with the luff backwinding a little actually makes the boat sail faster and is easier to handle. In reaches and runs I make sure the boom vang is tight so the main doesn't balloon. In shifting winds be very aware of that boom! In heavier air, as the others have said, "reef". The 26 and 260 handle miraculously better, significantly more stable and quieter, when reefed properly. I'll also roll in the jib with my furler, but if you don't have a furler consider having a shock-cord on-hand so you can drop the jib quickly and secure it down if you can't get it off.
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