Hunter 44 light air tactics

[Marc14857]

So we are sailing our H44 in a fund raising event tomorrow off of Mystic Ct. We rarely race but were hoping for 15 to 20 knot winds to get the boat moving and be somewhat competitive. Instead according to NOAA we can expect 5 to 10 knots at best which will be a big disadvantage for us especially against lighter boats. When cruising under these conditions we usually motor sail which if we were to try would certainly get us disqualified.

Would appreciate any thoughts on light wind tactics and sail trim. We are in the non spinnaker class, have a roller furling main and no battens. I already looked into a silent worm drive but it was too expensive.

Thanks
Marc

 

[FourPoints]

in really light air tighten the outhaul and vang, drop the traveler all the way to leeward, or as far as it goes for your point of sail.

This keeps the sail from bouncing around and allows the little bit of air flow to remain attached.

 

[LuzSD]

after a race last night with almost no wind, swell on our nose about 1/2 the time and getting in about 9:00 after a 6pm start, I would recommend the following:
1. fly swatter
2. bug spray for your body
3. talk little to limit the chance of getting a fly in your mouth
4. bring lots of people and have them all hike out on low side

regarding setup, we usually loosen the outhaul, and just continually pay attention to where the wind is adjusting constantly. It was miserable 90% of the time but we aren't quitters (although for the first time I was whining and wanted to quit ) so we finished. Of course the race committee was long gone so it was for our own pride that we finished. That's racing....... you get what you get!! Hope you have some wind!

 

[shemandr]

Do anything you can to get clean air - stay to windward of the fleet. Don't tack much. Remember your waterline length is your friend and wetted surface your enemy. My 356 would legitimately sail in 7 Kts. Yours probably can too. Don't pinch! Use a pole downwind. And God bless for the charity you are supporting.

 

[mark_swart]

1 (Most important) -- CLEAN BOTTOM!!!
2. (Sort of important) Do what you have to (poles, prevents, moving crew weight) to keep your sails in place and shaped. Every time the wind has to push a sail back into position, you are wasting drive.