New Guy

[Paul Benton]

I,m new to sailboats and have purchased a 1981 22' catalina. I'm wondering how far over is far enough?! My wife and I are learning on our own, and have had to boat over 10 or 12 degrees, which starts to get scary for us. At what point should we be concerned about going over? At 10 or so degrees, we really start to make headway, but I don't want to get into trouble. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,Paul

 

[Richard]

Spend a little and stay out of trouble

It's great that you want to learn on your own! But, if both of you havn't at least taken a safe boaters ,USPS or Coast Guard safety course please do so. Also, Spend the money, take a day or two (both of you)and take a basic sailing course from a certified instructor. Learn the basics first so you will stay out of trouble. As far as heel goes I would say at about 25-30 degrees depending on your point of sail. At this point your rudder will become less effective and the boat will tend to "round up" into the wind. The "too much" won't happen (at least in most cases) if you always keep one hand on the main sheet and "ease the sheet" in the big(wind) puffs.Good luck!

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Learn to reef

If you reef early (when it gets a little too windy for you), the boat will sail much flatter. This might be good for heavy weather or beginners, you will eventually want to learn the limits of the boat & yourself. I think Richard's suggestion of taking a lesson or two is a great idea - you'll be amazed at how much more comfortable you'll feel. Have fun!LaDonna

 

[jkleid@excite.com]

going 0ver?

I strongly agree with other's comments that you "learn" either from lessons or crewing or inviting experience on board so that you can learn your boat.Conditions, consistancy of the wind, age of sails, crew positioning, and skill goes a long long way to make it very comfortable to know how the boat will react. Best of luck- remember- when in doubt - let it out- loosen the main, and if your using a genoa have the crew hold it without securing it on the cleat so that they too, if necessary can "dump" the wind. you'll look back on this q in a few years and laugh- enjoy- wear pfd and teach the crew how to get back to you if you should go over.

 

[the Pirate of Sha-lin]

heeling!

Sha-lin sails at her best at 10 to 15 degrees of heel. If you've learned to sail on a sunfish or type, the feeling that you might slide overboard may never go away! But after about 15 degrees, she starts to round up, and slow. Also, too far, and your galley unit will fall off of its bench!Good luck! Have fun!