First, I consider myself a novice sailor despite having owned four boats over the years. Last fall I replaced my Precision 21 with a 1995 Catalina 30 MKIII. I was only able to sail it a few times before pulling it out for the season. Over the winter I had new sails made since the old ones were pretty blown out and showing signs of wear. At the recommendation of the sailmaker, he built a smaller genoa (I believe it’s a 110% instead of the original 135%) and cut the main about 6 - 10 inches shorter on the bottom so it wouldn’t rub and wear out the dodger like the old one.
I was sailing yesterday in 10 - 11 mph winds and the boat was really heeling. It’s tendency was to “point” directly into the wind and it took some muscle to keep the rudder such the boat would stay on a tack of approx 40 degrees. At one point, the wheel was turned all the way windward just to remain on course. Eventually I let out the sails which helped a bit.
My question: is this normal or am I doing something wrong or does the boat’s rigging need tuning? I don’t recall the boat responded this way when I bought it last fall.
You all have been very helpful since I bought the boat — thanks for all your assistance. Smooth sailing!
I was sailing yesterday in 10 - 11 mph winds and the boat was really heeling. It’s tendency was to “point” directly into the wind and it took some muscle to keep the rudder such the boat would stay on a tack of approx 40 degrees. At one point, the wheel was turned all the way windward just to remain on course. Eventually I let out the sails which helped a bit.
My question: is this normal or am I doing something wrong or does the boat’s rigging need tuning? I don’t recall the boat responded this way when I bought it last fall.
You all have been very helpful since I bought the boat — thanks for all your assistance. Smooth sailing!