Racing and Reefing?

[Lookout]

Hi Everyone
I am the owner of a Catalina 27, 1977 Hull Number 2525. I have done very well this year in club racing, but have not figured out how to race the boat in heavy wind. Yesterday we were out in 25 knot winds with full sail. Had a lot of fun but didn't finish in the top three as we have done all season.

So the question at what winds would you recommend reefing a Catalina 27?
and or
We were heeling 30 to 40 degrees, so what is the recommended heel to maximize hull speed?

We are fairly new to this boat so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Lookout

 

[Stu Jackson]

I sailed a two race race the weekend before last in 15 - 25 knot winds reefed with a 110 jib against competitors with 120 and 130 jibs and full mains and won. Reef. Sailing on your ear is plain slower.

 

[Lookout]

Thanks Stu
I was thinking that we were sliding. I will have to do some winning reefing next season.

Lookout Skipper Sandra Stapper
LCYC
Brechin, Ontario

 

[Kootenay pirate..]

Ahoy lookout..i have a 150 genoa and found that they sail well to around 11;12 knots and 22-25d. Heel. Then reefing is best..keep level. Faster and less sliding around..wind is higher too..

 

[Jackdaw]

Thanks Stu
I was thinking that we were sliding. I will have to do some winning reefing next season.

Brechin, Ontario

EXACTLY. Even if you are upright, leeway will kill you. Especially when you under-stand a mark and have to short tack twice to round.

 

[Kings Gambit]

The problem with reefing during a buoy race is that when you round the mark to go down wind, you want your sails back up to speed to the mark. The time honored solution is to have a lot of rail meat out on the windward leg, then back in on the reaching and downwind legs. You need a crew that can make fast sail changes.

However, when going to weather, put up a 100 -110% flat-cut jib & flatten the main as much as you can (outhaul, back stay, halyard tension), lower the traveler, then feather into the wind to keep the boat flat, making good windward way--go higher during gusts. You'll do well if you keep the tacking distance to the weather mark short instead of being blown down as some poorly-handled boats are. When you get around, loosen up the main, plus ease the vang in high wind, rolly conditions. If you have a hot shot crew, make a jib change to a larger sail not as flat.

 

[jrowan]

We reef after 12 + knots of wind on beam. We can handle up to 20 kn. running down wind before reefing. Although I actually don't know any sailors who really go to the effort and time commitment it takes to change sails for every wind condition, unless you have megabucks to buy an arsenal of different cut sails, and your in a Farr 40 or J boat for race week. Most of us sailing Catalinas are in them for cruising, as they're kinda heavy & out classed by the J Boats. But if you've ever looked inside the cabin of a J boat they sure leave a lot to be desired in accomodations! I, like 90% of sailors, use a larger sail (a 150) on a roller furling. It's not as efficient when partially furled, but I have a padded luff design that allows the sail to retain better shape as its furled. A furler is just so much more versatile then a bunch of sails in a locker that are probably 20 years old, mouldy & worn out. I know a few sailors that have the kevlar / mylar type racing sails, and when they were out after a few years of use, it just doesn't seem to be worth the investment. I've had North and UK Halsey cruising sails that are still in pretty good condition after 20 + years of service. I just take good care of 'em & they take care of me.