This question developed out of a thread in the Smaller Boats forum (trailerable Hunters only), and I thought it was interesting enough to ask a wider audience. Heaving-to is an excellent tactic for stopping a boat in heavy weather. However, is it possible to reef/drop the mainsail while hove-to? How about while sailing single-handed? I've never done it before myself, but I'll definitely be trying it the next time I go sailing. In the meantime, does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks is advance for your responses. Peter H23 "Raven"
Reefing while hove-to
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All the time..
I sail out of Ponce Inlet and I have to use it all the time. I do not have an autopilot so if I go out alone and need to reef I just heave to, reef then get back on my way. Or if I want to go under and make lunch-the same tatic. If I get a big enough fish to deal with..same thing.. Works great lasts a long time..Good luck
I sail out of Ponce Inlet and I have to use it all the time. I do not have an autopilot so if I go out alone and need to reef I just heave to, reef then get back on my way. Or if I want to go under and make lunch-the same tatic. If I get a big enough fish to deal with..same thing.. Works great lasts a long time..Good luck
Preferred Method
Heaving to calms everything down - the boat, the Admiral and me, and the main. We ease the mainsheet enough that its easy to pull down the main to the reef points. The time pressure is off, and this is just as easy single handed - it only takes a little longer. David Lady Lillie
Heaving to calms everything down - the boat, the Admiral and me, and the main. We ease the mainsheet enough that its easy to pull down the main to the reef points. The time pressure is off, and this is just as easy single handed - it only takes a little longer. David Lady Lillie
HT Reef
Yes, it's a good way to do it. On our old C25, we didn't have the lines led aft, so I'd always heave to from a port tack, which then put the jib backwinded on starboard with the main out to port. Now the windward side of the boat was starboard, and the high side, too. Since the aft reefing line was on the starboard side of the boom and the main halyard and reefing hook were also on starboard, it was easy to do from the high side.
Yes, it's a good way to do it. On our old C25, we didn't have the lines led aft, so I'd always heave to from a port tack, which then put the jib backwinded on starboard with the main out to port. Now the windward side of the boat was starboard, and the high side, too. Since the aft reefing line was on the starboard side of the boom and the main halyard and reefing hook were also on starboard, it was easy to do from the high side.
Try it, you'll like.
I singlehand a lot so I got used to heaving to for all sorts of reasons. It makes things much easier after you do it a few times. I now heave-to to make all my sail changes even if I have crew on board, no hurry, no worry.
I singlehand a lot so I got used to heaving to for all sorts of reasons. It makes things much easier after you do it a few times. I now heave-to to make all my sail changes even if I have crew on board, no hurry, no worry.
Here's why I asked
I heave-to all the time, usually by balancing the mainsail against the backwinded jib and tiller lashed to leeward so the boat drifts slowly to leeward. However, I've never reefed while hove-to (I usually reef head to wind) so I was wondering what happens as the mainsail area is reduced and the sail plan becomes unbalanced. I suspect that the bow would fall off the wind as the mainsail is lowered. Does this actually happen? Peter H23 "Raven"
I heave-to all the time, usually by balancing the mainsail against the backwinded jib and tiller lashed to leeward so the boat drifts slowly to leeward. However, I've never reefed while hove-to (I usually reef head to wind) so I was wondering what happens as the mainsail area is reduced and the sail plan becomes unbalanced. I suspect that the bow would fall off the wind as the mainsail is lowered. Does this actually happen? Peter H23 "Raven"
No problem
Peter "I suspect that the bow would fall off the wind as the mainsail is lowered. Does this actually happen?" It just doesn't matter. As the main area becomes smaller all the boat will do is rebalance itself in the hove to position based on the new sail areas. Since the main tries to get the boat to head up, and the backwinded jib is stopping that, all it will do is make your angle to the true wind change a little bit. (Assuming you're reefing the main and not taking it all the way down.) Stu
Peter "I suspect that the bow would fall off the wind as the mainsail is lowered. Does this actually happen?" It just doesn't matter. As the main area becomes smaller all the boat will do is rebalance itself in the hove to position based on the new sail areas. Since the main tries to get the boat to head up, and the backwinded jib is stopping that, all it will do is make your angle to the true wind change a little bit. (Assuming you're reefing the main and not taking it all the way down.) Stu
Heaving to -steps please
Could someone give me a step by step of how to heave to and keep her there. I've tried a couple times on my 240 and haven't been able to keep her there. I must be doing something wrong. To eliminate confusion with terminology (as to which tack is port and which is starboard) let's start with this scenario. I'm sailing upwind with sails on the starboard side, with the tiller centered (amidships). What are my steps to heave to from this starting point? Thanks, Ken
Could someone give me a step by step of how to heave to and keep her there. I've tried a couple times on my 240 and haven't been able to keep her there. I must be doing something wrong. To eliminate confusion with terminology (as to which tack is port and which is starboard) let's start with this scenario. I'm sailing upwind with sails on the starboard side, with the tiller centered (amidships). What are my steps to heave to from this starting point? Thanks, Ken
Heaving to
Heaving-to. 1. Push the tiller to starboard to bring the bow through the eye of the wind and place the boat on the opposite (starboard) tack. However, do not let go of the starboard jib sheet so that the headsail backwinds. 2. As the boat comes through the wind and the headsail fills, push the tiller all the way back to port. The two opposing forces (backed headsail and rudder) will now work in opposition to each other, holding the boat steady with a slight drift to leeward. 3. Trim the main. Voila! You are hove to! It's dead easy, and well worth knowing how to do.
Heaving-to. 1. Push the tiller to starboard to bring the bow through the eye of the wind and place the boat on the opposite (starboard) tack. However, do not let go of the starboard jib sheet so that the headsail backwinds. 2. As the boat comes through the wind and the headsail fills, push the tiller all the way back to port. The two opposing forces (backed headsail and rudder) will now work in opposition to each other, holding the boat steady with a slight drift to leeward. 3. Trim the main. Voila! You are hove to! It's dead easy, and well worth knowing how to do.
Thanks John
I'll give it a try the next time I'm out. The weather here in the Midwest just needs to cooperate!
I'll give it a try the next time I'm out. The weather here in the Midwest just needs to cooperate!
The advantage to heaving-to on starboard tack
When hove-to on starboard tack (mainsail on port side of boat), your boat still has the right of way. Everybody else has to go around you. Peter H23 "Raven"
When hove-to on starboard tack (mainsail on port side of boat), your boat still has the right of way. Everybody else has to go around you. Peter H23 "Raven"
Right of way?
Gee - I've never seen a "racer" hove-to. You must race in some very "interesting" conditions.
Gord
Gee - I've never seen a "racer" hove-to. You must race in some very "interesting" conditions.
GordNice try, Gord . . . . LOL!
I know you're kidding Gord, but for those who may not as familiar as we are with the rules of the road, this is an important point. If you're hove-to on port tack and get hit by another boat under sail, you will probably be in the wrong. I was told that most halyards are on the starboard side of the mast so the boom and sails will be off to port, placing the boat on starboard tack while raising/lowering sail, reefing or heaving-to. Most sailors understand "starboard tack" priority but fewer seem to recognize "constrained in ability to maneuver". On a separate note, heaving-to is allowed in racing, as is anchoring. In unfavorable wind or current, these are legitimate tactics. Peter H23 "Raven"
I know you're kidding Gord, but for those who may not as familiar as we are with the rules of the road, this is an important point. If you're hove-to on port tack and get hit by another boat under sail, you will probably be in the wrong. I was told that most halyards are on the starboard side of the mast so the boom and sails will be off to port, placing the boat on starboard tack while raising/lowering sail, reefing or heaving-to. Most sailors understand "starboard tack" priority but fewer seem to recognize "constrained in ability to maneuver". On a separate note, heaving-to is allowed in racing, as is anchoring. In unfavorable wind or current, these are legitimate tactics. Peter H23 "Raven"
But Peter . . .
But is it because you are on a starboard tact that you have rights, or is it because you are no longer underway?
But is it because you are on a starboard tact that you have rights, or is it because you are no longer underway?
Tact ?!?
Last year, between races, we were broadsided by another boat who didn't understand what hove to meant. Took out two starboard high side stanchions. Without going into the details, it turns out they didn't understand that "still sailing, but only going slower" still kept the rules in force. The skipper and his crew were wonderful in assessing and repairing the damges, but I was amazed that they didn't undertsand the situation. Between races, with windy condtions, it's surely got to be easier to heave to than to take down and reset sails. Can't understand why more folks don't do it. Could be, based on this thread, that few people know aout this very important sail trim. Guess we'll have to get Don G to explain it, but we learned this from our instructor on our C22 24 years ago. Why the heck is this something new? Do your research. Or "You're" reserch. Spelling police next
Last year, between races, we were broadsided by another boat who didn't understand what hove to meant. Took out two starboard high side stanchions. Without going into the details, it turns out they didn't understand that "still sailing, but only going slower" still kept the rules in force. The skipper and his crew were wonderful in assessing and repairing the damges, but I was amazed that they didn't undertsand the situation. Between races, with windy condtions, it's surely got to be easier to heave to than to take down and reset sails. Can't understand why more folks don't do it. Could be, based on this thread, that few people know aout this very important sail trim. Guess we'll have to get Don G to explain it, but we learned this from our instructor on our C22 24 years ago. Why the heck is this something new? Do your research. Or "You're" reserch. Spelling police next
right of way....
.... in a general sense is determined by which boat is more maneuverable. That's why a tanker has right of way over a sailboat. A sailboat that is hove-to is still technically "under way",because the sails are up and it is not anchored. However, it is essentially standing still and has no maneuverability, so it has right of way. Port or starboard tack is not the issue. There may be a problem on board, such as sickness or boat damage, or the crew just wants to eat together, whatever! An approaching sailboat can easily recognize a hove-to sail boat by her sail position and minimal speed and should take measures to avoid it. In a court of law, common sense prevails when it comes to rules of the road.
.... in a general sense is determined by which boat is more maneuverable. That's why a tanker has right of way over a sailboat. A sailboat that is hove-to is still technically "under way",because the sails are up and it is not anchored. However, it is essentially standing still and has no maneuverability, so it has right of way. Port or starboard tack is not the issue. There may be a problem on board, such as sickness or boat damage, or the crew just wants to eat together, whatever! An approaching sailboat can easily recognize a hove-to sail boat by her sail position and minimal speed and should take measures to avoid it. In a court of law, common sense prevails when it comes to rules of the road.
Rules Quiz Anyone?
A “heaved to” boat is under sail and must obey Rule 12 – Starboard vs. port tack. The only times when another vessel is “stand-on” to a starboard tacking sailboat: 1) Vessel not under command; 2) Restricted vessel; and 3) Vessel fishing (Rule 18). All have specific definitions and none apply to “heaved to”. Furthermore, all these vessels must be flying the proper day shape(s) or light(s) in order to claim their “privilege” (Rule 27). Likewise, you cannot not impede a restricted maneuvering vessel (Rule 9). The term "vessel not under command" means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. Going down below to make lunch or to visit the head does not make your vessel “not under command”. The term "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver" means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. The term "vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver" shall include but not be limited to: (i) A vessel engaged in laying, servicing, or picking up a navigational mark, submarine cable or pipeline; (ii) A vessel engaged in dredging, surveying or underwater operations; (iii) A vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions or cargo while underway; (iv) A vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of aircraft; (v) A vessel engaged in mine clearance operations; (vi) A vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course. The USSA Racing Rules of Sailing provides the additional clarification: “After a boat passes head to wind, she shall keep clear of other boats until she is on a close-hauled course. During that time rules 10, 11, and 12 do not apply. If two boats are subject to this rule at the same time, the one on the other's port side shall keep clear”. What this means is you are on the same tack until your boat passes head to wind, then you have no “rights” until your boat falls off to a close hauled course, wherein you have the “rights” (obligations) of that new tack. The rules of road DO NOT convey rights – they merely proscribe actions taken to avoid collisions. The overarching rule is all mariners must do all actions necessary to avoid collisions. The Coast Guard may hold you responsible no matter what tack you were on if they determine that you did not take action to avoid a collision.
A “heaved to” boat is under sail and must obey Rule 12 – Starboard vs. port tack. The only times when another vessel is “stand-on” to a starboard tacking sailboat: 1) Vessel not under command; 2) Restricted vessel; and 3) Vessel fishing (Rule 18). All have specific definitions and none apply to “heaved to”. Furthermore, all these vessels must be flying the proper day shape(s) or light(s) in order to claim their “privilege” (Rule 27). Likewise, you cannot not impede a restricted maneuvering vessel (Rule 9). The term "vessel not under command" means a vessel which through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. Going down below to make lunch or to visit the head does not make your vessel “not under command”. The term "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver" means a vessel which from the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to maneuver as required by these Rules and is therefore unable to keep out of the way of another vessel. The term "vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver" shall include but not be limited to: (i) A vessel engaged in laying, servicing, or picking up a navigational mark, submarine cable or pipeline; (ii) A vessel engaged in dredging, surveying or underwater operations; (iii) A vessel engaged in replenishment or transferring persons, provisions or cargo while underway; (iv) A vessel engaged in the launching or recovery of aircraft; (v) A vessel engaged in mine clearance operations; (vi) A vessel engaged in a towing operation such as severely restricts the towing vessel and her tow in their ability to deviate from their course. The USSA Racing Rules of Sailing provides the additional clarification: “After a boat passes head to wind, she shall keep clear of other boats until she is on a close-hauled course. During that time rules 10, 11, and 12 do not apply. If two boats are subject to this rule at the same time, the one on the other's port side shall keep clear”. What this means is you are on the same tack until your boat passes head to wind, then you have no “rights” until your boat falls off to a close hauled course, wherein you have the “rights” (obligations) of that new tack. The rules of road DO NOT convey rights – they merely proscribe actions taken to avoid collisions. The overarching rule is all mariners must do all actions necessary to avoid collisions. The Coast Guard may hold you responsible no matter what tack you were on if they determine that you did not take action to avoid a collision.
OHHH Thank you - thank you - thank you --
George, I was hoping someone would get to the bottom line. Your last paragraph (?) is what it's all about. tom s/v GAIA
George, I was hoping someone would get to the bottom line. Your last paragraph (?) is what it's all about. tom s/v GAIA
Oh, George B., that's what I really meant to say.
Now where can I buy the book "Right of Way for Dummies"?
Now where can I buy the book "Right of Way for Dummies"?
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