Runs out of rudder

[Bill Caiazza]

In winds over 15 knots and tacking I sometimes run out of rudder and have to jib. Sometimes it will tack if I release the main sheet, however I have had stall with the main sheet out. Any body else have this problem?

 

[Bill Murray]

stalling??

Sounds to me like you are stalling the system. A common error is to sail with your sails sheeted in too tight which produces lots of heel (and little rudder attack), lots of slippage, and very little speed made good to windward. The fact that the boat takes off when you let out the main tells you that you are sheeted in to hard -- essentially you are nearly "in irons"Go out on a calmer day (10 knots or so) put just your main up, trim your sail loosely, and then sail in big lazy circles without resetting the sheets -- be careful when the main jibes! -- you should notice that the boat will pick up speed when the sails seem to be at the point that they almost luff (the wind gets behind the sail and causes it to flutter)and the boatloses speed when the wind gets broadside into the sail.This is beacause modern sails (except spinakers)are designed to act like an airfoil. Think of this as the wind sliding along the sail (like air over an airplane wing) as opposed to hitting into it(like on the old square riggers).WHen you get the hang of this - set your jib and play with letting it out till it just starts to luff - at exactly the same time that the main starts to luff. your tell tales should stream straight back between the slot between the jib and the main. The purpose of the jib is to focus the air movement on the back side of the mainsail. This accelerates the air moving on the back of the airfoil and maximizes the "lift" (remember the airplane wing) equaling you go faster!You also need to think about putting in a reef in the main at about 15 knots. Our boats with teir oversized mains and small jibs can easily get over powered in higher winds. reef earlier -- you will be surprised that you won't give up much speed if your sails are trimmed efficiently - and everything works better. I find if I wait too long I can actually gain speed when I shorten sail!Go out and play - sail in circles - try to sail backward - try to steer the boat with the sails not the rudder -you'd be amazed what those sails can do when you understand how they really work.Good luckBill MurrayH29.5 Good Faith

 

[Debra Blatnik]

Don't sail on your ear

Too much heel (burying the rail) only slows you down. Most boats (and the Hunters most of all) like to sail on their feet. You will actually go faster!

 

[Andy]

Main traveler

Do you have a traveler on the main. Drop it down a little and it will give you more helm (and total control)The 29.5 will carry a 150 and main in winds well above 10 and into some light whitecaps! It will carry the 110 event further.

 

[Marc Honey]

Reef early!

With your large roach main you need to reef early... 1st reef at 15 kts or so... and not bury the rail as other posts have said... keep it level and you'll go faster. Ease the traveler out, keep the main off the spreaders and you should be fine.

 

[Tom Payne]

Blew all my sail slides

I had the same problem once. I tried some rookie move and blew all my sail slides. Pop, Pop, Pop!!! It looked like a zipper coming undone. Thank God it was the slides and not the sail. An experienced friend said, Sounds like it was time to reef. Good Luck!!!