?'s about 33.5

[Doug B.]

1) What do you other 33.5 owners feel is the maximum angle of heel for the 33.5? From the standpoints of "time to reef", too uncomfortable and reduced speed/performance.2)We only have one reef point in the main. Is that the stock UK sail? How many knots of wind (say, on a broad reach) can you take prior to putting in a reef?3) Do you find it possible to wing and wing with the stock 100% jib? Any tricks to it that might help a sailor with limited experience?Thanks!Doug

 

[David]

33.5 Questions

Doug, I have a 1988 H33.5, the UK sail has two reef points. I would definitely advise adding the second reef point for this boat considering that it is a tall rig with a lot of mainsail. I have had success running "wing and wing" in light air with the working jib; as usual, it takes a lot of attention and practice. Good Luck!

 

[Jock Muir]

33.5 Sailing: wing on wing and when to reef.

Doug:[1] You should indeed have two reef points. [2] Heeling alone is not an indicator of when to reef. You should reef whenever you feel overpowered at the helm. Unfortunately you'll witness many if not most sailors out there with too much sail up. Your 33.5 can sail very well with either or both sails up. When in doubt on a windy day, start with a reef. It is always easier to let out a reef in calm winds than to take a reef in on a windy day. Normally reef the main first and jib second.[3] You can sail wing on wing but with the swept back spreaders on a Hunter it is more difficult. I recommend making a simple preventer. This is a line made of non-stretch rope like your halyard line. Tie a strong stainless steel metal clip on two ends with bowlines. When sailing wing on wing, connect it to the boom and the toe rail on the leeward side to "prevent' a jibe.

 

[Steve O.]

reef early and often

Too mouch heel is not only uncomfortable but also inefficient. All boats are different but with the 33.5 anything over about 15 deg. is not going to add speed to the boat. I had a 2nd reef put in my UK main and used it last weekend for the first time in 30+kn gusting I had complete control over the boat in 6-8 ft swells. I usually put the 1st reef in at about 20+kn. As the other posts said, reef the main first and then the headsail if needed. I have sailed wing & wing but you have to really pay attention to the helm. The preventer is good advice, you can also use your boom vang as a preventer when going downwind