Sail trim and reefing

[DK]

Not new to sailing but new to the C30 tall rig. Will be chartering one this coming Thursday on Lake Michigan. Would like information about sail trim and reefing from C30 owners that would help to shorten my learning curve. How well does the boat stand up to different wind conditions? I'm sure she sails best on her bottom and want to use only the amount of canvas necessary to do that. Any other tips and clues are more than welcome.DK

 

[Alchemist]

Reef the Main first

It's easiest to reef the roller furling genoa first, but the boat balances better and sails faster if you reef the main first. I typically reefed the main at 15 - 18 knots and then rolled up the headsial to about 135% at about 20 - 23 knots.After this, put the second reef in the main. If you need still less sail, find a convenient port and anchor, the wind's too strong, and the Lake Michigan waves too steep and high (6 - 8 feet with a 4 - 5 second period) for comfort.SteveAlchemist C-30T #4764Alchemist C-320 #909

 

[FrankR]

Also use the traveller

Shifting the traveller to leeward also helps to dump wind and lessen the heel angle.

 

[DK]

Thanks Alchemist

Thanks for the reefing clues. Good wind predicted for Wednesday offshore of Milwaukee. 10-15 knots then increasing to 15-25 in the evening. Looks like we will be lucky with the wave conditions as the wind is predicted to veer from east to southeast to south during the day. If so, it won't be blowing in the same direction long enough to produce those large, steep waves. We will be in harbor before dark.

 

[DK]

Thanks FrankR

Thanks for the tip on using the travler!