Sailing in Gusts...

[Rob Rich]

Hey Folks, This is only my second season on my C-27, and I figured I would ask for some opinions here, as I am always trying to improve my technique. Was out sailing in some gusty conditions today, steady 10 knot winds, and gusts that occasionally seemed to blow over 20 knots. The 20 knot winds were not a problem as much as their sudden nature was. You could see them coming, but it was hard to see if they were lifters or headers. What are your favorite methods of dealing with these sudden bursts of power? I normally head up a bit, but today I was passing another vessel on the leeward side, and that was not an option, so I had to let out a bit. There is also the risk of heading up (too far) into a header, and getting knocked about.Anyway - penny for your thoughts.Rob

 

[david lewis]

Gust sailing

Depending on your boat there aren't really too many options. As the boat heels more in the gust it will lose the efficiency of the rudder, the lateral resistance of the keel and will tend to have increasing weather helm as the boat heels to greater angles. so the boat naturally wants to round up, with the helmsman applying increasing rudder angle to maintain a course. bearing off could cause a broach but you will also have less apparent wind. Probably the best method is to ease the sheet a little but this will require a "sheeter" watching the puffs and grinding the mainsheet winch, a rather physical activity. If your 27 just has a sheet set up like my 25 did(no winch) it will be a bit easier for this method.

 

[Brian Pickton of BeneteauOwners.net]

Huffin and Puffin

Feb.19, 2001Dear Rob,In a nutshell:Head up in the puffs, bear off in the lulls, ease sheets if you can't head up, and if you are having control problems because the puffs are just a little too strong put one reef in the main.Fair winds,Brian Picktonof BeneteauOwners.net,aboard The Legend,Rodney Bay, St. Lucia

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Travler

Rob - The guys have it but I would rather play the travler than dump the mainsheet, unless the puff is seriously huge.Justin