Was wondering if anyone had a link to a good site with an explanation of how you steer by sail only? Thanks.
Sailing with Sails only
- Thread starter DaveH20533
- Start date
- Status
This answer would vary greatly....
It would depend on type and size of boat, point and direction of sail, type of rig and what sails are used and available. As well as what gear is available and the state of the sea and the strenght of the wind. There is most likely no hard steadfast answer to this question. That ever works in the situation or comes close to working would be the answer at that moment in time.
It would depend on type and size of boat, point and direction of sail, type of rig and what sails are used and available. As well as what gear is available and the state of the sea and the strenght of the wind. There is most likely no hard steadfast answer to this question. That ever works in the situation or comes close to working would be the answer at that moment in time.
Different with every boat
This is something you learn to do on your boat over time. If you have a tiller, trim the sails and the tiller will tell you which way the boat wants to go. Generally if it heads up then ease the main. If it bears off then easy the headsail. Those are the very basics. There are many other areas of sail trim that will also affect sailing straight. Centerboard(if equipped) location will also affect this. Windspeed and consistency also will affect how your boats sails without steering. This is a great exercise for anyone getting into racing. If you can get your boat to sail straight without steering then you have a near optimum rudder angle producing very little drag. Also, note that not all boats can sail without human input. Some boats were purposely designed to head up for safety. My old boat(Pearson 28) and my current boat(Ericson 35) can be trimmed to sail straight in most conditions and will head up in a gust. The Pearson was a little better. Tim R.
This is something you learn to do on your boat over time. If you have a tiller, trim the sails and the tiller will tell you which way the boat wants to go. Generally if it heads up then ease the main. If it bears off then easy the headsail. Those are the very basics. There are many other areas of sail trim that will also affect sailing straight. Centerboard(if equipped) location will also affect this. Windspeed and consistency also will affect how your boats sails without steering. This is a great exercise for anyone getting into racing. If you can get your boat to sail straight without steering then you have a near optimum rudder angle producing very little drag. Also, note that not all boats can sail without human input. Some boats were purposely designed to head up for safety. My old boat(Pearson 28) and my current boat(Ericson 35) can be trimmed to sail straight in most conditions and will head up in a gust. The Pearson was a little better. Tim R.
Thanks
Thanks for the input. Will put the Hunter 216 to the test this summer. We are learning to sail on the Currituck on a 216 until we feel confident enough to move up. Going on our 2nd full summer and have learned a ton. Just another thing to put in the back pocket for when it is needed. Thanks again.
Thanks for the input. Will put the Hunter 216 to the test this summer. We are learning to sail on the Currituck on a 216 until we feel confident enough to move up. Going on our 2nd full summer and have learned a ton. Just another thing to put in the back pocket for when it is needed. Thanks again.
It is all just a matter of trim. if the wind is
steady. But if you boat is agile and the wind is flukely you will have to pay attention. There is a great little book; "Self Steering for Sailing Craft" by John S. Letcher Jr. copyright 1974 International Marine Publishing co. Camden , Maine
steady. But if you boat is agile and the wind is flukely you will have to pay attention. There is a great little book; "Self Steering for Sailing Craft" by John S. Letcher Jr. copyright 1974 International Marine Publishing co. Camden , Maine
Didn't find a link for you -
but - I would think that the US Sail organization would have something on the topic under their learn to sail programme. I know in Canada that before we can pass the CYA Bronze IV level of sailing we have to know how to sail without a rudder or engine. The instructor pulls the rudder into the dinghy and has you sail out into the lake, into a harbour, into a slip, back out of the slip - all done by just adjusting the sails.
but - I would think that the US Sail organization would have something on the topic under their learn to sail programme. I know in Canada that before we can pass the CYA Bronze IV level of sailing we have to know how to sail without a rudder or engine. The instructor pulls the rudder into the dinghy and has you sail out into the lake, into a harbour, into a slip, back out of the slip - all done by just adjusting the sails.
- Status