I single hand on a smallish Nebraska lake. Last time out, I went forward to change head sails. Even with a tiller tamer, I had trouble heading into the wind. Now I am considering using a 24inch fisherman’s drift anchor attached to the anchor cleat to keep me facing into the wind. I checked the archives and can’t find anyone using a sea anchor in this manner. Any comments?
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Scott Blahnik
Sorry, Bob
I don't know anything about sea anchors, but i was elated to be able to see your nice photo...by right clicking on the "x" it says "show photo" (I have AOL and others also on this site have been having trouble viewing photos. I also had the pop up control blocked.) Of course, you could get an autopilot for about 900 bucks (sigh) It's on my wish list too.
I don't know anything about sea anchors, but i was elated to be able to see your nice photo...by right clicking on the "x" it says "show photo" (I have AOL and others also on this site have been having trouble viewing photos. I also had the pop up control blocked.) Of course, you could get an autopilot for about 900 bucks (sigh) It's on my wish list too.
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Sccott Mathey
Might work
I have never used an anchor like you indicated though your theory sounds like it would work. When faced with the same problem I thought a roller furling was the only answer other than a down haul run together with the jib hallyard system. Let us know how this works, good idea! and good sailing!
I have never used an anchor like you indicated though your theory sounds like it would work. When faced with the same problem I thought a roller furling was the only answer other than a down haul run together with the jib hallyard system. Let us know how this works, good idea! and good sailing!
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Pat Hooyman
Main Up?
You need to have more than 1/2 sail area to the stern of the center of effort to make the boat naturally head up wind when the tiller is released. Did you have the main up? If not, with jib only the boat will natuarlly head down wind under head sail only. A sea anchor will only complicate the situation and will not achieve your sail changing goal.
You need to have more than 1/2 sail area to the stern of the center of effort to make the boat naturally head up wind when the tiller is released. Did you have the main up? If not, with jib only the boat will natuarlly head down wind under head sail only. A sea anchor will only complicate the situation and will not achieve your sail changing goal.
I thought about the same thing
I have a tiller pilot (Raymarine ST1000+, it cost about $400) but I'm also thinking about a sea anchor as a backup. They take up very little room, are pretty inexpensive and use no electricity. Heaving-to is also a very good idea, in fact I think it's one of the first things every sailor should learn. However, I'm not sure you can reef while hove-to. I'll have to try that the next time I'm out sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
I have a tiller pilot (Raymarine ST1000+, it cost about $400) but I'm also thinking about a sea anchor as a backup. They take up very little room, are pretty inexpensive and use no electricity. Heaving-to is also a very good idea, in fact I think it's one of the first things every sailor should learn. However, I'm not sure you can reef while hove-to. I'll have to try that the next time I'm out sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
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Mark
What is Heaving-To?
Hi, What is Heaving-to? I typically motor/sail into the wind in rough conditions when I need to go foward alone. It is good to have a line attached to yourself to keep you with the boat. I know you will not fall off, but it does not always happen to someone else it could be you some day. My main is always up before a jib is up. Thank you, Mark
Hi, What is Heaving-to? I typically motor/sail into the wind in rough conditions when I need to go foward alone. It is good to have a line attached to yourself to keep you with the boat. I know you will not fall off, but it does not always happen to someone else it could be you some day. My main is always up before a jib is up. Thank you, Mark
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David Foster
Heaving to
Start sailing close hauled into the wind. Tack, but do _not_ release the jib/genny sheet. (This is "backwinding" the jib.) Ease the traveler all the way downwind - and ease the mainsheet a little. Lash (or lock) the tiller slightly to leeward of the centerline. (Gently turning the boat into the wind.) A wheel would be turned slightly to windward. The boat will quiet down, drifting 40 to 60 degrees off the wind, and making about 1-2 knots downwind/leeward. We are always pleasantly surprised with the relaxation of the boat. It may gently oscillate between a loaded main driving the boat into the wind, then losing its drive, and the jib/genny knocking you back downwind. You may have to play with the settings to find the right set-up for your boat, sail plan, and keel. Our '77 h27 settles right down in this set-up with either the 110 or 135 foresail. Now, the boat will take care of itself. You can wander around, reef, (this is our standard reefing drill, and we reef whenever we think of it) have lunch, or take a nap. In addition to a naturally easy state at an angle to the waves, you are leaving a wake off your bow that reduces the likelihood of a waves breaking on the bow in really rough weather. Some modern designs may not heave to as easily as our Cherubini design, but most cruising boats can manage it in some configuration. We highly recommend adding it to your tactical arsenal. David Lady Lillie
Start sailing close hauled into the wind. Tack, but do _not_ release the jib/genny sheet. (This is "backwinding" the jib.) Ease the traveler all the way downwind - and ease the mainsheet a little. Lash (or lock) the tiller slightly to leeward of the centerline. (Gently turning the boat into the wind.) A wheel would be turned slightly to windward. The boat will quiet down, drifting 40 to 60 degrees off the wind, and making about 1-2 knots downwind/leeward. We are always pleasantly surprised with the relaxation of the boat. It may gently oscillate between a loaded main driving the boat into the wind, then losing its drive, and the jib/genny knocking you back downwind. You may have to play with the settings to find the right set-up for your boat, sail plan, and keel. Our '77 h27 settles right down in this set-up with either the 110 or 135 foresail. Now, the boat will take care of itself. You can wander around, reef, (this is our standard reefing drill, and we reef whenever we think of it) have lunch, or take a nap. In addition to a naturally easy state at an angle to the waves, you are leaving a wake off your bow that reduces the likelihood of a waves breaking on the bow in really rough weather. Some modern designs may not heave to as easily as our Cherubini design, but most cruising boats can manage it in some configuration. We highly recommend adding it to your tactical arsenal. David Lady Lillie
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crazy dave
Heave to overboard
I wonder if that term would apply to the old drunken sailors of years past when they leaned over to heave to. I done that too. Crazy Dave
I wonder if that term would apply to the old drunken sailors of years past when they leaned over to heave to. I done that too. Crazy Dave
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