The perfect wind

Status
Not open for further replies.
P

Paul

Knowing When to Reef???

Hi Brian You din't say the size of your boat, but here's a rule of thumb: white caps generally come up around 13 knots, if your uncomfortable in 15+, then 13 is a good time to reef. Remember, if you're starting to think about reefing, you're probably late. Especially if you have to go forward to do it! Also if the boat starts to lose balance and weatherhelm becomes too great, you'll sail faster if you reef.
 
P

Paul

Wrinkles?

Great Picture!! Those horizontal wrinkles in the sail indicate you should tighten the halyard and move the draft forward.
 
T

Tim Huss

.
Jul 12, 2004
19
-chrysler -c26 full keel longwood
GOOD WIND

I solo sail a chrysler 26' full keel, on a really close haul with every thing tight 20- 25 knots is perfect, most other points of sail between 13-19 knts with no reefs, when my reluctant first mate is aboard no wind seems to make her smile, but for just fun sailing any thing above 3 knts and below 17 is ok, I would rather drift in my boat than not be in it at all!
 
S

Stewart 22290

.
Jun 27, 2004
2
Beneteau 323 Port Dalhousie, Ontario
Over ten, less than 20

We have a Beneteau 323, with a furling main so we can reef in smaller increments to avoid weather or lee helm. We find that we can adjust the lean easily, even in 20+ knots of wind. Once the sails are set, 15 - 20 knots can be a lot of fun. It also depends on point of sail. If you're beating into 22 knots of wind close hauled, it can be frustrating, to say the least. A run down wind with the same wind with a cup of coffee and a good friend can be quite pleasant. One trip took us 2 1/2 hours one way and a little over an hour back
 
C

clyde

bring it on

I sail mostly on the Potomac River and mostly solo. I have sailed on the Chesapeake Bay as well as in Nova Scotia(as crew on a gaf rigged ketch) My limited experience tells me that any wind is good wind from 3 knots to 60 knots from relaxing to exhausting. All sailng is good for the soul, ghousting on ever so slight a breeze to racing through mountainous waves, hell bent for leather, as your captain says go get the life jackets! I feel I was not truly living all those years before I started sailing.
 
S

SailboatOwners.com

Final results

Final results for the Quick Quiz ending September 19, 2004: For you and your crew, what is the perfect apparent wind speed? 67% 11 to 15 knots 21% 16 to 20 knots 08% 10 knots or less 04% More than 20 knots 1,155 owners responding
 
B

Bob Davidson

21% 16 to 20 knots

I enjoy high winds and testing my skills & controlling my boat.
 
B

Blaise Pierson

Perfect wind

The perfect wind depends on what you are doing at the time. 40 apparent when you are hard on the wind with a full main and a blade in my boat (1979 Hunter 37) blasting through 4-6 foot seas is perfect when we race, because everybody else is getting killed. Cruising with the rollerfurling on and the autopilot running, 15 on the beam is perfect. Anchored, a light breeze is perfect. You always seem to have the perfect wind. Just not for what you are doing at the time.
 
D

Dave McLane

Yeah, but!

You really do like walking out the anchor with Harbor Patrol looking on with consternation and puzzlement having been stuck for the second time that evening. Clyde, you can walk my anchor out anytime.
 
C

clyde

Yeah but buthead

Yeah dave, Bet you were sitting at the table drinkin' beer instead of sailing while I was out having a blast solo sailing in 30 knot winds and 40 mile gust uh huh come on out sometime
 
D

dosPlumas

.
Jun 21, 2004
2
Macgregor 21 Pine Island Marina, Pell City, Alabama
A Newby like yourself

I have only had my Macgregor 21 a few months (First Boat)...Have no sailing partner asw well as insufficient nerve to sail solo with any more than just the main...no job...Though I KNOW that using the jib increases the efficiency and joy...I JUST DO NOT have the nerve to attempt to work the Jib sheet...main sheet...AND tiller all at once all by me onced...(Capt. Jack Sparrow language)...A little more practice...a little more self confidence...another crew member...and I might get up the nerve to go FULL SAIL...Yes...I agree:...enough wind to get me there without overpowering and no need for the motor is JUST RIGHT...
 
L

larry7072

.
May 31, 2004
13
Catalina 22 East Greenwich, RI
Depends Upon Who's Aboard!!

I have had a C22 swing keel for 3 seasons. I mostly go out by myself or with a guest for 2-3 hour day sails. When I have guests aboard (including my spouse) I have learned to treat it as "single handing with an obstacle course." So The rule of thumb for my perfect wind is: At 5-10 kts I will take guests along for a relaxing cruise to picnic and swim. At 10 - 15 kts I'm out solo learning more about my boat and refining my skills. At 15 - 20 kts I'm pushing my envelope but still having a blast and not worrying about anyone. Below 5 kts. I'm happy to be at the mooring scrubbing the deck or oiling the teak and waiting for the wind to rise. Above 20 kts. I'm on land, dreaming about someday buying a bigger boat.
 
R

Rich

Hobie and MacGregor

15-25 mph is the range I like best most of the time, though a gentle 10-12 can be great also. I love that feeling when the rails, and s/t's the windows of my Mac 26s is in the water, you reach down (or up) and clink a glass of your favorite beverage with friends and let loose a yell! Though the best for me is when I have the Hobie up, on the edge and halling butt. If I am jonesing for some sailing I will go out in less than that, though generally if it's not 10 I'm not sailing. Rich
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom