tiller side load at > 5 knots

[patincyprus]

Hello,

I have recently bought vega 1010 which is in Cyprus. I am experiencing
a significant side load on the tiller when sailing at more than 5 knots
with full sail, the boat wants to turn into wind. The rigging seems ok
and the mast is vertical. I have inspected the hull when she was out of
the water recently and all is ok

Can anyone tell me why this is?

Regards: Patrick

 

[wxt8981]

Hello Patrick;

you're lucky: That's what a sailboat is supposed to do-
turn into the wind when you let go the tiller! It's called
the "weather helm". Though you can change the force by
changing the mast's rake; the more forward the weather helm
is less, if you rake the mast back, the weather helm will
increase. You should never have a negative weather helm,
meaning the boat will fall off the wind.

Wilhelm, V-257

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Patrick

Sounds like you have too much sail up! Try reefing the main in anything over
15 - 18 knots as this will make a lot of difference. The Vega likes to be
reefed sooner than later.

Cheers

Steve Birch

 

[patincyprus]

Hello Steve,
Thanks for that.
Regardsatrick

 

[patincyprus]

Hello Wilhelm,
Thanks for that.
Regatds: Patrick