I convinced my wife to go fishing with me on my sailboat. We motored about 5 miles to the entrance to our inlet, where we trolled for a while. The plan was to sail back in since the wind comes up almost every afternoon. When we started back in the wind was very light, I was sailing downwind on a comfortable broad reach. About 1 mile from the marina, the wind picked up suddeny to about 20+mph. I didn't get a chance to reef the main. I usually drop the main and go in under the head sail alone. I knew that with the full main out, when I turned up wind in order to heave to to drop the main, we were going to get heeled over pretty good, and it was going to scare my wife. That's exacty what happened; the boat was pushed over about as far as I've seen it, but it rounded up into the wind with no problem. Heaved to, dropped the main and came in fine. It did really scare my wife though; not sure how soon I'll get her back on the boat. My dumb question is: Is there a way under such circumstance to be able to drop the main without having to turn across and into a heavy wind?
Turning upwind
- Thread starter pmeyers
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Yes
You say you were sailing a broad reach when the wind speed increased. If you ease the main sheet out as you make your turn up into the wind the main will luff and not fill therefore not heel the boat. At that point you tack the boat and heave to. I suspect your main was over trimmed for a reach and you didn't release the sheet when you started your turn. This would have prevented the boat from heeling as you make the turn up.
You say you were sailing a broad reach when the wind speed increased. If you ease the main sheet out as you make your turn up into the wind the main will luff and not fill therefore not heel the boat. At that point you tack the boat and heave to. I suspect your main was over trimmed for a reach and you didn't release the sheet when you started your turn. This would have prevented the boat from heeling as you make the turn up.
Not sure...
Alan, I had the main trimmd for a broad reach; it was pretty far out. You're right I didn't release the sheet when I started the turn, but I assumed that leaving it out as I turned should have dumped the wind more than it did.
Alan, I had the main trimmd for a broad reach; it was pretty far out. You're right I didn't release the sheet when I started the turn, but I assumed that leaving it out as I turned should have dumped the wind more than it did.
Alan's right
As Alan said, you should have eased the sheet some more. Sailing off the wind has a lulling effect because the boat is upright, its motion is easy and the apparent wind speed is lower and probably a bit aft of the beam. As you turned upwind, the boatspeed, true wind speed and true wind direction were still the same, but the change in course caused the apparent wind to increase suddenly and move aft. That's essentially a gust, for which you weren't quite prepared. Dealing with gusts when sailing upwind is easy, because we're looking upwind anyway and can see them coming. The boat is also on a steady course, so we pay little attention to the helm. However, when turning upwind from a broad reach, the focus is on the helm and executing the turn. Since the "gust" isn't caused by a change in true wind speed, looking upwind to "read" the water to see it coming won't help. It's just one of those things that you have to remember, but I'm guessing you won't be surprised like that again. Happy sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
As Alan said, you should have eased the sheet some more. Sailing off the wind has a lulling effect because the boat is upright, its motion is easy and the apparent wind speed is lower and probably a bit aft of the beam. As you turned upwind, the boatspeed, true wind speed and true wind direction were still the same, but the change in course caused the apparent wind to increase suddenly and move aft. That's essentially a gust, for which you weren't quite prepared. Dealing with gusts when sailing upwind is easy, because we're looking upwind anyway and can see them coming. The boat is also on a steady course, so we pay little attention to the helm. However, when turning upwind from a broad reach, the focus is on the helm and executing the turn. Since the "gust" isn't caused by a change in true wind speed, looking upwind to "read" the water to see it coming won't help. It's just one of those things that you have to remember, but I'm guessing you won't be surprised like that again. Happy sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
So much for the sails
You didn't mention how sharp you turned to go up into the wind. On a broad reach with a brisk wind you will be moving at a good clip even though it doesn't feel like it. With your sails down, run your boat up to 5 or 6 knots with the motor and turn 180 degrees fairly sharp and you'll find that the boat will heal pretty well on its own. Next time try making a more gradual turn and, like the others suggested, let out your sheets.
You didn't mention how sharp you turned to go up into the wind. On a broad reach with a brisk wind you will be moving at a good clip even though it doesn't feel like it. With your sails down, run your boat up to 5 or 6 knots with the motor and turn 180 degrees fairly sharp and you'll find that the boat will heal pretty well on its own. Next time try making a more gradual turn and, like the others suggested, let out your sheets.
Thanks
Peter, Alan, Dick, Thanks for the advice. It is likely that I should have released the sheets more as I made the turn. Also as Dick pointed out, I may have made the turn too quickly and should have eased the boat around. I didn't take into consideration the speed of the boat which was about 5.5 knots. To Bob, with "absolute respect" yours are the kind of comment that ruins a forum like this. A broad reach is sailing with the wind behind you, which is sailing downwind to me. No I was not sailing directly down wind on a run. I'm sorry if my description wasn't as precise as it could have been, but others seemd to understand it. But that wasn't the point of the question in any case. This has been a great place to ask questions and get excellent answers in order to improve my sailing and to improve my boat. I see others feel the same way. A non threatening community where people help each other; I hope that it stays that way.
Peter, Alan, Dick, Thanks for the advice. It is likely that I should have released the sheets more as I made the turn. Also as Dick pointed out, I may have made the turn too quickly and should have eased the boat around. I didn't take into consideration the speed of the boat which was about 5.5 knots. To Bob, with "absolute respect" yours are the kind of comment that ruins a forum like this. A broad reach is sailing with the wind behind you, which is sailing downwind to me. No I was not sailing directly down wind on a run. I'm sorry if my description wasn't as precise as it could have been, but others seemd to understand it. But that wasn't the point of the question in any case. This has been a great place to ask questions and get excellent answers in order to improve my sailing and to improve my boat. I see others feel the same way. A non threatening community where people help each other; I hope that it stays that way.
Give Bob A Break, OK
I am sure that he is a newer member to the forums. He will learn that answers and questions need to be salted with charity. Communication is tough enough without the emotional baggage of flames.
I am sure that he is a newer member to the forums. He will learn that answers and questions need to be salted with charity. Communication is tough enough without the emotional baggage of flames.
I Disagree with Merg.
No offense intended toward Bob and just my 2cents, but most appear to understand a question from a novice isn't well served with a nit-picking answer & more likely to drive him away. On a positive note, it would be helpfull in offering constructive advise on this Forum, to fill out an Owner Profile showing our background and at least the size and type of boat(s) we are familiar with. Did't find background profile on PMeyers either and it could help to know whether he's on a Hunter 26-centerboarder or water balasted or a Macgreggor and any prior experience on other boats.
No offense intended toward Bob and just my 2cents, but most appear to understand a question from a novice isn't well served with a nit-picking answer & more likely to drive him away. On a positive note, it would be helpfull in offering constructive advise on this Forum, to fill out an Owner Profile showing our background and at least the size and type of boat(s) we are familiar with. Did't find background profile on PMeyers either and it could help to know whether he's on a Hunter 26-centerboarder or water balasted or a Macgreggor and any prior experience on other boats.
don'forget the jib
I'd suggest also easing the jib sheet, or even better, if you're using a furler, to furl the jib down before making your turn. That kind of wind can heel you over with even just the relatively small jib out. If using a furler, you can always bring it back out after you turn. If not using a furler, be careful not to let the jib out so much that it flogs and wraps the sheets. I have to use a lot of these same methods, as my wife enjoys sailing, but hates heeling. Good luck...
I'd suggest also easing the jib sheet, or even better, if you're using a furler, to furl the jib down before making your turn. That kind of wind can heel you over with even just the relatively small jib out. If using a furler, you can always bring it back out after you turn. If not using a furler, be careful not to let the jib out so much that it flogs and wraps the sheets. I have to use a lot of these same methods, as my wife enjoys sailing, but hates heeling. Good luck...
Bob, Are You....
...and Mark related? Your profile and Mark's are intertwined on this website. Click on your (Bob's) profile and it shows your active posts and your archived posts. Many of the "Bob" posts are pretty offensive (Boat Babe thread). Phil had to censor your "F" bomb recently. Then, many of Mark's posts are listed... All very courtous and constructive. I've never known Mark to be so negative. He's saved my bacon a couple of times with his knowledgable and courtous advice. Thanks again Mark! You both have impecable sailing credentials, although Mark has never seen a need to list his in such crass detail. If you two are the same person, I want the old "Mark" back. If you are different people, learn from Mark. I have. BrianW
...and Mark related? Your profile and Mark's are intertwined on this website. Click on your (Bob's) profile and it shows your active posts and your archived posts. Many of the "Bob" posts are pretty offensive (Boat Babe thread). Phil had to censor your "F" bomb recently. Then, many of Mark's posts are listed... All very courtous and constructive. I've never known Mark to be so negative. He's saved my bacon a couple of times with his knowledgable and courtous advice. Thanks again Mark! You both have impecable sailing credentials, although Mark has never seen a need to list his in such crass detail. If you two are the same person, I want the old "Mark" back. If you are different people, learn from Mark. I have. BrianW
To everyone who enjoys this forum
Only a few moments ago, thanks to Brian, it was brought to my attention that one of my employees was using one of our companies computers portraying himself as a yachtsman going under the name of Bob from Darwin..Further investigation has revealed that his posts over the past years have been insulting, negative, rude and offensive. Let me assure everyone that he will not be contributing to this forum in the future and in fact will not be part of our work place as at midday today. My sincere apologies to everyone for over the many years I truly believe I have made some strong friendships and really enjoyed not only helping people out when I can but also benefited from the words of wisdom from many contributors. Phil if you are reading this is there anyway these posts can be cleared. Regards to all and happy sailing..Well it is for us downunder as we head towards summer..
Only a few moments ago, thanks to Brian, it was brought to my attention that one of my employees was using one of our companies computers portraying himself as a yachtsman going under the name of Bob from Darwin..Further investigation has revealed that his posts over the past years have been insulting, negative, rude and offensive. Let me assure everyone that he will not be contributing to this forum in the future and in fact will not be part of our work place as at midday today. My sincere apologies to everyone for over the many years I truly believe I have made some strong friendships and really enjoyed not only helping people out when I can but also benefited from the words of wisdom from many contributors. Phil if you are reading this is there anyway these posts can be cleared. Regards to all and happy sailing..Well it is for us downunder as we head towards summer..
ask again
You should probably ask your question again as it seems to have been lost is some other controversy which I have not interest in. Sorry, ask again.
You should probably ask your question again as it seems to have been lost is some other controversy which I have not interest in. Sorry, ask again.
Pmeyers, I Appreciate Your Question
and the thoughtful answers provided by other posters. I'm sorry for my role in carrying your legitamate post away from its subject. While I feel I had a valid concern, I should have voiced this concern in a seperate message topic. This is a wonderful forum and has been a very valuable resourse for me and many other folks. Pmeyers and others, again I apologise for intruding on this thread and hope you continue to participate with your great questions and insights. BrianW
and the thoughtful answers provided by other posters. I'm sorry for my role in carrying your legitamate post away from its subject. While I feel I had a valid concern, I should have voiced this concern in a seperate message topic. This is a wonderful forum and has been a very valuable resourse for me and many other folks. Pmeyers and others, again I apologise for intruding on this thread and hope you continue to participate with your great questions and insights. BrianW
No apology necessary
Brian, I received some good answers, things that I will apply/try next time I'm out, hopefully today. I pulled the post because things got a little strange. The question was probably phrased a little too dramatically; never was a question of safety, it was really a question of comfort level. Probably posted to the forum prematurely, should have spent more time trying to work things out on my own. There are a lot of good people here, such as yourself, and I appreciate the time that they dedicate to helping others.
Brian, I received some good answers, things that I will apply/try next time I'm out, hopefully today. I pulled the post because things got a little strange. The question was probably phrased a little too dramatically; never was a question of safety, it was really a question of comfort level. Probably posted to the forum prematurely, should have spent more time trying to work things out on my own. There are a lot of good people here, such as yourself, and I appreciate the time that they dedicate to helping others.
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