weather helm

[pat]

I have a 1983 Hunter 25' and am having whats' been explained to me as "weather helm".In heavier winds the boat heels to a certain point then rounds up into the wind. A veteran explained some possible scenarios for this, but I'm interested in seeing if anyone else has experienced this.

 

[Alan Long]

Mast rake

I've found that the angle of the mast makes a big difference regarding weather helm. If you tune the rigging and carefully set the mast angle (rake and prebend) if will make a dramatic difference.Alan Long1994 23.5

 

[Gary Wyngarden]

Hi Pat,Yes, I imagine every sailor who visits this site has experienced weather helm. A little weather helm is a good thing. Too much as you've probably discovered makes the boat uncomfortable and difficult to control. Mast rake as has been suggested is one thing to consider, but there are easier things to adjust when you are on the water. When the angle of heel and weather helm become too much, overall you want to depower the sails, the main in particular. Assuming you have a traveller, let it down to leeward. Let out some mainsheet. Even if these steps cause the main to luff, it will help your heel and weather helm without slowing the boat appreciably. Tightening the halyard and the outhaul to flatten the sail will depower it and help you. If you still have too much heel and weather helm, it's time to take a reef in the main and maybe roll up some of your genoa as well if you have roller furling. Hope this helps.Gary WyngardenS/V Shibumi H335

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Good advice

Gary's second paragraph is a succint outline of coping with weather helm. Never be afraid to reef early, since the boat likes to reef. Thereis no percentage in listing past 15 degrees, or fighting the helm. Always best to find equilibrium where you have just enough sail to power the boat well. Anything more is overkill, and counterproductive. This subject, by the way, is the essence of sailing and what makes it such a wonderful challenge. Enjoy!

 

[David Foster]

Check your mainsail

A blown out main will add to heel, and weather helm, while reducing drive. If your mainsail is older than 10 years, have a sailmaker take a look at it (a free service) and recommend a plan for you.A large genny (135 to 155) can also cause weather helm.I agree with the other comments that mast rake, reefing and tuning can reduce weather helm.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Debra B]

weather helm means center of effort is too high

In high winds, you need to reef the mainsail. If the weather helm is not too bad - winds not too strong, try easing the mainsheet.

 

[Debra B]

boats sail faster - generally - on their feet

If you don't reef, the available energy in the wind is wasted keeping the boat "sailing on its ear." You will go faster if you avoid excessive heel.