Westerly Centaur help

[darcher]

Last summer I purchased an old Westerly Centaur. I am retired and new to sailing. Although I “successfully” sailed last summer, I ran into some difficulties, one of which was trimming the mainsail. Each time that I raised the mainsail or trimmed it when the wind came up, I had to have assistance. Furling the main sail on the boom was difficult in that I had to have help removing the tabs from the slot, and the sail tended to wrap forward, which necessitated corrections and re-adjustment. It took four hands and the process was very slow. I am 65 and fairly agile, but this process made me feel like the bungling beginner that I am, and for safety I need to speed up this process. Any suggestions? (I will be attending a sailing class this summer, but I do not know if this will be addressed.)

Finally, if anyone who has a Centaur would like to contact me, I have a few questions. I promise not to be a pest. My email is archdave@gmail.com. Thanks.
Dave Archer

 

[sailingdog]

While I don't have a centaur, I'd ask a few questions to help others help you.

How is the mainsail furled, does it use the boom as a roller and wrap around it? If so, you'd probably be better off switching to slab reefing, which is more reliable than an old roller reefing setup.

Second, taking at least an ASA 101 basic learn to sail type course can do a lot for you. It gives you a very solid foundation of knowledge and basic sailing fundamentals. I see you plan on taking one this summer... Taking it earlier in the season, rather than later would probably be a good idea.

Third, I'd highly recommend you get Dave Seidman's book, The Complete Sailor and read it... it is probably the best sailing primer written currently. It covers a bit wider a swath of sailing history, theory and technique than most other sailing primers.

Fourth, please equip your boat with jacklines and use a harness and tether if you're going to be singlehanding the boat. When singlehanding a boat, the primary safety goal is to STAY ON THE BOAT.

 

[Don12364]

Hi,
As you will know already Westerlys were built in Britain and there were very many of the Centaur.
There is a lively class association in existence and I feel sure they would be pleased to offer advice whether you are a member or not; but the subs are modest should you wish to join.
See http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/ and Centaur the pic below.

You might wish to convert to slab reefing with the reefing lines lead aft and no need to remove sliders from mast or go to up on deck at all.

I owned the Pageant for 7 years and it is the little sister to the Centaur and it was my 'starter' cruiser also.
From my viewpoint both Westerlys are first class in robustness and handling.
Enjoy!