Sail a H280 and have not found the ideal wind speed to assume when to set my two reefing points. I would be very interested in hearing at what wind speeds other owner’s of the Hunter rigging are using as a guide to start reefing (1st, 2nd). One clear problem that I am having is far too much weather helm. I do race and I can see the "large" amount of disturbed water leaving my stern along with the obvious over steering that I am forced to get the boat where I want it. I have been working on the mast tuning, but I feel that I my excessively heeling may be due to just too much cloth in the air. I am starting to believe that my first reef may be needed as low as 12 to 15 knots? Is anyone else setting this low while working on max performance?
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Scott
You are right on the mark
I put in my first reef on my 28.5 right at 12-15 knots. I too experience severe weather helm around that wind speed. Going to my first reef point eliminates weather helm and balances my boat very nicely, while maintaining or actually gaining speed. I have sailed across the Chesapeake Bay (about 22 miles) without touching the wheel (no auto-pilot) or sheets with main reefed as mentioned above. Try it, I think you'll find it works well.
I put in my first reef on my 28.5 right at 12-15 knots. I too experience severe weather helm around that wind speed. Going to my first reef point eliminates weather helm and balances my boat very nicely, while maintaining or actually gaining speed. I have sailed across the Chesapeake Bay (about 22 miles) without touching the wheel (no auto-pilot) or sheets with main reefed as mentioned above. Try it, I think you'll find it works well.
I'd agree
It seems that most of the newer boats with B & R rigs all need the first reef at about 12-15kts. (probably some exceptions). The next reef seems to be around 18-20 kts. Once the winds get much over 25-30 it is time to drop the jib or put up a storm jib. If you check the archives you will find this is quite common. All the boats are slightly different and all the sailors have different comfort levels.
It seems that most of the newer boats with B & R rigs all need the first reef at about 12-15kts. (probably some exceptions). The next reef seems to be around 18-20 kts. Once the winds get much over 25-30 it is time to drop the jib or put up a storm jib. If you check the archives you will find this is quite common. All the boats are slightly different and all the sailors have different comfort levels.
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Bill O'Donovan
One more thing
I would add that you'll know it's blowing 12-15 when you start to see whitecaps. To avoid reefing (if it's late in the day or you're solo), simply pull in the jib. That will do the trick in most cases, reducing weather helm. What newcomers need to realize is that the boat likes a reef, because it reduces weather helm and listing without reducing speed. So it's actually preferred.
I would add that you'll know it's blowing 12-15 when you start to see whitecaps. To avoid reefing (if it's late in the day or you're solo), simply pull in the jib. That will do the trick in most cases, reducing weather helm. What newcomers need to realize is that the boat likes a reef, because it reduces weather helm and listing without reducing speed. So it's actually preferred.
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Gary Wyngarden
Traveller Trim
I singlehand my Hunter 335 a lot and reefing can be a pain. I've found I can avoid reefing in the 12-15 knot wind speed range by easing the traveller to leeward as the wind builds. This changes the angle of attack on the apparent wind. You'll get some backwind effect on the main, but it doesn't reduce boatspeed and it keeps the weather helm under control. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
I singlehand my Hunter 335 a lot and reefing can be a pain. I've found I can avoid reefing in the 12-15 knot wind speed range by easing the traveller to leeward as the wind builds. This changes the angle of attack on the apparent wind. You'll get some backwind effect on the main, but it doesn't reduce boatspeed and it keeps the weather helm under control. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
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Paul
336 -- always reef really early
I put in the first reef on my 336 somewhere between 12-15 knots apparent, and leave the jib completely rolled out. That'll get rid of your weather helm for sure. Don't know about the 280, but the 336 doesn't sail very well when it's heeled.
I put in the first reef on my 336 somewhere between 12-15 knots apparent, and leave the jib completely rolled out. That'll get rid of your weather helm for sure. Don't know about the 280, but the 336 doesn't sail very well when it's heeled.
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Working From Home
Thanks to everyone
Thanks everyone from my crew and me. Unfortunately last night’s race was in winds under 10. However, we have discussed it and are looking forward to testing out what you have all shared. I don’t know if it is a guy thing or me just personally, but reefing in what appears to be such moderate winds is just tough to do. If it works, it will be an easy item to overcome. Thanks again.
Thanks everyone from my crew and me. Unfortunately last night’s race was in winds under 10. However, we have discussed it and are looking forward to testing out what you have all shared. I don’t know if it is a guy thing or me just personally, but reefing in what appears to be such moderate winds is just tough to do. If it works, it will be an easy item to overcome. Thanks again.
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