I'm curious: What windspeed is the max that is safe to take my 25 out in? It's the 4 foot draft version. The guy I bught it from had it set up with a reef main and 110 jib, both canvas. I've been out and had gusts across the beam push the railing at the edge of the deck(but only amidship where the boat is at it's widest) into the water. I've had some people tell me that's right where I want to be but I'm new to this and am still learning the boat and it's safe limits. I'm curious how strong the wind would have to come across the beam to capsize me. When it gets uncomfortable I put the bow into the wind until it dies down a bit. I sail in the upper Chesapeake, and am hoping to make the trip from Middle River to St. Michael's this Fall once I'm sure of my ability with the boat.
Windspeed, heel, and comfort zone.
- Thread starter Sixgun77
- Start date
- Status
Your boat can take more than you can...
The 70's (Cherubini) h25 is a very capable boat. Some thoughts:
The wind will not capsize your boat. They can cause a knock-down - the mast goes down to the water. But your keel will right the boat when the wind eases.
It takes a breaking wave higher than your beam (9 feet) striking you on the beam to capsize your boat. And it takes significant time for waves to build up to that height. Plenty of time to find sheltered waters on the Chesapeake.
Learn how to reef your main and genny. This is the key to sailing in winds over 20 knots. We have been quite comfortable in winds up to 30 knots. In higher winds, we are uneasy, but quite safe with a double reef in our main, and the genny furled.
If you are heeling over 20 degrees, you are carrying too much sail. Reef, and you will be more comfortable, and faster!
Good luck! Take a course in your area. Learn how to take care of your boat, and it will take care of you.
The 70's (Cherubini) h25 is a very capable boat. Some thoughts:
The wind will not capsize your boat. They can cause a knock-down - the mast goes down to the water. But your keel will right the boat when the wind eases.
It takes a breaking wave higher than your beam (9 feet) striking you on the beam to capsize your boat. And it takes significant time for waves to build up to that height. Plenty of time to find sheltered waters on the Chesapeake.
Learn how to reef your main and genny. This is the key to sailing in winds over 20 knots. We have been quite comfortable in winds up to 30 knots. In higher winds, we are uneasy, but quite safe with a double reef in our main, and the genny furled.
If you are heeling over 20 degrees, you are carrying too much sail. Reef, and you will be more comfortable, and faster!
Good luck! Take a course in your area. Learn how to take care of your boat, and it will take care of you.
To add: in general, your rig won't hit the water. What happens as the boat heels more, there is less sail area facing the wind, so between the keel and less sail, it will pop back up. Most boats of that size have hull shapes that will also turn the bow into the wind as she heels over.
I agree, learn to reef.
Have a great trip.
I agree, learn to reef.
Have a great trip.
Thanks guys. Mine is not a Cherubini, only has 3 portlights, and I think the Cherubini's have 4. From watching the weather 10mph winds seem a little too tame, and around 16mph is when it starts getting hairy at times. I guess capsize was the wrong term, I want to avoid the mast and rig hitting water, canvas is heavy when wet!
I hear what everyone is saying. Having been in a knock down wind situation last week for the first time, it scared the hell out of me, did not panic, but had to think it through. As the boat turned into the wind, I was able to get a reef in, (I only have one), and that was a struggle. My halyard for the main kept getting stuck in the open clutch for some reason, making it very hard to haul down. Furled the Genoa in to make a storm jib, which was not a problem. However I ended up dropping the main sail and started the motor to head into sheltered waters. The Chesapeake Bay area is notorious for these sudden wind squalls. Knowing what to do, step by step is important, Getting the sails under control, having all your lines organized and ready for any change is key. When this occurs again, I will be more experienced and will take it in stride. There is a first for everything and its all part of the sailing experience.
Question: How big does a sail need to be to warrant a second reefing line?
Question: How big does a sail need to be to warrant a second reefing line?
And don't forget the failsafe (and practice it occasionally) of furling the jib and dropping the main. the Bay in summer we get wind gust fronts that produce 70+ knot winds for 15 minutes then everything this back normal with the wind from a new direction. Makes it kinda silly to reef down to the third only to un-reef 30 minutes later. Keep sailing, watch the water and clouds and drop the main just before the gust. Sail under bare pole till the wind abates.
Not sure about the year of yor boat but windows do not count. If you have a Hunter prior to 83 you probably have a Cherubini. This is a great little boat.
I doubt that you will experience much in inland waters that this boat cannot handle. Reefing is oneof the best safety measurers that you can learn.
I doubt that you will experience much in inland waters that this boat cannot handle. Reefing is oneof the best safety measurers that you can learn.
Having sailed so many different style boats over the years of course referring to the smaller boats, I have found that 12-14 degree of heel is max for any boat as a standard rule. Some are amazed but sailing a little flatter, you will go faster. When the winds kicked up, I would furl the jib in and/or loosen the sheet lines. As the wind increases depending on the boat, I would either furl the jib in or all the way and/or reef.
If under reefed main only with the only option left of sheeting out all the way is still workable, fine. After that point, I use to tell my customers to come in and enjoy sailing a later time. Good advice but if caught in a storm that suddenly occurs, take the sails down and motor in. Each boat though will be different in handling but the above generally worked well for me.
crazy dave condon
If under reefed main only with the only option left of sheeting out all the way is still workable, fine. After that point, I use to tell my customers to come in and enjoy sailing a later time. Good advice but if caught in a storm that suddenly occurs, take the sails down and motor in. Each boat though will be different in handling but the above generally worked well for me.
crazy dave condon
- Status