[Rhodes22-list] Tip for Sudden Heavy Winds

[Bill Effros]

I don't fool around in true 30 kt winds, or substantial waves, so I 
don't know.   If you control the jib you shouldn't have a problem with 
the waves pushing the bow back.  Sometimes I let the jib way out so it 
will fill with air 10 feet off the leeward side of the boat, then pull 
the sail back in again when things are under control.

Your point about forward cleating IMF sails is well taken.  It's a 
problem you don't see coming until it happens--and it happens at time 
when you don't have the luxury of figuring out how you're going to 
safely solve it.

Bill Effros

Stephen Staum wrote:

> Neat trick.  Will it work with the usual large waves (2' or more) 
> associated with an over 30 knot wind?  I have had problems with the 
> waves pushing the bow back while tacking in strong winds.
>
> Also, all IMF sailors:  be SURE to cleat your main sail furling line 
> at the forward cleat on the boom.  I got caught last summer in a very 
> strong wind and could not pull the boom close enough to the cockpit to 
> reef the main with the furling line cleated on the aft cleat.  This 
> created an unneccessarily exciting experience.  A lesson well 
> learned.  SS
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Effros" <bill at effros.com>
> To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2005 2:58 PM
> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Sailing Backwards
>
>
>> Bill,
>>
>> Another great tacking technique is sailing backwards.
>>
>> If you almost cross the wind, but don't quite make it, instead of 
>> reversing everything you've done, hold your ground as the wind starts 
>> to push you backwards.  Steer with the tiller to keep your bow 
>> pointed into the wind until you build some backward momentum.  
>> Remember, everything on the tiller now works backwards, too -- a 
>> great mental challenge.  When you've got some weigh on, sharply turn 
>> the tiller so that the bow is forced to cross the wind.  Then reset 
>> the sails, shift into forward, and sail off.
>>
>> It's really neat, and you can hear people on other boats saying 
>> "how'd he do that?"
>>
>> Practice in 10-15 kt. winds.  You need enough wind so you can be 
>> pushed backwards.
>>
>> Bill Effros
>>
>> William E. Wickman wrote:
>>
>>> I was out on Ft. Loudon lake yesterday and it was wild.  Wind was 
>>> blowing
>>> 15-20 with gusts near 30.  I was furled to storm sized jib and just 
>>> a small
>>> triangle for the main and still got slammed by the gusts.  I was amazed
>>> that the boat  heeled even while I was motoring back to my slip with no
>>> sails at all!
>>>
>>> I had trouble tacking in this wind so here is a question for the group.
>>> What is the best strategy for tacking in high winds when you are 
>>> reefed to
>>> the max?  I know that you need good boat speed, but even then the 
>>> boat just
>>> seemed to stall out.
>>>
>>> Bill W.
>>> --------------------------
>>>
>>>
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>
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