[Rhodes22-list] More windy practice on Pandion

[John Lock]

Hi folks,

Sailors in the southeast have enjoyed several days of strong winds 
thanks to the low off the coast in the Atlantic (now 
"Andrea").  Probably too much wind on the coast, but in central GA 
we've had 3 straight days of gusty 10-15 winds and probably have a 
few more before it moves :-)

So, we've been getting in more practice with heavier than usual 
wind.  First lesson learned - start with the main reefed.  It's damn 
hard to reef non-IMF once you're out in it!  So, I start out by 
hoisting the main most of the way, then roll about 4 turns around the 
boom, then finish tightening the main and cleat it.  This seems to be 
a good first reef and it's pretty easy to unroll and hoist the rest 
of the way if the wind lets up.

Once underway, I start unfurling the jib a little at a time to get a 
feel for where it balances well.  As the wind gusts, I might get too 
much weather helm as it tries to head up.  So first, I'll try pulling 
out more jib (if I don't have a lot out already).  Otherwise, I try 
easing the main to reduce power aft of "center".  Pretty soon I'll 
get things pretty well balanced for the average conditions.  Then it 
becomes a matter of making quick changes as the wind comes and goes.

Most of our practice has been reaching or close-hauled.  Wind 
direction and narrow lake channels have made running a rare case so far.

This is all great fun, but certainly not what I'd call "leisurely 
sailing".  I don't understand the magazine photos of people loafing 
around the cockpit enjoying drinks while the boat careens along at a 
20 degree heel!  But that's advertising for ya :-)

I just try to remember all the stuff I read and make decisions based 
on what feels right at the time.  The books and videos don't tell you 
that part!  Lake sailing makes it even more challenging because the 
wind is rarely consistent in speed or direction and the variations 
can be pretty extreme.  So, there's not much time for loafing about 
as I try to hold a steady course and maintain forward motion.

I suppose this gets easier with time and experience.  Right now I 
often come back from a sail exhausted... which is not a bad thing, 
just unexpected.  Or maybe there's a racer in me that I didn't know 
was there.  Time will tell.

Cheers!

John Lock
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s/v Pandion - '79 Rhodes 22
Lake Sinclair, GA
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