[Rhodes22-list] Rudder angle, tacking, and racing

[Leland]

You guys got me thinking.  Sometimes when my sails are balanced and the wind
is steady and there isn't much chop and the moon is in the 7th hour, I sail
hands-free without the tiller being locked into place.  This is typically on
a close reach with the centerboard up, and any slight shift in rail meat can
mess it up.  In those situations, do you think I could pull my rudder
completely out of the water?  If a little marine growth can slow you down, I
can imagine how much drag a big rudder causes.

My boat is still in the water--I'll give it a try next time out.

Lee



Tropical Man wrote:
> 
> I do raise the rudder when in light air or anytime I'm running. I does
> make a big difference.
> 
> Luis
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Robert Skinner <robert at squirrelhaven.com>
> To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 8:47:36 PM
> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Rudder angle, tacking, and racing
> 
> When you angle the rudder aft, it has the effect 
> of changing the foil shape to one more efficient 
> for slower speeds.  This reduces the stall speed 
> of the rudder just as a flap does on an airplane 
> wing.  
> 
> So, to check this theory while racing, lift the 
> rudder when tacking, but lower it when running 
> free or in strong wind.  
> 
> When on a beam reach, having the rudder aligned 
> with the axis of the gudgeons will reduce tiller 
> effort if the sails are not balanced, or if you
> get a great gust with a weather helm.
> 
> Betcha you will go faster.  Let me know - I'm
> out of the water 'til spring.
> 
> /Robert
> --------------------------------------------------
> Leland wrote:
>> 
>> Jb,
>> 
>> First of all, great pictures.  Your boat is beautiful and your pictures
>> of
>> the regatta reminded me that Annapolis isn't the only place to see a
>> bunch
>> of sailboats.  Catch that fish off of your Rhodes?
>> 
>> I never thought about lifting the rudder to reduce drag on a tack.  
>> Although
>> it makes sense, I probably won't do it just out of pure laziness.  Is
>> this a
>> common technique with the racing crowd?
>> 
>> Lee
>> 1986 Rhodes22  At Ease
>> Crab Alley (Kent Island, MD)
>> 
>> Just bent wrote:
>> >
>> > I did that on purpose so when I throw the tiller over to tack, it
>> doesn't
>> > put on the brakes as much, but still turns.
>> > Jb
>> >
>> >
>> > Rob Lowe wrote:
>> >>
>> >> Just bent,
>> >> Just finished looking at your photos (thanks).  Noticed the position
>> of
>> >> your
>> >> rudder.  It appears not to be down all the way.  Is there some sort or
>> a
>> >> "down haul" that pulls the rudder down into a vertical position?   Try
>> it
>> >> and
>> >> see if your maneuvering improves. - rob
>> >>
>> >> Rob Lowe
>> >> S/V Getaway
>> >>
>> >> ----- Original Message -----
>> >> From: "Just bent" <j.bulfer at jbtek.com>
>> >> To: <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>> >> Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2007 11:39 PM
>> >> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] new boat position
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>>
>> >>> I moved my boat about 12" forward on the trailer. It towed much
>> better.
>> >> I'll
>> >>> check the weight tomorrow.
>> >>> Lots of sailors out today. New pics on the ftp site.
>> >>>
>> >>> ftp://ftp.jbtek.com/pub/
>> >>>
>> >>> Jbulfer
>> >>> "Just bent"
>> >>> http://www.nabble.com/file/p13688442/DSC00958.jpeg
>> >>> http://www.nabble.com/file/p13688442/DSC00928.jpeg
>> >>> --
>> >>> View this message in context:
>> >> http://www.nabble.com/new-boat-position-tf4784775.html#a13688442
>> >>> Sent from the Rhodes 22 mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>> >>>
>> >>> __________________________________________________
>> >>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> __________________________________________________
>> >> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>> >>
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>> 
>> --
>> View this message in context:
>> http://www.nabble.com/new-boat-position-tf4784775.html#a13746323
>> Sent from the Rhodes 22 mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>> 
>> __________________________________________________
>> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> 
> -- 
> Robert Skinner  "Squirrel Haven" 
> Gorham, Maine        04038-1331
> s/v "Little Dipper" & "Edith P."
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
> 
> 
>      
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> 
> 

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