[Rhodes22-list] Need advice on basic sailing of an R-22 in higher winds

[Ken Bates]

Mark
I have had my 86 for 4 years. I sail on a gusty inland lake in Michigan. There are a few tips I have learned (ongoing process) about windy weather with the Rhodes. Let me say that on my lake, waves seldom get more than a foot and a half high. I sail single hand, even when the admiral is aboard (wonderful woman, no physics in her head). First, you probably can’t tip it over in any sane set of conditions. My son and I tried one day wind 25 + and gusty, 175 Genny full out, IMF main full out, but low position, 7 knots by GPS. We tried to burry the rail, but as we got close the rudder would loose effect and the rhodes would round up and head into the wind, repeatedly. Note: don’t sail close to the lee side of obstacles in strong conditions. The second big thing was leaning how to heave-to. when sailing in strong conditions on my lake there are often periods of much higher velocity wind. When these periods are too much for my canvass, and rounding up, flapping sails, jerking lines and singing rigging are overwhelming, heaving-to quiets all, and dumps the main, allowing easy adjusting of the IMF, and providing a reduction in adrenaline production.
Starting with a small triangle “storm jib” out from the Genny and a partial main, that is manageable in 20+ wind. Come about to a  starboard tack or  winch the jib sheet to the port side, let the main sheet go, and take the tiller to starboard (port turn). The backwinded jib will balance the rudder leaving the main slack and boom to starboard easing operation of the IMF and providing a calming respite with a leeward drift. I did relocate the out-haul cleat from the end of the boom so I can stand in the companionway (braced) and have control of the in, and outhaul lines. Running the Jib sheets inside the rigging seems necessary to go upwind in really strong conditions. Stretch your comfort zone, this boat is very well designed, and beginner tolerant!
Ken
On Oct 31, 2013, at 12:00 PM, rhodes22-list-request at rhodes22.org wrote:

> Need advice on basic sailing of an R-22 in
> 	higher	winds