[Public-list] Wind and sails on the A30

[FINNUS505 at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/18/2004 9:26:33 AM Eastern Standard Time,  
MICHAEL.J.MEINHOLD at saic.com writes:

and  18-20 knots with genoa and full main.
We've been getting to know Stargzer these past two seasons sailing her. I  
guess I am a scaredee cat; the number one comes in when it gets above 8, the  
number two at 12-15, and the number three above 18. I've got a nice little high  
clew storm jib for above 18 that balances nicely with the reefed main. First  
reef goes into the main at 16 or so. Second reef above 25. We haven't gone to 
a  third reef yet. 
 
I felt I was getting the best speed out of the boat when her lee toe rail  
was a couple of inches above the water. When I wait too long to reduce sail, I  
feel she is overpowered and sluggish on the helm. Plus, changing headsails on  
the fordeck is more of chore the higher the winds, so sooner is definitely  
easier and better than later.
 
When we sailed the Alberg 22, there was more incentive to reduce sail on  
time; with her low freeboard, we got soaking wet if she was carrying too much  
sail!!!!!!!!!!!  Maybe I am still over-reactive from those  days!!!!!!!!!
 
'Someday' we may put in a good roller furling/reefing system for the  
headsail, with a good, well shaped headsail, and then with the task of reducing  sail 
so much easier, we may carry on under more sail longer. We'll see. :)
 
Thoughts?
 
Lee Trachtenberg
Stargazer #255