[Public-list] Wind and sails on the A30

[Michael Connolly]

Hello,
My experience in both racing and cruising large and small boats is that too much sail up in high winds is slower and worse, places more/unnecessary pressure on the rig.  It is a balance thing.  I am usually looking for a neutral helm, modest heel and a straight track, i.e., control. Sails are adjusted/reduced to achieve these three.  As helmsman you will know when the boat is in balance.................all is quiet and sweet.......smoooooooth.
 
Once achieved, a balanced boat will be much happier and provide more comfort for her skipper and crew.  While sailing I have found that sail trim and point of sail adjusted for greater boat speed is also the most comfortable for boat and crew. Pinch up when needed to reduce pressure.
 
Instead of pounding into seas with too much sail and trimmed for beating. (There is a reason it is called beating). Try reducing sail, fall off a bit, ease trim and reduce heel.  You will find that you will get to the windward mark or home sooner and with less fatigue. 
 
The boat will also thank you with fewer repair bills.
 
Michael Connolly

FINNUS505 at aol.com wrote:
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
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