Dinghy Sailing with little wind

[muskie]

It may be a bit off topic but can't find the answer from other area.

People always saying that when sailing the dinghy with little wind, it's better to put some weight on the leeward side (to make it heel) to make it run faster.

But, can't find the reason why this happened. Since the design of the dinghy should run more efficient while as flat as possible, do you have the answer?

Thanks!!!

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[dralex]

The reason I was told is to make the sail shape and set better with the help of gravity ie it hangs off the mast. At very low speeds, it can also help to reduce the wetted surface area- not sure how much difference this would make. COuld all be heresay and old sailors tales.

<hr width=100% size=1>Life's too short- do it now./forums/images/icons/wink.gif

 

[kds]

A couple of answers, really.
It reduces wetted area of the boat (particularly if you move forward too - large flat area of stern can be lifted) and hence reduces the friction slowing you down.
It puts a bit of shape into the sail by taking the curve over to the leeward side, so what little wind is available isn't wasted blowing a shape into the sail.
By the way - in really light airs - flatten out your sails and only put shape back into them as the wind picks up.
Good sailing !
Ken

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[Sunnyseeker]

I think I'm going to be doing this this evening,
If its really light it keeps the sail shape, if theres a little wind some boats like Laser 1 sail better upwind heeled to windward, (it gives a better angle of attack of the centre board as the boat tips up on its nose a bit) Light winds you sit forward and lift the stern so the boat tips forwards, but heeling to leeward means that as you bring it up you get a bit of drive, in the lulls...or when a boat tries to squezze above you.
The shape of the hull has a big part to play, if its got a big flat bottom its better to run on the corner, less surface area...

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[Goodge]

Have a look a laser sailors do this. In light winds downwind they are far forward by the mast , well heeled with a large corner of transom out of the water, thus reducing wetted surface area
They will also have their centrboards raised further reducing wetted surface area and they can also hold the boom out as well to present best mainsail angle to the wind.

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[StugeronSteve]

I think the heat must be getting to me. If a vessel's displacement remains constant, then surely it's wetted area remains constant, unless there is a change in water density or something. When other forces (such as forward motion) are at work I can see how a boat is lifted out of the water, but not when static or at very low speeds. Sure this will all become perfectly clear once I get home and have a cold beer, but until then????????

<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.

 

[kds]

Yep - the heat is getting to you !
Equal displacement does not mean equal wetted surface.
A spherical shape gives least wetted surface and a flat box the most.
But enjoy the beer - I would join you if invited ?
Ken

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[cameronke]

Hello SturgeonSteve

The displacement is of a volume and different shapes will present different surfaces in contact for a given constant volume.

Engineers are not noted for their powers of English and expression

Have that beer and one for me too

Regards
Cameron

<hr width=100% size=1>Work to live, live to sail

 

[StugeronSteve]

Doh..

It didn't need a beer. Thanks anyway though...

ps. Had the beer a beer a bit later.

<hr width=100% size=1>Think I'll draw some little rabbits on my head, from a distance they might be mistaken for hairs.

 

[William_H]

But mostly its cos gravity will tend to hold the curve of the sail otwards where it would be if there were any wind to push it into shape. enjoy the hot weather? me I am grumpy about cold weather but then I have something to look forward to in few months regards will

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[Hardley]

Many years ago, during my dinghy racing days, in light winds, I would sit with crew to leeward, helps mainsail hold its shape.
Don't forget to raise centre plate when off the wind and even raise rudder, if you have a lifting rudder.
If going against the tide, crew would be sent to lay on foredeck, with myself moving into crews position, I then used the jib stick clipped to tiller to steer with. Try it and see how you pull away from other boats.
Another good tip is to use, thinner, light weight jib sheets, helps the jib to fill quicker and hold its shape, infact I still use my old light weight sheets on my cruiser when the wind is light.

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[Hardley]

Re: Dinghy Sailing with little wind

Many years ago, during my dinghy racing days, in light winds, I would sit with crew to leeward, helps mainsail hold its shape.
Don't forget to raise centre plate when off the wind and even raise rudder, if you have a lifting rudder.
If going against the tide, crew would be sent to lay on foredeck, with myself moving into crews position, I then used the jib stick clipped to tiller to steer with. Try it and see how you pull away from other boats.
Another good tip is to use, thinner, light weight jib sheets, helps the jib to fill quicker and hold its shape, infact I still use my old light weight sheets on my cruiser when the wind is light.



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