Hiking out to leeward in light airs

[BlueSkyNick]

When healing over whilst close hauled, the crew sit in the windward side to keep the boat as upright as possible to optimise the lift from sails and keel.

So what is the science in putting them on the leeward side in light airs?

 

[TQA]

Depending on hull shape it can reduce wetted area.

 

[Seajet]

It makes the sails fall into their correct shape rather than slatting about, so any light winds going have max effect and drive.

 

[mrming]

Also depending on hull shape, getting crew weight forward (as well as to leeward) can help get the transom out of the water and reduce drag further.

 

[Skylark]

Spot the dinghy sailor :encouragement:

 

[lpdsn]

When healing over whilst close hauled, the crew sit in the windward side to keep the boat as upright as possible to optimise the lift from sails and keel.

So what is the science in putting them on the leeward side in light airs?

Gets the sails to fall into shape, so that any zephyrs can be used to advantage rather than just flapping the sails.

More usual to lie down than actually hike to leeward. make sure the crew don't distort the sail shape. Also don't block flow through the slot.

Crew weight forward and to leeward reduces the wetted surface area and hence frictional drag. Waterline length isn't significant at low speeds. Putting two or three crew in the forecabin can be a good idea - note crew can sometimes predict this from the weather forecast and stash cans of beer in there.

Other tips:

Make sure everyone moves gently about the boat, you don't want to shake the flow off the underwater foils.

And don't sheet in anything quickly. I try to empahasise that there should be a slow series of clicks from a winch when sheeting in the genny.

I also think it's useful to place a large crew member on the coachroof under the boom to direct air flow up into the main. But like a traditional water sail.

 

[A1Sailor]

Another tip. When sitting/lying down on the side deck of a laser to induce heal to leeward remember to:
a. Hold onto something
b. Keep a close eye out for little gusts that might induce further heal!

 

[Seajet]

A1Sailor,

too true, it's easy to get pinned by the kicker or sheet, quickly followed by a swim !

Guess how I know...

Andy

 

[Hypocacculus]

It makes the sails fall into their correct shape rather than slatting about, so any light winds going have max effect and drive.

Silly me. I thought it was so the bored crew could have a paddle!

 

[grumpy_o_g]

Gets the sails to fall into shape, so that any zephyrs can be used to advantage rather than just flapping the sails.

More usual to lie down than actually hike to leeward. make sure the crew don't distort the sail shape. Also don't block flow through the slot.

Crew weight forward and to leeward reduces the wetted surface area and hence frictional drag. Waterline length isn't significant at low speeds. Putting two or three crew in the forecabin can be a good idea - note crew can sometimes predict this from the weather forecast and stash cans of beer in there.

Other tips:

Make sure everyone moves gently about the boat, you don't want to shake the flow off the underwater foils.

And don't sheet in anything quickly. I try to empahasise that there should be a slow series of clicks from a winch when sheeting in the genny.

I also think it's useful to place a large crew member on the coachroof under the boom to direct air flow up into the main. But like a traditional water sail.

Yep, slow and gentle on everything - helm and sails and just moving about - and keep the sail shape reasonably flat too as the airflow is more likely to stay attached. Getting the weight forward can make a huge difference, especially if your boat has a large bum - won't help on something that has a nicely faired line under a traditional counter stern though.

Feed the crew member Guinness and beans before placing him under the boom for maximum effect.