Is it worth networking a tiller pilot on a sailing boat?

[Refueler]

Yes, but although telltales are helpful, they aren't essential. I learnt to sail before they were usual, and don't rely on them. I probably lose a small amount, but that's not important on passage.

Not bragging - just relating various comments made to me while sailing :

Nigel - you seem to catch the wind changes / boat movement ... is there any secret you have for this ?

No -its just many years of sailing and being on the helm ... I 'feel' things happening ...

I can be in cabin and KNOW something is not quite right and stick head out and ask - All OK ??

I just have an instinctive feel for it ...

 

[KevinV]

Not bragging - just relating various comments made to me while sailing :

Nigel - you seem to catch the wind changes / boat movement ... is there any secret you have for this ?

No -its just many years of sailing and being on the helm ... I 'feel' things happening ...

I can be in cabin and KNOW something is not quite right and stick head out and ask - All OK ??

I just have an instinctive feel for it ...

I'm with you on this - you can feel the press of sail (or a sail luffing) through the movement of the boat, likewise changes in wave pattern. Sounds change too.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Not bragging - just relating various comments made to me while sailing :

Nigel - you seem to catch the wind changes / boat movement ... is there any secret you have for this ?

No -its just many years of sailing and being on the helm ... I 'feel' things happening ...

I can be in cabin and KNOW something is not quite right and stick head out and ask - All OK ??

I just have an instinctive feel for it ...

Yes, same here.

 

[geem]

Yes, but although telltales are helpful, they aren't essential. I learnt to sail before they were usual, and don't rely on them. I probably lose a small amount, but that's not important on passage.

I like to sail efficiently. Maybe is because I was a keen racer in my younger days but the habit stuck and as a cruisers I like to sail every passage efficiently. I will adjust both main and genoa until the sails are set perfectly. This will mean genoa car adjustment, halyard tension adjustment, sheet adjustment. Mainsail halyard adjustment, outhaul, vang, sheet. Once set and sailing to a wind angle, the performance gain is considerable. Telltales are a fundamental part of the trim process for me.