Nervous skipper

[alahol2]

[quote} in lumpy seas & gusty conditions, couldn't make any headway with reefs in, scared the pants off myself when we shook them out

[/ QUOTE ]

Nobody has mentioned that in the short seas of the Solent you would probably find that reefing and sailing 5 or 10 degrees freer would be your best option for making progress. Often, one tack is OK to go close to the wind and the other tack needs to be freed.
I've found that with each change of boat it takes a couple of seasons, at least, to get confident with the handling.

It will come...

 

[sailorman]

This was ok for a short sail

(copywrite guapa )

135% Genny Reefed Main wind Spd around 23kts apparent

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[graham]

Something else that I dont think has been mentioned is that when you do reef the main you must do it well so that the sail still sets properly afterwards.

The important points are plenty of luff tension back on with the halyard and the foot re tensioned with the reefing line.

Also watch that after reefing your not holding the end of your boom up with the topping lift or it cant set well for going to windward.

You wont be able to point as high in a cruising boat in a lumpy sea reefed down.Bear off a bit and let the boat pick up more speed through the water which will also mean less sideways progress.

If progress is still too slow try motorsailing with just half throttle or less.Your still sailing the boat ,the engine is just providing enough push to keep you moving in the lulls and when the sea throws the boat around causing the sails to stall.

 

[st599]

Re: This was ok for a short sail

[ QUOTE ]

(copywrite guapa )

135% Genny Reefed Main wind Spd around 23kts apparent

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Why is the crew not on the weather rail? Or are they packing and stacking as the photo was taken?

 

[sailorman]

Re: This was ok for a short sail

she woz "Hanging On " MOANING /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Billjratt]

Re: This was ok for a short sail

The sea state doesn't seem to reflect the registered wind speed, and I bet there was oodles of weather helm. Just looks all wrong to me.

 

[sailorman]

Re: This was ok for a short sail

wind offshore sea protected by "The Naze" we have full genny + 1 reef
we dont get a lot of weather helm this is a real MAB race trained /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[dulcibella]

Re: This was ok for a short sail

It is still true that the time to reef is when you first think of it. If you have been too cautious, the boat will soon tell you by a large loss of speed and a sluggish helm. It's fine to apply a 10 minute rule to shaking a reef out, but you won't get in trouble if you reef early. Few boats sail well if on their ear - wetted hull shape is poor and weather helm means more drag from the rudder.