No I'm Not Off Again, But....

[Robin]

No I\'m Not Off Again, But....

The latest YM has just arrived with guess what? A large freebee extra booklet called Boat Handling Under Power & In Control!

Contrary to the ST article this one I can totally agree with, and yes Vi even the mizzen bit.

What is the difference? Briefly, because I've not had time for a word by word study:-

YM stresses the prime need to have a plan
YM includes the strategic use of warps
YM has more for those who are short handed (most of us are)
YM specifically advises practice first in clear space, like by a buoy
YM use of mizzen is not over emphasised ie is stated as an advanced technique
YM make no mention of sails up backstays, advanced or not

To be fair to ST their article is aimed at traditional yachts, perhaps if more emphasis had been placed on planning to avoid trouble in the first instance rather than headline grabbing techniques to get out of trouble, I would have found less to be argumentative about.

However, congratulations to Simon Jinks and YM on an excellent booklet!


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[MainlySteam]

Re: No I\'m Not Off Again, But....

Looking forward to getting that then, but unfortunately they take a couple of months to get out here - we are currently back at the July issue (so don't anyone start another argumant about it until I get up to date!).

John

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[Robin]

Wouldn\'t Dream Of It... nm

nm

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[peterb]

YM\'s yacht handling

No, I'm not starting an argument either. But I do have to say that this is one of the best treatises on yacht handling that I've ever read. Yes, there are a few places where my own personal hobbyhorses didn't get quite the attention that I'm sure they deserve, but I don't think I've ever read a better summary of yacht handling techniques. Best thing to come out of YM for a long time. Congratulations, Simon Jinks!

Having said that, I still don't think that you can learn yacht handling out of a book. Three things are needed: practice, practice and practice. But at least the YM booklet suggests that you should "start in a large open space until your confidence and competence grow."

 

[duncan]

Re: YM\'s yacht handling

three things? practice practice maybe but 'the slightest clue' helps to get things going!

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[Mirelle]

Sails up forestays?

Having a very traditional boat (she was pretty old fashioned when she was built, before WW2!) we have a Wykeham Martin gear on the jib, at the end of the bowsprit. Unlike a modern headsail roller gear, this one is just about instantaneous in operation - cast off roller line from cleat, pull sheet and you have a jib set; cast off sheet, pull roller line and it has gone.

It is feasible to use this to pay her head off, blow downwind, etc. Anything involving a halyard would in my view risk taking too long.

However, this assumes the bowsprit is run out....

Warps, fenders and going very very slowly are my best resource. I should add that I am usually either singlehanded or familyhanded.


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[peterb]

Re: YM\'s yacht handling

Oh, I agree. I meant after reading the book!

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[Twister_Ken]

Re: YM\'s yacht handling

The only problem with practicising in wide open spaces is that you can't put cones down to represent tight spaces, Robin's boat, etc.

PS. Can't beleive I typed practicising, was going to correct it, but then I thought it was quite a nice word in a Dubya sort of way.
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<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Twister_Ken on 12/09/2003 00:45 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[peterb]

Re: YM\'s yacht handling

I dunno. Dan buoy, two life buoys, four fenders, ...... Only problem is making them move as if there were a tide.

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