Which autopilot mode for a passage?

[Cardo]

I haven't done all that many long passages as yet however we will be doing more and more once we set off next month. What I'm wondering is what settings people use on their autopilots when on a "long" passage.
My autopilot has three different methods for piloting the boat:
1) Keep a set heading
2) Follow a route
3) Keep to a set wind angle

Obviously, different settings will be more beneficial in different circumstances, so I have three scenarios:
(Assume all are under sail)

A) Crossing the Channel from Solent to Cherbourg. This is a pretty easy trip and the tides cancel each other out during the approx. 12 hours trip. We have done it in the past but only under motor so we set it to follow a particular heading and let the tide push us one way and then the other. However, what would you use for sailing? Heading and adjust the sails to suit or wind angle and keep an eye on track and adjust as necessary?

B) Passages in the Med. Obviously, no tides to contend with so following a route becomes a possible. Would you set the AP to follow a route and adjust sails as necessary or still set it to wind angle?

C) Crossing the Atlantic. Once again, tides to contend with however they will all cancel each other out over the numerous days on passage. I gather following a route would be silly as the boat would constantly be fighting the tide to keep on the line, so probably back to a similar situation to A. Wind angle or heading?

Thoughts?

 

[LadyInBed]

If you have a windvane and the wind is in the right direction, then use it.
If crossing channel, it depends if the wind will allow you to sail or if you have to motor.
Motorings, set the pilot for your chosen destination and let the current drift you up and down.
I only use routes on coastal trips if I have to motor.

 

[laika]

Use your autopilot how you'd use a helmsan who can take and follow orders but never gives you feedback or writes a log entry.

For me that would invariably mean keeping a set heading and trimming the sails accordingly. Whenever you change course you do it deliberately and write a log entry otherwise your navigation is compromised.

Even in the med you have leeway and some currents which, combined with not wanting to rely on GPS, is why I don't use routes although I'm aware that some people do like following those rolling road thingies.

I'd love to have a wind vane for longer passages but never use "wind mode" on the autopilot: If I'm burning the power I might as well keep a sraight course and I find tweaking the sails when necessary more entertaining than keeping an eye on the heading in order to make a decent average course estimate for the log entry.

 

[NormanS]

I think you may find on Atlantic crossings that the "tides" do not cancel each other out. Think of currents like the Gulf Stream.

 

[Bosun Higgs]

stick it on heading - never anything else. tweak the heading by comparing TRK with BRG for the next waypoint.

 

[johnalison]

As is well-known, following a track on a Channel crossing leads to a longer trip with more sea-miles. Therefore, it would be normal to set to a heading if motoring or the wind if sailing.

On the other hand, I find the Track function very useful for our frequent coastal legs, when the tide is usually fore and aft. Setting the pilot to Track means that we can largely forget about navigation and enjoy the view.

 

[Bobc]

A=heading
B=heading
C=heading

Then do your chartwork

 

[Bobc]

A=heading
B=heading
C=heading

Then do your chartwork