[Rhodes22-list] Tip for Sudden Heavy Winds

[Stephen Staum]

Neat trick.  Will it work with the usual large waves (2' or more) associated 
with an over 30 knot wind?  I have had problems with the waves pushing the 
bow back while tacking in strong winds.

Also, all IMF sailors:  be SURE to cleat your main sail furling line at the 
forward cleat on the boom.  I got caught last summer in a very strong wind 
and could not pull the boom close enough to the cockpit to reef the main 
with the furling line cleated on the aft cleat.  This created an 
unneccessarily exciting experience.  A lesson well learned.  SS
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Effros" <bill at effros.com>
To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Sunday, March 06, 2005 2:58 PM
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Sailing Backwards


> Bill,
>
> Another great tacking technique is sailing backwards.
>
> If you almost cross the wind, but don't quite make it, instead of 
> reversing everything you've done, hold your ground as the wind starts to 
> push you backwards.  Steer with the tiller to keep your bow pointed into 
> the wind until you build some backward momentum.  Remember, everything on 
> the tiller now works backwards, too -- a great mental challenge.  When 
> you've got some weigh on, sharply turn the tiller so that the bow is 
> forced to cross the wind.  Then reset the sails, shift into forward, and 
> sail off.
>
> It's really neat, and you can hear people on other boats saying "how'd he 
> do that?"
>
> Practice in 10-15 kt. winds.  You need enough wind so you can be pushed 
> backwards.
>
> Bill Effros
>
> William E. Wickman wrote:
>
>>I was out on Ft. Loudon lake yesterday and it was wild.  Wind was blowing
>>15-20 with gusts near 30.  I was furled to storm sized jib and just a 
>>small
>>triangle for the main and still got slammed by the gusts.  I was amazed
>>that the boat  heeled even while I was motoring back to my slip with no
>>sails at all!
>>
>>I had trouble tacking in this wind so here is a question for the group.
>>What is the best strategy for tacking in high winds when you are reefed to
>>the max?  I know that you need good boat speed, but even then the boat 
>>just
>>seemed to stall out.
>>
>>Bill W.
>>--------------------------
>>
>>
>>__________________________________________________
>>Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>>
>>
> __________________________________________________
> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
>