[Rhodes22-list] How to Handle Gusty Winds

[W Buck]

John, I know it sounds wrong but trust me. :-)  If you really are just
sailing around and don't care about losing headway (createing leeway)
raising the CB will reduce heeling. I sail all the time in heavy winds
(single handed) and often do this when winds are really gusty. Proper
sail trim is important but I think this is often overlooked. The R22
sails up-wind OK without CB down..... so when the big gusts hits you get
blown sidewise. You will still heel but not as much. Also I never motor
with the CB down unless I am in tight quarters (docking).. The boat
motors flatter  (especially in windy conditions).  It is good to see you
are using your boat. Did you decide to install boom vang? We got out for
a really nice sail yesterday. Wally

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: "John Lock"
  To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list"
  Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] How to Handle Gusty Winds
  Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2007 10:42:25 -0400


  Thanks David (and also Wally) for your very helpful posts. Your
  observations are right on the mark. I probably should have started
  out with the main reefed in a little. Specially considering that I
  have a taller (non-GB) mast and carry more sail than the original
  design. Both my wife and I have learned a lot in our few outings so
  far. Yes, things have to be secured better. Bracing to the opposite
  seat is a good thing for everybody. I have realized that a beer
  bottle in a foam cooler is not to be trusted, it will go
  wandering. Got some heavy pewter mugs now, they just slide and
  retain their contents :-)

  Even though my wife goes with me on most trips, I am, for all intents
  and purposes, still single-handing. She doesn't want to fool with
  all those ropes and no way she's going to be in charge of the
  tiller! Adding the tiller lock was a godsend because I can at least
  leave the tiller unattended for a little while.

  I didn't understand one comment Wally made - "I would raise the CB
  some increasing lee way while reducing heeling." I was figuring just
  the opposite, with the CB all the way down it has more leverage to
  balance the topside. How does raising the CB reduce heeling?

  Cheers!

  John Lock
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  s/v Pandion - '79 Rhodes 22
  Lake Sinclair, GA
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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