[Rhodes22-list] Handling Gusts

[Bill Effros]

MichaelT,

Your boat sails faster flat than heeled over.

If you start heeling, reduce the size of your main and jib so that the 
force of the wind pushes you forward instead of tipping your boat over.

Bill Effros



MichaelT wrote:
> We experienced approx 4-5 gusts of wind in our 3 hour sail yesterday. I was
> just imagining if our wives we're onboard how frantic they would have been.
>
> In those instances, the weather helm gave way to a heavy tiller with the
> tiller positioned at 45 degree to windward to remain on-course. I was
> considering letting the main sheet out but the gusts all happen in about
> 10-20 seconds and then disappears.
>
> How do you guys handle gusts of wind? 
>
> Especially when the gusts causes heavy heeling (gunnel 6" from water)
>
> Michael
>