[Rhodes22-list] Need advice on basic sailing of an R-22 in higher winds

[Stan Spitzer]

contrary to Lee's advice, his advice is better than mine.

One general consideration, however, is that he has an early boat and 
they are considerably lighter (and thus faster) than the recent boats so 
we have come to look at 15 mph winds as a good starting point for good 
fun rather than as an ending figure.  When we gave Practical Sailor 
their demo sail in Miami the winds were a modest 18 to 20 knots and the 
excellent written review that was published several months later was 
based on that test sail their expert took.

Lee's implication that the seas are more a consideration than the wind, 
is correct..  Protected, flatter water will let you sail in higher 
winds.  And I repeat, is fun.  Ask Jay and the judge.

ss

On 10/31/13, 12:58 PM, Leland wrote:
> Mark,
>
> I'm on the Eastern Shore and would gladly go out with you on your boat or
> mine.
>
> We sailed Sunday but did not go out on Saturday because it was too windy.
> My crew member did try to sail Saturday on his Islander36 and took one
> measurement at about 30 knots.  If you were out on Saturday it was too windy
> for our Rhodes.
>
> Just prior to motoring home once I measured the wind at 35 knots (long after
> the sails were put away).  The motor was creating drag in the water and the
> poptop was down.  The wind blowing against the transom, bulkhead, and open
> companionway hatch was moving me at 3.5 knots.  We definitely have
> light-wind boats.
>
> I can't top Stan's advice but:
>
> 1.  Stan once told me that the maximum wind for our boat is 28 knots.  I
> assume at that point you can't make headway.  My first year I went out in 20
> knot winds for the experience.  I now don't go out if the wind forecast is
> above 15 knots.  With the wind and especially the accompanying chop it's
> more work than fun.  You can reduce sail in high wind without the motor but
> you still need to take pressure off of the sails, so just use the motor.  In
> 15 knot winds I spend the first 90% of the day trying to make headway.  Boom
> down, board down, main reefed to 50%, Genoa reefed to just under 50% (less
> than half way to the mast), and Genoa sheets run between the mast and inner
> stay.  Once you head home with the wind at your back it depends on how fast
> you want to go.  No mainsail and a bikini-top-size Genoa provide a
> comfortable return.
>
> 2.  Yes except for Stan's comment about the boat sailing better with two
> sails.
>
> 3.  It is difficult to pull out the main in stiff winds but Stan's advice on
> this is excellent; even more excellent than his normal excellent advice.
>
> 4.  Everyone's general advice on every boat is to reef early.  Everyone is
> right.  If you're heeling more than 20 degrees you have too much sail out.
> In most cases if you're heeling more than 15 degrees you have more sail out
> than you need.  I check the wind everytime before I deploy the mainsail.  10
> knots full main with the boom up.  12 knots main furled to 80% with the boom
> up, or lower the boom.  It's probably smarter to lower the boom rather than
> reef the main but I like sailing with the poptop up.  If the boom is up it
> can raise up and get caught on the backstays in high wind if you need to
> jibe instead of tack.  Typically I have more sail out than I should.  Some
> day I'll learn.  As for severe heeling, just be prepared to head up into the
> wind to depower your sails or release the sheets.
>
> 5.  Yes.  If you're having difficulty lowering and starting the motor in
> high wind, just come off the wind until you can comfortably sail with your
> tiller locked, then motor back into the wind to take the pressure off the
> sails.
>
> To me ideal sailing weather on our boats is 8 knots, give or take 3 knots.
> You've got the right idea to work your way up to challenging situations so
> you'll be prepared if they accidentally happen, which they will.
>
> Everything you described is difficult until you find out what works best for
> you, and it's much easier to show someone than try to explain it, so just
> give me a call if you'd like to go out for a high-wind sail.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Lee
> 1986 Rhodes22  AT EASE
> Kent Island, MD
> 202.476.5369
>
>
>
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