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

[Stan Spitzer]

the heavier built boats are the ones we do in house, I think since the 
past 6 or 7 years.

90s are heavier than 80s but recycling does not add much weight.

ss


On 10/31/13, 1:36 PM, mputnam1 at aol.com wrote:
> Stan, is my '90 with all the trimmings of the '06 recycle (and '13 re-recycle) put me into the weight class of a new boat?  Or Lee's boat?  Or Goldilocks (somewhere in between)?  Thanks,
>
>
> Mark
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Stan Spitzer <stan at rhodes22.com>
> To: The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Sent: Thu, Oct 31, 2013 1:28 pm
> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Need advice on basic sailing of an R-22 in higher winds
>
>
> 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
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> View this message in context: http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/Possible-Name-for-my-boat-tp47065p47087.html
>> Sent from the Rhodes 22 mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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