In a message dated 10/22/99 8:22:01 AM, SolarFry@aol.com writes:
<SNIP>
<< There is no need to backwind the jib. Ever. >>
<SNIP>
In a message dated 10/22/99 10:27:46 AM Pacific Daylight Time, CyrusWD writes:
There have been some moments in high winds and waves that backwind the jib
was needed. A high wave can stop a Potter 15 dead in its track or slow it
down enough to end up in irons. It all depends on the situation. It is a
skill that all sailors should have in their bag of tricks when all hell
breaks loose. I learned a long time ago not to use the word ever.
>>
{:^)
Ah..
Controversy..
The beginning of dialogue..
First. I sail the Atlantic Ocean. Not a lake or bay. Waves are a bit
merciless on small vessels there.. Specially those long ocean rollers that
peak and break 1/4 mile offshore due to shallowing. You do not tack into a
wave. You begin your tack at top of wave. I do not fight mother nature.. I
eat real butter.. Oops! Sorry.. Got carried away.. I use them waves to help
tack..
Ah...
I should never say ever.. Point noted..
But then we should "Never Say Never." (Wasn't that a Bond film?{:^)
After seeing bow area fglass cracks and delamination on small sailboats I
have made it a point not to head direct into any waves. Specially on a flat
bottom, flat sided P19. BAM! BAM! BAM! CRUNCH! I have never in any kind of
weather had to backwind that jib. I may take a reef or two on main but that
jib is sacred.. {;^)
I take it back.. It seems Hobie Cats in light wind require backwinding jib to
complete tack.
I never backwinded my jib on my Columbia sailboats - in my younger days as a
die hard purist sailor. Even in quite adverse wind/wave conditions off
Marina Del Rey or Texas coast. Once you maintain fwd motion you should be
able to complete tack without backwinding.
I did use a combo of rudder swing and backwinding main to stop sailboat from
climbing over dock as I sailed into my slip at Santa Monica Yacht Club basin
in Marina Del Rey.. Slam tiller over and push main against wind. On opposite
sides..
But tacking..
She wants a man with a slow hand.. A lover with an easy touch..
Slow hand on tiller is best..
Give it a try..
Come on..
Give it a try..
Refrain from slamming that tiller away..
Start a smooth slow tiller motion, haul in on that jib-sheet as she starts
luffing into the wind to maintain speed. Release as she begins to backwind
and see..
I sure wish it were easier to explain method.. But, it is something you
develop after a long time of tacking.. Searching for a way not to backwind
and maintain fwd motion..
Especially if you sail light wind areas..
{:^)
Best
SF
BTW:
Where's Judy? No comments from Judy?
Is she off sailing again?