Re: Self Steering

From: Bill Combs (ttursine@earthlink.net)
Date: Sat Jan 15 2000 - 21:24:42 PST


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> on 1/15/00 11:11 PM, The Costas at uffda@sonic.net wrote:

> Head across the wind.
> Lower the headsail.
> Slack off on the mainsheet until the front third of the main is luffing.
> Tie off the tiller.
> Sit and watch for a couple of minutes.
>
> I was amazed by how much I could move around without any major change in
> heading. I know that this won't work for all instances, but after I found
> out how well it worked I started using it to take extended brakes (even made
> a sandwich once while HC went happily on her way).

Yeah, but is "her way" the way you want to go?

Actually, there are a bunch of stable sail configurations for a P19 if
you're not interested in going in a specific direction ... and the seas are
either regular or not too large. An entire group of these are based around
heaving-to (headsail backed, main trimmed, helm lashed to leeward), ranging
from classic (30-60 degrees off the wind) to having the wind blowing right
up the main/backed-headsail slot from the stern (try this last one with a
genoa, it's a kick!). Experiment with headsail size, jibsheet tension, main
size, boom position, and tied-down tiller position to discover some
variations of your own. Onlookers may think you've lost your mind, but it's
both a learning experience and an entertaining way to spend an hour or two.
Then the next time you want a sandwich you may know of a combo that will
keep you heading -- albeit probably slowly -- in a desired direction.

Regardless, I still like an autopilot, probably because I seem to always be
heading somewhere rather than enjoying random daysailing.

Regards,
Bill Combs

--
WWP 19 #439 (Aug 1987) "Ursa Minor"
Fort Walton Beach FL
ttursine@earthlink.net
http://home.earthlink.net/~ttursine



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