RE: [WWP] P15 Extreme Weather Helm

From: Phlzfan (phlzfan@desupernet.net)
Date: Tue May 02 2000 - 18:10:20 PDT


The Potter doesn’t really want to sail very straight when it’s heeled with
the hull shape forcing it toward the side of the hull that is out of the
water. As with most sailboats, heeling slows the boat down because of the
need to hold the rudder at a fairly acute angle, increasing drag and the
fact that the hull is shaped to produce least drag along its bottom.
De-powering the main by reefing, easing the main sheet, and/or moving the
moment of force forward by angling the mast forward (the only choices on a
P-15 with no backstay or cunningham) should allow flatter sailing which will
reduce strain on the equipment and move the boat closer to hull speeds. It
sure feels faster with the sails over-trimmed, but it actually isn’t.

I was out this past Sunday in 15 – 20 knot winds, sailing with the rail in
the water, and, after getting my feet wet with 40 degree water in the
cockpit, decided to reef. Before reefing, I had to hold the tiller hard to
keep the boat straight and made about 4.5 – 4.8 knots according to my GPS.
After reefing, there was considerably less heel, dry feet, less strain on my
arm, and 4.8 – 5.3 knots speed.

In some ways, not as much excitement, though.

Scott Paist
P-15 TUMP
Lancaster, PA

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you love your Mother?
Click Here
http://click.egroups.com/1/3652/3/_/917698/_/957316240/
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Post: WWPotter@egroups.com
Help: WWPotter-owner@egroups.com



This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed May 17 2000 - 03:27:07 PDT