chemprof
Member
I was sailing solo with main only in a 15-20 knot wind last week. My boat kept heading up when close hauled or even in a close reach, to the point of going in irons. No amount of rudder could prevent it. This finally resulted in a capsize (my fault: I let go of the main sheet -- bad!). Thank God for my Baby Bob! ... I had no trouble righting my boat, but lots of trouble climbing in over the traveler -- going to install a boarding ladder this week.
My question for those of you who solo without a gib is: is this heading up into irons a common occurrence for you too? I understand the ideas of center of effort and center of lateral resistance, so I does make perfect sense that the bow will head windward when close hauled. In lighter winds I was easily able to hold the boat on the tack heading, but when the winds became stronger, the boat went into irons every time.
I was sitting fairly far forward, up near the jib car -- this may have contributed to the head up since I now realize by sitting forward I moved the center of resistance forward. I also had the centerboard fully down.
Anyhow, what advice and/or ideas do you guys have (aside for the obvious of putting on the jib) for dealing with this problem? FYI, there is the prescribed 21' 10'' main sheave to transom, but I have moved shrouds the one hole tighter than recommended to get the mast less sloppy.
Looking forward to your stories, suggestions, and sympathy!
-- Edward
My question for those of you who solo without a gib is: is this heading up into irons a common occurrence for you too? I understand the ideas of center of effort and center of lateral resistance, so I does make perfect sense that the bow will head windward when close hauled. In lighter winds I was easily able to hold the boat on the tack heading, but when the winds became stronger, the boat went into irons every time.
I was sitting fairly far forward, up near the jib car -- this may have contributed to the head up since I now realize by sitting forward I moved the center of resistance forward. I also had the centerboard fully down.
Anyhow, what advice and/or ideas do you guys have (aside for the obvious of putting on the jib) for dealing with this problem? FYI, there is the prescribed 21' 10'' main sheave to transom, but I have moved shrouds the one hole tighter than recommended to get the mast less sloppy.
Looking forward to your stories, suggestions, and sympathy!
-- Edward