Welcome!
My 2 cents ... all these older masthead designs are headsail driven
from on the wind to pretty close to a broad reach. If you don't carry a
good bit of headsail, the turning moment goes aft of the center of
effort and the boat wants to round up badly. Stated differently, the
main is more able to turn the boat into the wind than the jib is able to
make it fall off. (I understand there's a better rudder you can buy that
counteracts this a bit, but I donb't have it.)
I'm usually sailing with either a 150 or 135.
If the wind is getting up, first step is to twist off the top of the
main by reducing sheet tension. That reduces healing, and also moves the
turning moment forward. I'll also start to let go the traveller in the
puffs. But the genoa stays put.
As wind increases, I'll reef the main. How far depends on how deep and
how many reef points you have. If I think the wind is really going to
get up, I'll reef pretty deep right then. "Reef early and often."
More increase, I'll dump the genny for a 100% or even a 70%. But these
boats really need some significant headsail to power through chop and
waves. You just can't go down too far. I use a double reefed main and a
100% jib in some pretty good winds, where I get laid over pretty good in
the puffs. You still need the power. You have to learn to head up and
feather the boat in the puffs so you can hold enough sail area to
provide power for the boat.
I've tried sailing her on main alone. Wasn't impressed with that at
all. She needs both sails to balance and drive.
Tom Monroe
Carlyle Lake
>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/06/06 1:31 PM >>>
Hello, I'm new on this list.
I am interested in improving my understanding of sail trim for my
1975 Catalina 27 standard rig.
Can someone or several someones give me some input on these
questions:
Which sail is the "powerhouse" for driving the boat? I've been told
the jib is the powerhouse and the main is just trim. I've been told the
main is the powerhouse and the jib is for speed. Please help me know
what is accurate for MY boat.
Next, I would like to know, for my specific boat, what are the stages
of reefing that are best?
Under full main (fully battened main) and 150 genoa, do I reef the
main first or change to the working jib first?
Under working jib and full main, do I reef the main first or change
to the storm jib first?
Under working jib and one reef in the main, do I take a second reef
or change to storm jib?
Under reefed main (one reef) and storm jib, do I next go to two reefs
in the main?
Under two reefs and storm jib, which do I take down first if still
overpowered?
I have been told not to even rig my second reef because in this boat
that doesn't leave enough sail up to even be worth it. But I am guessing
some of you do use the second reef?
Looking forward to lots of input from fellow 70's catalina 27
owners!
Thanks!
Michele
Catalina 27 Rossinante
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