I don't have to ease the main in any way to make a tack, do you?

 

Dwight Veinot

C&C 35 MKII, Alianna

Head of St. Margaret's Bay, NS

 

  _____  

From: CnC-List [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Alan
Bergen
Sent: April 12, 2013 10:53 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Stus-List Race Video

 

Instead of easing the mainsheet, it's usually easier and faster to ease the
traveler.  It's also faster returning the main to it's proper position after
you regain control.  In that kind of situation,  It's helpful to get the
crew on the rail on the windward quarter.

Alan Bergen
C&C 35 Mk III Thirsty
Rose City YC
Portland, OR

 

  _____  

 

>> .if I turned the wheel that aggressively on my 35 I feel certain she
would go up, now I have to try that to find out for sure and ruin a
perfectly nice beat someday. <<

 

A few years back racing Calypso double-handed in a fully crewed C/R fleet we
found the point at which the mainsail overcame the rudder.  The wind was
brisk enough for Calypso to be fully powered up, full mainsail and heavy #1
(150%).

 

Short tacking the Bainbridge Island shore to stay out of adverse current, on
Port we planned to duck a slightly smaller Stbd tacker.  Calypso's co-owner,
Michael was driving, I was trimming both sails.  As we bore off I had a
little difficulty in easing the main about the time a gust rolled through.
Calypso heeled enough to stall the rudder.  The mainsail took over control
and the boat began to round up to windward.

 

I clearly recall the wide eyes in the cockpit of the Stbd tacker as
24,000lbs of angry, foaming at the mouth C&C was pointed right at them.
Fortunately I got the main eased and Michael pumped the rudder several time
to re-establish flow and control in time to pass safely astern of the Stbd
tacker.  After that close call we throttled back a little and left more
space for crossing.

 

Dwight, I recommend practicing this type of windward round up to learn how
your 35 MKII handles at the edge of control before a close crossing
situation develops.  Having your race crew part of the practice to get the
feel of a rudder stall and quick rotation to windward.  Having some practice
will help them concentrate on a quick recovery when time is tight.  It can
be expensive if a crew freezes instead of easing a sheet.

 

Martin

Calypso

1970 C&C 43

Seattle

  _____  

No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2012.0.2240 / Virus Database: 2641/5740 - Release Date: 04/12/13

_______________________________________________
This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album
http://www.cncphotoalbum.com
[email protected]

Reply via email to