Richard:
I am one of those "short handed sailing for short distances"......have
my boat out +100 days a season here. Got the boat in 2006....it came
with an inventory of head sails, e.g. 150% 3DL, 155% kevlar, 150%
tri-radical dacron, 150% cross cut dacron, 100% dacron and others, but
no 135%.
I started sailing with the 150% dacron (roller furler of course) but
quickly found it to be too much sail many days here when the afternoon
breeze is normally in the 12 to 15 knot range. So I sold 3 sails and
with the money had Doyle make me a 135% cross cut dacron.....this is now
my 'go to sail'. The boat responds very well with it, most days it is
all the sail I have up.
Over the past several years, I have begun to use my 100% in the early
Spring and in the Fall beginning in September as the wind many days is
in the +15 knot range. By far the better sail all around....the boat
stands up, speed is good, easy to handle.....all around a much smarter
way to sail.
Combine the 100% with the main, and this is the sail I would be using
all season as I am not racing and not in any big hurry to get from one
place to another. On those days when I use my main (and am doing it
more now than ever before) the 100% is quite adequate.
So to answer your question, will you suffer performance in those Summer
months, July and August, with 5-10 mph winds, absolutely. I estimate I
would loose 0.5 to 1.0 knot with my 100% versus my 135% in those conditions.
You have to choose between speed or easier handling and tacking.....or
do what I do if the wind conditions are similar, use a 100% in the
Spring and Fall and a 135% in the Summer.
Rob Abbott
AZURA
C&C 32 - 84
Halifax, N.S.
On 2016-12-02 8:20 AM, bushmark4--- via CnC-List wrote:
Hi all, I have a question about short handed sailing for short
distances, like when you only have an hour or two and want to go out.
On such occasions, I am typically by myself; I know many of us do
that. So, when such an opportunity arises what sail combination would
you typically use? We're in a generally light wind area, the Ohio
River; and we seem to have weather patterns somewhat similar to the
Chesapeake weather. I frequently use headsail only, my boat having a
140%. This is more than adequate for most weather and too much if the
wind pipes up; however, the boat (1985 37 CB) tracks very well and I
can sail reasonably close to the wind ( not racing, unless, of course,
there's another boat in sight...). The 140 can be a real bear in
anything above 15....
I am looking at replacing the headsail and the collective wisdom seems
to be to reduce the size of the headsail to 125% or even down to 100%,
for the purpose of easier handling and tacking. My question is; does
reducing the headsail size affect the ability to sail with the
headsail only on these short sails? Or will I need to begin using the
main all the time? Will I suffer performance in those summer months,
like July and August, when we are happy to get 5-10 mph winds?
Many thanks
Richard
S/V Bushmark4; 1985 C&C 37 CB, Ohio River, mile 596
Richard N. Bush
2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite Nine
Louisville, Kentucky 40220-1462
502-584-7255
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_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
_______________________________________________
This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to
make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
