May 7, 2022
Sailing Tips
It takes some talent, focus, and practice to efficiently harness whatever breeze is present.
Here are some pointers and tactics to try the next time you’re out on the sea in a light breeze.
- If you’re reefing the main, do it in calm water before departing your mooring.
- If the boat becomes too powerful, sail downwind so that the wind is aft of the beam (not dead downwind), and let out the mainsheet so that the mainsail shadows the headsail.
- The headsail should then be furled all the way up or to the desired position.
- If traveling downwind in heavy winds, just use the headsail.
- If sailing into the wind in heavy gusts, use the mainsail with one or two reefs and motor sail.
- Furl or take down any sails that are flogging (flapping) because you are harming them.
- All sheets, halyards, and furling lines should be tied in a figure-of-eight knot at the end and fastened to prevent them from falling over the side.
- Never force anything when using a winch.
- Always keep an eye on what you’re winching or have someone keep an eye on it so you don’t damage, break, or tear anything or injure someone.
- To avoid gybe when sailing directly downwind, keep the wind at a modest inclination to the stern or use the headsail alone.
- Do not gybe the boat unless you have extensive experience with controlled gybes and are satisfied that your crew can assist the boat through the gybe without endangering the vessel or the crew.
- Before you gybe, always fasten the traveller and pull the mainsheet in tight.
- During a gybe, tell everyone on board to stay away from the boom.
- It is best not to attempt a controlled gybe if you are in any way unclear on how to do so.
- If you or your crew are unsure about their sailing abilities, don’t use the sails and instead hire a sail-guide for part or all of your charter.
READ MORE
Tips for successful cooking on board
May 7, 2022
Follow these nautical cooking guidelines to be able to cook successfully aboard a yacht.To maximize space, carry only the bare minimum of cooking utensils (many
Sailing Tips
May 7, 2022
It takes some talent, focus, and practice to efficiently harness whatever breeze is present.Here are some pointers and tactics to try the next time you’re
