Next message: Thomas Martin: "[world-cruising] Re:contest conyplex 25"
Not accurate: with a modern fin keeled boat you can heave to by backed and
heavily reduced jib, (usually roller reefing) zero main (usually removed)
and 30-40 degrees helm to windward. In this arrangement the yacht will stay
about 45 degrees to the wind and will drift slowly leeward. Of course, you
have to know the safe size of the jib and the appropriate degree of the helm
for your boat.
I use this method with both short Mediterranean waves and long and breaking
ocean waves.
Reply;
Not my boat! She is a former racer, although not nearly as extreme as
some of her day (1973) since this boat was designed by S&S. She will NOT
heave to reliably, and I should know having sailed her in all sorts of
conditions during the last 28 years. She does have a full skeg rudder
and the fin is less extreme than many, but she is beamy for her LOA and
has very little freeboard, as well as a very fine bow.
But it is OK I have never had to heave to or sit at a sea anchor yet,
she is perfectly content to run off or slowly reach up.-Ken
