weather helm

Posted By: Roger
Date: 7/17/08 6:04a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Went sailing last night with gusts to about 25 (Dave, Sun Cat #103, Grand Haven, MI)

25 knots is a lot. I have sailed our Picnic Cat with gusts in the low 20's, and while I felt under control, it is does require constant attention. Board ujp when before the wind, for safety! Otherwise the boat could 'trip'. I find that weather helm gets very strong in a big gust on a broad reach ( I would not run before the wind on stong winds because of the threat of accidental jibes). I see this as a safety feature, as if the boat rounds up in a gust, it depowers the sail and keeps her from a knockdown. But in constant near-twenty winds the rudder (and helmsman) works hard to keep her on course. I may be exeriencing some runnder kick-up, too. The outboard always kicks up when I am going fast downwind (GPS clocks it in the low 6's with little runs at near 7 SOG). Reefing makes the boat easier to handle. As I have written before, I always feel I can keep the boat on her feet even in strong gusts. But when the sea kicks up, it is the wave action that worries me and will send me scuttling for home. Roger Katy Bay PC 123