by gary l. britton » Sun Oct 08, 2006 4:05 pm
Kelly:
I have a DS I and assume the DS II sails much the same. I also have been caught on the lake with 15-20+ winds, with full sail and that can be a "cheap" thrill. Mostly just surviving and getting to shore. I am assuming that you do not have 'jiffy reefing' on your boat, and neither do I. I did have two reef points placed on the main this summer and have been trying to experiment with different wind speeds and deciding when to reef to either reefing point. Here is what I have been trying to do. First, learn to 'heave to'. That will help a lot, and once you get comfortable with 'heaving to', then you can learn to reef while in the 'heave to' position. Now I must admit, I have not become comfortable doing the reefing on the water yet, but I am getting more comfortable in the 'heave to' position and trying to reef on the water. Like Shawn mentioned, it is easier in steady 20 mph than in 10 gusting to 20. About two weeks ago the winds were pretty steady and not very gusty in the 15-20 range. I did have the sail reefed to the second reefing point and I was very pleased how the boat handled itself, and I never felt as if I did not have complete control and did not come close at all to capsizing. Another tactic to do when you get into uncomfortable wind conditions, is to drop the main and sail on jib alone. It is a little harder to tack and beat to the wind, but the possibility of capsizing is greatly reduced. But, for experience sake, go ahead and get out on the water in heavier winds and practice, practice. As time goes on, you will become more comfortable out in heavy air. I'll tell you that heavy winds can be a little scary, but they can be great fun too. It is a real thrill when you are able to trim just right and the boat starts going great guns. That makes it all worth while. I will also admit, that 20-25mph is my personal upper limit. If winds around here are forcast to be around 25, then you can bet that there will be gusting to the 30's. At those speeds I will stay on shore. If caught out on the lake then I will drop the main and sail on jib alone.
You might think of installing 'jiffy reefing' and that is supposed to make reefing on the fly much easier. I am thinking of doing just that, but cannot figure how to configure the jiffy reefing for two reefing points, but that is another story.
Hope that this helps a little and I did not ramble on too much. Good luck and Fair Winds......
Gary
1966, DS I
"Dancing Girls II", #3235