by Guest » Thu Jul 25, 2002 10:18 pm
Chad, two factors affect sailing without the jib. 1) as you note, position of the CB, should be raised slightly to move the center of lateral resistance (center of centerboard) closer to the center of effort (center of sail area in use). 2) rake of the mast, I may have my mast set up with less aft rake (lean),
and this has a BIG effect on weather-helm, especially if using just the main! One problem with light centerboard boats like the DS, is that when coming about, you need to conserve momentum.....in other words, keep the boat moving. Rough seas can slow the boat down as she comes through the wind, causing you to end up in irons....in this case, let the boat start to drift backwards, steer as if you are in reverse....the boat will start to fall off, and you can pull in the sheet and sail away. Another thing that will cause a boat to stall and end up in irons, is if the skipper turns the rudder too hard (too great an angle), this causes the rudder to act more like a brake than a rudder.....the boat loses way...ends up in irons. One of the first things that my Dad taught me.....(OK, tried to teach me! I really had to learn this the hard way!) was to make all maneuvers "smoothly", turn the rudder just enough to cause the boat to respond..and turn. In smooth water, and lighter winds, I can turn my DS faster than in higher winds or waves. I would be lying to tell you that I've never found my self in irons, but proper rake to the mast, and proper adjustment of the centerboard (mast rake is more important!) have been one reason that I sail so well under Mainsail alone. Oh, and when the wind is strong...I find that tightening the outhaul and boom vang (to flatten the sail) also helps. If the sails are getting old and stretched out, the main will be too full (baggy), and this increases weather helm....my sails are borderline....but still work fine for me.
Rod Johnson, "SUNBIRD" (rjohnson24-at-juno.com)