by GreenLake » Sun Sep 29, 2019 1:52 am
I'm in the sailing from the dock camp. Local conditions may vary, of course, but I tend to sail away from the dock if at all possible.
To sail well, a boat needs to be balanced, that is, the notional "center of effort" (averaging where the combined contribution of the wind affects the boat) needs to be balanced against the "center of lateral resistance" which is a notional location that averages all the contributions from rudder, CB and hull that resist the boat going sideways.
If these two are not aligned, the two forces will turn the boat. If the CE is to far aft (main only), it will push the back of the boat downwind, using the CLP as "pivot" with the effect that it will drive the bow into the wind. You will need to pull hard on your tiller to counteract that, which is that same as "setting your parking brake".
If sailing with only a main is unavoidable (it's not desirable), then you can get a bit better balance by moving the CB aft by raising it just a bit. This moves CLP aft to match the CE being aft (with main only). It's not perfect, but it might help.
In winds under 10 knots you should have no difficulties controlling both lines.
I have ratchet blocks on all three sheets. That way, they are easier to hold. I will hold main and jib in one hand at times and moving that hand forward/aft or in/out will trim both sails but not necessarily identically. I am able to adjust not only the overall trim (in/out) but also the relative trim (more jib, more main) by moving the hand holding both sheets further aft or forward. If winds are not very strong, cleat the jib and use the main to handle gusts. However, keep the jib sheet close so you can always release it quickly.
Finally, in light winds. I'll fly a spinnaker by myself.
All of these depend on having a tiller tamer; my favorite is the bungee across the cockpit. I don't tie the tiller to it, I just "lash" it with three wraps of thin bungee cord: that way, it can slide along the main bungee while I steer manually, but the minute I let go, the friction holds it in the last place.
~ green ~ lake ~ ~