by Guest » Wed Aug 21, 2002 4:06 pm
I too sail often in higher winds with just the Mainsail, sometimes just the reefed mainsail. I sail 95% of the time singlehanded. I very rarely, if ever have trouble with getting in irons when tacking, even with only the mainsail. However, most of the times when I did have a problem, it was due to hitting a wave just as I tack. This slows the boat down too much, and may actually move the boat backwards. In this situation, it is important to think quick, and by moving the tiller/rudder the "wrong" way, you will actually steer the boat "backwards" onto the new tack. Finally, when tacking (always) only turn the rudder enough for the boat to respond and tack, if you shove the helm over too far....it slows the momentum of the boat to the point that you often can not complete the tack. When sailing under Main alone, you do need to raise the CB slightly to move the center of lateral resistance (center of CB area) closer to the center of effort of the sail (center of sail area).
Oh, and I'll give my usually advice, ALWAYS sail with the mainsheet in your hand! Let the camcleat hold the tension, but keep the sheet in hand to allow you to instantly release it if a gust of wind hits.
Rod Johnson, "SUNBIRD" (rjohnson24-at-juno.com)