Instead of easing the mainsheet, it's usually easier and faster to ease the
traveler. It's also faster returning the main to it's proper position after you
regain control . In that kind of situation, It's helpful to get the crew on the
rail on the windward quarter.
Alan Bergen
C&C 35 Mk III Thirsty
Rose City YC
Portland, OR
----- Original Message -----
>> …if I turned the wheel that aggressively on my 35 I feel certain she would
>> go up, now I have to try that to find out for sure and ruin a perfectly nice
>> beat someday. <<
A few years back racing Calypso double-handed in a fully crewed C/R fleet we
found the point at which the mainsail overcame the rudder. The wind was brisk
enough for Calypso to be fully powered up, full mainsail and heavy #1 (150%).
Short tacking the Bainbridge Island shore to stay out of adverse current, on
Port we planned to duck a slightly smaller Stbd tacker. Calypso’s co-owner,
Michael was driving, I was trimming both sails. As we bore off I had a little
difficulty in easing the main about the time a gust rolled through. Calypso
heeled enough to stall the rudder. The mainsail took over control and the boat
began to round up to windward.
I clearly recall the wide eyes in the cockpit of the Stbd tacker as 24,000lbs
of angry, foaming at the mouth C&C was pointed right at them. Fortunately I got
the main eased and Michael pumped the rudder several time to re-establish flow
and control in time to pass safely astern of the Stbd tacker. After that close
call we throttled back a little and left more space for crossing.
Dwight, I recommend practicing this type of windward round up to learn how your
35 MKII handles at the edge of control before a close crossing situation
develops. Having your race crew part of the practice to get the feel of a
rudder stall and quick rotation to windward. Having some practice will help
them concentrate on a quick recovery when time is tight. It can be expensive if
a crew freezes instead of easing a sheet.
Martin
Calypso
1970 C&C 43
Seattle
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