Helm balance [was] Micro Gaffer under sail
Hi Peter
The advice of an experienced Micrologist is exactly what I need, thank you.
On your recommendation I'll certainly try keeping the mizzen tight next
time.
I'd welcome some clarification though. Picture us on a beam reach or a bit
higher, both sails drawing, not sheeted fully in. Helm is balanced.
Sheeting in on the main increases the lateral force forward and causes the
bow to be pushed downwind, lee helm.
Conversely, sheeting in on the mizzen will increase lateral force aft and
swing the bow upwind, weather helm.
So far so good - steering by sail balance. As the wind rose, the boat heeled
under the pressure and carried more weather helm. If I were to sheet in the
mizzen, would I not increase the pressure aft of CLP and increase the
weather helm? I'll freely acknowledge that I should have reefed before this
point, but anyway....
cheers
Derek
The advice of an experienced Micrologist is exactly what I need, thank you.
On your recommendation I'll certainly try keeping the mizzen tight next
time.
I'd welcome some clarification though. Picture us on a beam reach or a bit
higher, both sails drawing, not sheeted fully in. Helm is balanced.
Sheeting in on the main increases the lateral force forward and causes the
bow to be pushed downwind, lee helm.
Conversely, sheeting in on the mizzen will increase lateral force aft and
swing the bow upwind, weather helm.
So far so good - steering by sail balance. As the wind rose, the boat heeled
under the pressure and carried more weather helm. If I were to sheet in the
mizzen, would I not increase the pressure aft of CLP and increase the
weather helm? I'll freely acknowledge that I should have reefed before this
point, but anyway....
cheers
Derek