AusCan
Guru
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2012
- Messages
- 3,218
- Location
- Australia
- Vessel Name
- Kokanee
- Vessel Make
- Cuddles 30 Pilot House Motor Sailer
Normally I motorsail my boat or just motor it because it seems the wind is always on my nose.
I’ve just returned from a nice cruise where it was perfect for sailing so I shut down the engines for two days and cruised home under sail power alone.
With 20 knot easterly winds blowing fairly consistently, I decided not to reef the 200 square foot gaff rigged main. I cruised north averaging 4.5 to 5.5 knots.
I tried to keep the heel to about 15 degrees by adjusting the main sheet as necessary but had her over to almost 30 degrees with the autopilot trying to hold a dead straight course. I then learned to shut off the autopilot and let the boat sail itself. It held a steady course most of the time but when I got gusts to 30+ knots, she turned into the weather reducing the heel and then continued on its original path after the gust. I loved it.
I anchored the night in a great protected spot during easterly blows.
I’ve just returned from a nice cruise where it was perfect for sailing so I shut down the engines for two days and cruised home under sail power alone.
With 20 knot easterly winds blowing fairly consistently, I decided not to reef the 200 square foot gaff rigged main. I cruised north averaging 4.5 to 5.5 knots.
I tried to keep the heel to about 15 degrees by adjusting the main sheet as necessary but had her over to almost 30 degrees with the autopilot trying to hold a dead straight course. I then learned to shut off the autopilot and let the boat sail itself. It held a steady course most of the time but when I got gusts to 30+ knots, she turned into the weather reducing the heel and then continued on its original path after the gust. I loved it.
I anchored the night in a great protected spot during easterly blows.
