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 Catalina 250 Specific Forum
 Downwind with the furler		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts
Initially Posted - 07/08/2006 :  09:15:02  Show Profile
Last Thursday was the first day we had to sail because of extremely high water and debri [picnic tables, docks, trees all floating on the surface or just below the surface] in over a week here in upstate N.Y. It was also a good day for downwind sailing. Because of wind gusts I let just the jib out and brought it back in about three turns on the CDI furler. Is there issues sailing like that? The waves were only about one foot but gusty winds. The rudder was never in danger of popping out of the water, but I was moving very fast with just the jib. Pro's and Con's of this. THANX again.
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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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2980 Posts
Response Posted - 07/08/2006 :  14:09:43  Show Profile  Visit Arlyn Stewart's Homepage
Wayne.... I think it is a very reasonable way to sail off wind with one caveat... keep the speed just below hull speed. The reason is that once hull speed is reached, the loading on the forestay will increase greatly because the energy can't be disbursed pushing the boat any faster. The forestay could get stressed at the worst and at the minimum the jib will be blown out because it is overloaded.

Bill Holcomb tells that sail makers love folks who sail off wind with their headsails... but if the boat speed is carefully kept in check... I think its fine.
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AADIVER
Admiral

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USA
966 Posts
Response Posted - 07/09/2006 :  22:15:50  Show Profile  Visit AADIVER's Homepage
"...keep the speed just below hull speed..."
What, more or less exactly, is the hull speed of WK 250's, i.e., mine? Is wind strength a variable on a run? Thanks.
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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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2980 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2006 :  03:36:17  Show Profile  Visit Arlyn Stewart's Homepage
Frank... hull speed is about 6.2 knots for both versions of the 250 as they essentially have the same hull form.

Though the water ballast sits 3-4 inches deeper in the water, water line length is probably not much difference as the bow has a sharp rather than fair entry.

Winds off the stern of course are subject to the same variations as those on any other course and if they are variable then a buffer zone below hull speed should be increased so that the headstay is not overpressed if running under a foresail.

Running speeds in surf will experience cycles of speed change, especially speed over ground if boat speed is monitored by a gps. Very often the over the ground speed will jump to 7.5 knots or higher as the boat surfs the wave.

Hull speed can be broken when a sailboat is not heavily laden and she becomes supercharged either by strong aft winds, downhill on the face of a swell or what used to be called working the slot on a weather course. Doing it offwind is a bit risky as the boat can trip over herself and broach but every sailor who experiences "the super charge" on a windward course smiles when they remember it.

I worked a close reach one day in just the right wind/wave conditions (prior to overloading my boat with cruising gear) for several hours at 7.4 knots.

The point I'm trying to make is that hull speed is a theoretical limitation that has exceptions when power is high and drag is minimal.
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AADIVER
Admiral

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966 Posts
Response Posted - 07/10/2006 :  23:20:27  Show Profile  Visit AADIVER's Homepage
So would it be wise to reef the jib going downwind if speed approaches 6 knots to lessen the forestay tension?
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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 07/11/2006 :  04:24:44  Show Profile  Visit Arlyn Stewart's Homepage
Frank, exactly, though I would call it forestay loading.
Edited by - Arlyn Stewart on 07/11/2006 04:26:02
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.