reefing in various wind strenghts

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  • 5th February 2009 at 7:27 pm #10974

      Apparently the reefing required for any wind strength+sea condition can be calculated for any specific craft. Does anyone have such calculations for an HT27 with 145% genoa? Any general comments even would be appreciated. e.g. I start reefing the genoa at anything above force five even in moderate seas (too cautious?)
      Alastair

      7th February 2009 at 3:03 pm #11777

        Dear Alastair

        Usually a big Genoa of 145% is made of lightweight material and is meant for reaching and downwind, light wind work. It will not normally set too well for going up wind as it will usually be too full. It is meant for light airs and to catch as much wind as possible. In stronger winds (20kts and over) it will simply blow out

        If you are in strong winds, you are unlikely to have this one up. However your question about when to reef is an interesting one. It is to some extent depedant on your experience, but statr reefing at about 20 knots for a general guide. If you are wondering if you ought to be reefing, then the answer is probably yes. If you put one in and the conditions do not worsen, you can always shake it out again. However if you wait and see, then decide you DO need a reef, it will be much harder to pu it in, in the stronger winds. Hope this is helpful.

        Chrissie

        15th February 2009 at 9:16 pm #11778

          THanks Chrissie. Yes, that seems to be my experience so far that with the 145% genoa it sails poorly to windward and has to be sheeted in very tight to make any progress at all.

          22nd February 2009 at 6:57 pm #11776

            Hi Alastair,

            I'm not sure if you'll find this useful but I had a dabble at producing some stability figures for the HT Mk III some years ago and never got around to publishing the results…. http://homepages.rya-online.net/brucet/stability.html

            3rd March 2009 at 8:47 pm #11779

              Thanks Bruce. That's interesting, very surprising how little a single reef makes to the dynamic stability (only about 5 knots increase needed to give weather hull lift). Any idea what wind strenghts give a predicted capsize? I take it the HT27 is less stable, being lighter??
              Alastair

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