you must first get the sails balanced to sea condition, once you do that and can leave you hand off the wheel for 30 seconds or more, run a bungie on both sides of the wheel. This will allow the boat to sail on a semi course depending on wind and wave conditions. Sometimes 30 min. or more in right conditions.
Key is balance the boat with your sails,waves and wind. You will know this when you can fingertip the wheel for movements and not playing the wheel. The rudders and centerboard will cut thru the water like a Bahama Mama on a hot day.
Dave
kitcat wrote:I normally go out on my 26M with my wife, but went for a little bumble around on my own the other day, and whilst, frankly, the wind was a little too gusty to use the main, , I used the standard roller jib, but was left wondering how you single handed guys lash the helm if and when you have to leave it for a bit. I did play around with some rope between the two mooring cleats, either side of the cockpit and around the spoke and rim, which worked OK, but was wondering if there is a better way of doing things?
Oh for a reasonably priced Mac specific autopilot!
Paul.
