wind and wave limits for mac 26X

[JotaErre]

I have sailed with a 17 knots wind, two-people crew and full sails up (mainsail and genoa)... the Mac behaved beautifully.

When I sail single-handed, I usually unfurl the genoa but don't raise the main sail... two thongs is the maximum I can control simultaneously: helm and genoa.
This way I have sailed with 25 knots. Of course, the boat heeled, but I didn't find it dangerous... in fact, it was a lot of fun.

[kurz]

When I sail single-handed, I usually unfurl the genoa but don't raise the main sail...

Just with Genoa: How do you realize a tack???

[Catigale]

The 150 Genny will tack but you have to get through the eye of the wind fairly quickly compared to keel boats. It doesn't point well, so you have to fall off on the new tack and build trim and speed back up.

Or have my born-on the water NZ friends tack it, but his skill set exceeds mine by a rather large amount I would rather not specify....

[sailboatmike]

Rule No 1 I have learnt, you need speed to tack, if you put too much rudder input to get across the wind fast she will stall out real fast, Its a delicate balance, so be prepared to back wind the foresail if your not carrying enough speed or put to much rudder input

[paul I]

When I sail single-handed, I usually unfurl the genoa but don't raise the main sail...

Just with Genoa: How do you realize a tack???

I've done this dozens of times. Sometimes we go out for just an hour or two after work. The main is too much hassle for such a short sailing period, especially when its already dark when the time comes to lower it and get a cover on it. As long as there is 5 knots of wind or better, the genoa alone will power the boat just fine. Tacking is not a problem, Mike is right about the rudder issue though. It has stalled and backfilled on me when I've steered too far, and in light winds, it will do that even if the main is raised.

[mastreb]

In terms of theoretical wave limits, a boat can be capsized by an abeam breaking wave that is 1/3 the length of the boat overall, which is usually about the width of the beam. On a Mac, that's 7'8", very close to it's 7'10" beam. With a drogue keeping the boat bow or stern to the waves, the theoretical limit is the LOA.

Breaking waves however are not the same thing as heavy rolling waves. Rolling waves are quite a bit safer. I've been out in 6' rolling waves, and while it's scary, it doesn't seem unsafe. It's rather difficult to sail in those conditions however, because waves that size rotate the boat with more force than the helm can counter.

With one reef point, reef at 15 knots and go home at 20. With a 2nd deep reef, you can reef at 20 and go home at 25. Use the roller furling jib to balance the helm differently after each reef. If you expect winds over 15 knots, go out with your first reef in and your 2nd reef ready.

[Herschel]

With a 2nd deep reef

I just have one set of reef points on my mainsail, which is original equipment on my '98 26X. Could you tell me how far up the luff you have your second reef points? Thanks.

[Wind Chime]

Here is where our reef points are.

[Herschel]

Looks like the second set of reef points are about the same distance from the first set as the first set is from the boom. Does that sound right?

[Wind Chime]

Ya, that sounds about right although I've never actually measured the distance. I think the bottom picture might give the best view when you look at luff reef cringle and reinforcing triangles.

[Seapup]

With a 2nd deep reef


I just have one set of reef points on my mainsail, which is original equipment on my '98 26X. Could you tell me how far up the luff you have your second reef points? Thanks.

The reef point on the original sail is a second reef according to most standards, they skipped the first.



Judy B has posted Reef 1 default 12% of luff
Reef 2 default 26% of luff
Reef 3 default 41% of luff

Which would put the 1st up about 3', 2nd (original single on mac) at 6.5', and third at 10.25'.

My deepest reef is up by the spreaders. Its the reef I have used the most this year, we either had a little wind or a lot. It makes sailing in stronger winds more pleasant.



Video clip of comfortable sailing with 3rd reef.

http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/lazyp ... k.mp4.html

[Herschel]

The reef point on the original sail is a second reef according to most standards, they skipped the first

That fits. I know I put one batten into the reefed sail when I reef.

[JotaErre]

When I sail single-handed, I usually unfurl the genoa but don't raise the main sail...

Just with Genoa: How do you realize a tack???

I try to do it when I have enough speed... I wait to change the genoa to the new lee side, because if you keep in in the "old" lee side for a while, it pushes the bow and helps the boat to complete the tack.

[Judy B]

With a 2nd deep reef


I just have one set of reef points on my mainsail, which is original equipment on my '98 26X. Could you tell me how far up the luff you have your second reef points? Thanks.

The reef point on the original sail is a second reef according to most standards, they skipped the first.



Judy B has posted Reef 1 default 12% of luff
Reef 2 default 26% of luff
Reef 3 default 41% of luff

Which would put the 1st up about 3', 2nd (original single on mac) at 6.5', and third at 10.25'.

My deepest reef is up by the spreaders. Its the reef I have used the most this year, we either had a little wind or a lot. It makes sailing in stronger winds more pleasant.



Video clip of comfortable sailing with 3rd reef.

http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/lazyp ... k.mp4.html

Yes, that reef in the video looks to be about 40% of the luff, comparing it to the spreader location and upper shroud attachments.

For the "2nd" reef, the factory specified it to be at 7' up the luff out of 27.42 feet. Our sails put it at 7.1 feet up the luff; no significant difference in that sense. However, our sails have a bit more roach to them than the factory ones did.

BTW, that sail looks nicely trimmed in the picture you posted

BTW #2. The position of the deepest reef has to take the height of the forestay into account. We always want the top of the headboard to be above the forestay attachment point. If the headboard on the mainsail is below the forestay, it could cause the mast to invert (flex backward between the spreaders and the mast butt). That would destabilize the rig. So while there are "defaults", the reef points have to be chosen after considering the actual geometry of the rig and the "stiffness" of the boat compared to its sailplan.

Judy B

[Bilgemaster]

... two thongs is the maximum I can control simultaneously

When I was younger I might have been able to handle two thongs, but back then they weren't really popular, except maybe in the seedier parts of Amsterdam. What with me geezing out and all, I wonder if I could even handle one without getting all tangled up. Now, on the other hand, a good practical pair of Depends gives a fella a little bit of purchase and a good hand hold!