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Upwind in an X

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2004 3:54 am
by Jeff S
I am relatively new to the Mac world and recently back into sailing with my X. I am definitely new to the whole CB thing. This weekend I was sailing upwind with about 13kt winds. At first I would start to heal at about 20-30 degrees, then the boat would round up into the wind even with the rudders held hard over. As I kept the rudders held hard over the boat would slow and fall back off and continually repeat this process. Then I remembered a few things I read about the CB and decided to raise it some. Viola- the boat started holding its course much better at about a 20 degree heal and making 5-6 knots.

The next problem I encountered was tacking. Even at those speeds the boat would not carry its momentum through the tack with the rudder at the stops- it started to tack ok, then about midway through it would stop its tack and fall back off in the original heading. I have a feeling I had the CB up too much and did not have enough lateral lift to combat the wind and current. Is this common in moderate winds? Now I think if I had dropped the CB to start the tack the boat would round up, and as that started I should then turn the wheel and then work the jib until falling off the opposite tack- pull up the CB and reset the wheel and jib.

Any other tips on this from X experience- or am I out to lunch?

Thanks,
Jeff