I have a Buccaneer 210 that wont sail upwind and has what can only be described as lee helm. It sails upwind poorly if at all and the rudder is at full travel to the upwind side to hold course, as the wind picks up the boat turns downwind on its own with some scary heeling! I’ve experimented with sail trim and it helps but not enough. Here’s some links to the dimensions and
rigging:
interactivejones.com/buccden/files/bucc210_spec_01.doc
interactivejones.com/buccden/files/buccman_02.doc
There’s no mention of proper mast rake but there seems to be very little if any. The manual suggests 12” of slack in the forestay at chest height. At this tension the forestay wags in the wind, could this be correct? Yesterday I lengthened the forestay to about the safe limit of the turnbuckle and tightened the backstay as far as it would go. This leaves about 3” of slack in the forestay and maybe 2” of rake at the top of the mast. It’s better but still takes full rudder to hold course. This was in +\- 15 knots with the main reefed and about a 65%
jib. Full sails in lighter wind are essentially the same. If I have to modify the backstay to get enough rake I’m considering adding a block and tackle to allow adjustments. Will this help? How do I determine the safe limits of adding tension?
This is my first experience in a keelboat so learning to sail seems appropriate, should this be in gear and maintenance?
Thanks,
Mike