2005 Hunter 33. How can I make it sail downwind better?

[Ninefingers]

I think the short answer is...I can't.

Because of the swept back spreaders. I can't let out the main very far.

Even wing and wing, I find there to be a lot of bobbing and back winding of sails.

So let's assume 12 knots of wind. Is the best bet to just move the jib car fully forward to bag out the jib and not even hoist the main?

And let's also assume I am stuck with the stock sails.

[OtterGreen]

i have the same design on my santana 23. swept shrouds that limit downwind capabiltys. i usually take on a reach rather than true downwind as i dont want the sail resting on the shrouds, or go wing on wing but keep a boom restraint on her. basically we are stuck with not being able to go true downwind.

[GaryHLucas]

Do you have a whisker pole? I have always used a whisker pole whenever possible and the improved performance and easier handing of the jib can be quite amazing. I once chased a much newer faster boat back to the marina at the end of the day using my whisker pole. He beat me by a boat length, then told everyone I couldn't possibly have caught him without using my motor! My wife was unbelievably pissed, because she often begged me to use the motor to get home quicker, and I wouldn't!

Gary H. Lucas

[RichH]

Almost all boats, under normal conditions, will sail better down wind at about 135 deg. instead of 180 deg off the 'true' wind. Sailing dead downwind affords almost zero aerodynamic 'lift' to the sails, just drag. 'Tacking' down wind will keep the aerodynamic flow going 'across' the sails as well as increases the apparent wind simply by the increased speed of the boat.

Here"s about 24 other replies on the merits of NOT sailing dead downwind from a different sub-forum that solely discusses sail trim, etc. Trimming sails for downwind (confirmation) - SailboatOwners.com

[SHNOOL]

you could fly a spin!

[OtterGreen]

i had a racing buddy of mine say that there is no benifit to true downwind also. but hey, it is just my arrogant side that loves to go wing on wing with my old man, just because he cant find the balance to do so..

[Ninefingers]

Thanks Rich. Ill try to digest all the trig in that thread!

I'm starting to understand why certain boats are designed the way they are.

This is my first year sailing, so appreciate the replies.

I'll let you know how the 135 run goes tomorrow. Looks like 15 knots forecast. Last great sunny day on Lake Ontario this season!!!

[RichH]

Forget the trigonometry, put a full set of tell tales on your sail (luff/midcord/leech) sail at approx 135° off of true, learn how to trim and shape adjustments to what makes the tell tales mostly all stream *straight back* and you'll be fine, fast ... and 'safer'.

good luck

hope this helps ;-)

[Tempest]

I'd either broad reach..and gybe..my way downwind...or douse the main and sail home on the genoa...

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by RichH

Almost all boats, under normal conditions, will sail better down wind at about 135 deg. instead of 180 deg off the 'true' wind. Sailing dead downwind affords almost zero aerodynamic 'lift' to the sails, just drag. 'Tacking' down wind will keep the aerodynamic flow going 'across' the sails as well as increases the apparent wind simply by the increased speed of the boat.

Here"s about 24 other replies on the merits of NOT sailing dead downwind from a different sub-forum that solely discusses sail trim, etc. Trimming sails for downwind (confirmation) - SailboatOwners.com

Broad reaching is also a more comfortable point of sail as there is much less chance of an accidental gybe.