Coming about in a Rhodes 18

loomaz · #1 (**permalink**) 06-22-2007

I seem to be having a difficult time bringing my Rhodes 18 about. I just acquired this boat and hoped it would have the same sailing characteristics as the Rhodes 19 I once owned. That boat was extremely responsive to the tiller while the Rhodes 18 seems sluggish. Is it the skeg that protrudes below the stern portion of the boat that is creating drag? It seems that the boat just won't come about easily. What gives? Does anyone have a suggestion?
Thanks

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 06-22-2007

Loomaz...I lake sailed on an R18 as a kid and always remember the boat as sluggish so I don't think that is anything unusual. You have to have pretty good way on to come about. Nice stable day sailor with a great cockpit but not the quickest around the buoys. I alway loved that boat...is yours restored? Pictures?

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 06-22-2007

Easing the main sheet a bit as you come about will help a bit, as will backwinding the jib a bit.

loomaz · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007

Thanks for the suggestion about backwinding the jib and easing off on the main to help bring my Rhodes 18 about a bit quicker, however, and this may sound stupid, but how do you "backwind" the jib? And, exactly what is it about the design of this boat that makes it so hard to bring about? Is it the skeg in the back?

loomaz · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007

Sorry, I forgot to answer Comraderie's question about the Rhodes. It is in pretty good shape for an old hull. No damage but it could use a new gel coat. I just rebuilt the floor this winter and it looks really great. The guy who sold me the boat last year replaced the rub rail and I refinished the wood around the cockpit. Sorry, I don't have a picture.; It is a good looking boat with lots of cockpit room, but I am a bit disenchanted with the way it sails.

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007

Loomaz-

If you don't release the jib sheet immediately as it comes around, the jib will luff and then fill in the "wrong" direction as the boat crosses through the wind—the jib will then be "backwinded" and will help pull the boat around.

loomaz · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007

Thanks sailing dog, sounds like a good idea and I'll give it a try

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 06-26-2007

let us know how it all works out.

Yugi · #9 (**permalink**) 06-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Easing the main sheet a bit as you come about will help a bit, as will backwinding the jib a bit.

If easing the main doesnt work or help try pulling it in more before you tack. Backwinding the jib should be all you really need to do.

loomaz · #10 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007

I did try backwinding the jib and it does help. I had a much easier time of it this weekend although when I use the big jib, it tends to get hung up on the mast when I do try backwinding it. Thanks for the suggestions.