MOB in high winds without damaging jib?

legarots · #1 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009

For practicing the figure 8 man overboard, in 20+ knot winds, if you go head to wind, the jib will flog and probably tear. I was going to practice this in a 26' last time out, but I aborted when I noticed how much the jib starting flogging. I was training to let the jib luff after the first tack of the figure 8. How can you perform this maneuver without damaging the jib, on a 20+ knot wind day?

smackdaddy · #2 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009

Watch Giu's video on heaving to. It's a great way to do the MOB and leaves you very close to the victim.

mrwuffles · #3 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009

You could just drop it if you get close enough or furl it if you have a roller furler

smackdaddy · #4 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009

Wuff! Sup dude!

BTW leg - you probably want to do the tacking technique and not the gybe - unless of course you ARE the man.

sailingfool · #5 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by legarots

For practicing the figure 8 man overboard, in 20+ knot winds, if you go head to wind, the jib will flog and probably tear. I was going to practice this in a 26' last time out, but I aborted when I noticed how much the jib starting flogging. I was training to let the jib luff after the first tack of the figure 8. How can you perform this maneuver without damaging the jib, on a 20+ knot wind day?

A jib in any kind of reasonable condition won't be damaged by short periods of flogging in 20+ knot winds - the jib flogs every time the boat is tacked. Do your MOB routine and don't worry about it.

noreault · #6 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009

It seems to me in a MOB situation, particularly in high wind, the first priority should be using the technique which yields a quick and successful recovery. Maybe it is just me, but equipment is a distant second.

smackdaddy · #7 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009

Good point Noreault - especially if you're the one in the water.

bubb2 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009

On the last leg of the figure 8 you turn the boat to the wind and coast up to you MOB. The main should be sheeted tight to the center line. You can also sheet down the head sail to the center line by using both sheets. But you risk having the bow blow off to one side of the wind or the other. It is best just to let it luff and get your MOB back on board.

legarots · #9 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by noreault

It seems to me in a MOB situation, particularly in high wind, the first priority should be using the technique which yields a quick and successful recovery. Maybe it is just me, but equipment is a distant second.

I definitely agree that equipment is a distant second - in a real MOB situation. But there's no sense in tearing a jib just for practicing. Perhaps I should furl up the jib, and only use the main for the MOB drill, when winds are too strong...

sailingfool · #10 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by legarots

... Perhaps I should furl up the jib, and only use the main for the MOB drill, when winds are too strong...

You gotta be kidding...20+ winds is just above a fresh breeze, you risk sail damage from practicing MOB maneuvers no more than when picking up a mooring at the end of the day. Sails are constructed to handle such wear-and-tear without damage...just don't leave it up overnight.