Making Passage w/o a Rudder

[wildcard]

Dec 06 Crusing worlds article that was mentioned before tries several ways and they found the plywood on a whisker pole sweep was worthless. It's well worth reading.

[wind_magic]

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses, and especially to Robert Gainer for his description of balancing the boat using sails alone. I really appreciate you writing that out so that I could understand it, and I did understand it. It gives me a place to start learning about it because before I didn't even understand it enough to know what to read about, really. I will have to wait about two months before I can actually try it out though!

[hellosailor]

wind_magic-
When you do get around to trying it, if it doesn't seem possible, just bear in mind that everything on a boat is synergistic.
"IF" the hull design is right
"IF" the sail plan is right
"IF" the right sails are up
"IF" the mast isn't canted too far forward or aft
"IF" the sails aren't blown out

There's a whole long list of stuff that can make balance difficult, even if the boat is capable of it. On the bright side, when you CAN steer the boat under sail alone, and you can leave the rudder centered, you are going faster (without the rudder being a speed brake) and you KNOW you've got it trimmed right. Don't be surprised if it takes a while to get there.

[Giulietta]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

wind_magic-
When you do get around to trying it, if it doesn't seem possible, just bear in mind that everything on a boat is synergistic.
"IF" the hull design is right
"IF" the sail plan is right
"IF" the right sails are up
"IF" the mast isn't canted too far forward or aft
"IF" the sails aren't blown out

.

You forgot if the guitarrist has "fingers" for the guitar!!

[rtbates]

Let me first say that this is my first post here. I've been sailing for 28 years and currently sail a Cape Dory 25D.

After reading this thread I found no one mentioning steering using your sails. I practice for fun and amassment of crew, Seraph's ability to go virtually in any direction with the tiller lashed amid ships. Want to fall off trim the jib on/main out. Want to come closer to the wind jib out/main in. Wind speed has a huge affect on how well this works and a reef in the main and the genoa rolled up a tad helps. Having a full keel doesn't hurt!!

Randy Cape Dory 25D Seraph #161

[Giulietta]

RT
Welcome to Sailnet

There were several mentions to the use of sails for steering..please read carefully..

[catamount]

Here's a link to some discussion on this topic on the SSCA board:

http://64.70.221.24/DiscBoard/viewtopic.php?t=1829


and two good threads at Sailing Anarchy:

http://www.sailinganarchy.com/forums...howtopic=15793

http://www.sailinganarchy.com/forums...howtopic=30896


plus links to some recommendations for Transpac/Pacific Cup racers:

http://www.pacificcup.org/racetips/rudder.html

http://www.pineapplesails.com/articl...dder/index.htm


Regards,

Tim

[lakeeriehigh]

Among the many solutions, one I have had to use for short distances is as follows.
If your boat is fitted out for long distance crusing, or is under 30 feet, ther is a good chance you have an outboard motor mount on the transom for times when the diesel conchs out. The motor at Idle speeds or at about 1/3 throttle can make a very effective rudder if fashioned so that you can manipulate it from the cockpit. And as previously stated, it is also a good saftey back up for the much more likley scenario of auxilary engine failure.

[timangiel]

Somebody once told me that they actually held onto the rear of the boat with their body in the water and used their body as a rudder. I can't say I would recommend it, just thought it was an interesting story.

[purplemoon]

I couldnt imagine loosing the rudder while making passage. I have heard of people loosing a keel tho, and that was followd by disaster, but it was only on smaller vessals and in lakes.