[Sabreman]

We read lots about the dangers and challenges of heavy air sailing. But what about light air sailing? Which do you consider (and why) to be more challenging?

For purposes of this discussion, I'll define heavy air as sustained 25-35kts and the sea state that often accompanies it. I do not mean survival conditions (35+). I'll define light air as 0-5kts.

For my part, I find light air sailing the most challenging because if the infinite amount of patience involved. Especially light air racing. In heavier winds, there is always something to do to improve the boat's ride. I can even fool myself into believing that motion (mine) equals progress (improving the boat's performance). But light air? Makes me want to scream.

 

[lajimo]

Beer, music, and an asymmetric spinnaker can help with light air. Maybe even a fishing pole.

 

[CalebD]

For my money both light and heavy 'air' are challenging but in different ways. Light air challenges my patience while heavy air challenges my nerves as safety becomes much more important in a rough situation.
Think about it. Your rig is not likely to come down in 0 - 5 knots of wind as the stresses on the rig is nothing compared to 25+ knots. Sails usually blow out in squalls, not calms. A MOB situation in light winds should be a cakewalk but in 25+ knots, not so much.
I race so we get plenty of light wind days over the summer. We usually have plenty of time on races like that to tweak anything that can be tweaked.

 

[DivingOtter]

I hate no air and I am not a fan of overdoing it in the heavy winds and beating myself and the boat up. I will sail if conditions deteriorate, but i wont leave the dock if its honking 15-20 out of the south which is usually what happens a few afternoons a week here. I generally sail solo so i like a happy medium.

 

[CapnBilll]

Light air can be frustrating, like when you are slowly drifting to shore, or an obstacle, and the wind isn't enough to maneuver away from it. But thats when you crank up the "iron genny".

In a race? ....You do remember you are racing the slowest form of transportation known to man? Right?

 

[puddinlegs]

Bill, do you race? Chess is slow too, but shares much in common with light air sailboat racing. Differences between boats is the only 'speed' that's relevant.

 

[Sabreman]

You do remember you are racing the slowest form of transportation known to man? Right?

You have that right! It could also explain why sailboat racing has such a hard time getting a public following. Unless waves are crashing over the bow, watching a sailboat race is less fun than watching my grass burn up in this heat.

Light air has always bedeviled me. Tweaking is constant and every little puff requires the utmost diligence to exploit. The problem is that light air deadens the senses, so staying focused is especially difficult for most people.

I recall a race on the Hudson off West Point when I sailed for Villanova. We were becalmed with 10 other boats (420s) all clustered together. Everyone was deathly quiet and losing focus with the absurdity of the situation. Then a freighter rounded the corner.... we got focused in a hurry.

 

[PCP]

Light air is cool. No wind at all is bad

 

[SHNOOL]

Light air is cool. No wind at all is bad

Amen to that... light air means fly the laundry, no air means break open the beer, cause there's nothing else to do.

 

[Cruiser2B]

I hate light air simply because my Alberg doesnt move unless there is 5kts. 0-5 and almost nothing happens, except I cook. Its probably just me and my poor sailing skills but light air is very frustrating. On the other hand 20-25 from the south here on the lower chesapeake makes for some really good sailing, 20-25 out of the north is a very very rough day. The boat can handle it...the crew not so much. Was out there in it just a few weeks ago and she sailed beautifully in a 20-25kt NE wind. 100% jib and Reefed main and we scooted right along. I, however, was feeling a little green though......uke

 

[nolatom]

Light air in New Orleans in the summer is tolerable upwind, since you generate some wind of your own and that 4kn becomes 6kn apparent, in your face.

Downwind? absolute oven. 4k breeze from astern feels like zero. If you reach high enough with the assymmy to generate wind, you cool off a little but are no longer making progress "downwind".

Sometimes the terror of the afternoon thundersquall is almost welcome...

 

[hellosailor]

Ah, no, it ain't LIGHT air until it is down to less than two knots.<G>

Heavy air, no time to get frustrated. Light air, time to play golf.

 

[youmeandthed]

Light air with big seas (hangover after a storm)... It is so hard on the rig, you still have all the movement, but nothing to hold the boat steady. 20 to 25 is really nice sailing, over 30 the seas pick up and you can get some nasty breakers, not fun. I'd say it depends on your boat though, we have a heavy displacement full keel.

 

[smackdaddy]

Light air in New Orleans in the summer is tolerable upwind, since you generate some wind of your own and that 4kn becomes 6kn apparent, in your face.

Downwind? absolute oven. 4k breeze from astern feels like zero. If you reach high enough with the assymmy to generate wind, you cool off a little but are no longer making progress "downwind".

Sometimes the terror of the afternoon thundersquall is almost welcome...

Bingo. Not a fan of light air.

 

[Sabreman]

I agree that dead downwind is dreadful. We hardly. We hardly ever go 180 degrees to the wind. We stay at 150 or so degrees. VMG is better than directly downwind.

 

[PCP]

So what's the problem, you just have to follow the wind:

Less than 10 upwind, more that 25 downwind, in between you can chose

 

[CBinRI]

Nothing is more difficult for crew morale than very light wind. Often will breed disagreement on how to keep/get the boat moving

 

[St Anna]

Beer, music, and an asymmetric spinnaker can help with light air. Maybe even a fishing pole.

In my experience, you have summed it up perfectly.

Light air can be managed well. No deadlines and you will get there safe enough. Motor if need be. I can motor ~1000nm if I must.

However heavy air - every one has their own definition and limits. Less experienced always seem to over exaggerate the strength of the breeze. I heard a guy today talk about recent 'gale force' winds when it was only about 25kn or half the force of a gale. [~10kn extra is roughly equivalent to double the force]

So when I hear of heavy winds, I remember a 36 hour period of 65-70kn whilst in the Capricorn channel, with huge, loud seas generated by the breeze. I vote for quiet air thanks. Actually I just love a constant 15kn from one direction - no gusts, no variables.

 

[PalmettoSailor]

I suspect I know why the prospect of light air is on Sabremans mind. Light air (often accompanied with blistering heat and morale crushing humidity) are the norm in our area this time of year and it's drawing close to a distance race we both take part in. Some years, anchoring has been a strategy in this race due to light air and foul current.

Last year (my first overnight race as skipper) the thought of having to retire due to light wind loomed in the forefront of my mind, but we were fortunate to have winds closer to 20knts for the majority of the distance. At the finish however, very light winds played an important role at the finish. As it has in past years, when the wind filled near the finish, it filled from the back. Nothing more painful than watching your sails flutter near uselessness while boats behind you are enjoying more than double your wind, so I'm in the light air is more frustrating camp.

 

[Sabreman]

That's it exactly, Palmetto. Our first year with the race we drifted backward several miles waiting for the wind to fill. While we would ow set a tactical anchor, drifting in the heat is maddening.

When I speak of sailing in light air, I meant actively sailing (vs. drifting and fishing or motoring). To me, it's extremely difficult for a variety of reasons.

60-70 kt wind isn't heavy air, IMO. That's survival conditions and outside the scope of my query.