Heavy Weather Sailing

Observe weather report:

- if wind is over 15 mph prepare the mainsail reef

- if wind is over 30 mph say in harbor

Observe the waves:

- if waves are too big (4+ feet) and short in length (NE wind on Lake Michigan), try to run with them at the angle, this makes the waves longer.

- you may not be able to sail against the tall waves, which is also a very uncomfortable roller-coaster ride

When the boat heels over 20 degrees (look at the compass, it has a tilt scale on the bottom)

- furl the jib to about 20% or hankerchief, do not fold it all the way as it will help maintain the balance of the boat

- tighten the Cunningham to flatten the mainsail vertically

- tighten the outhaul to flatten the mainsail vertically

- tighten the boom-vang so the boom is not lifted up when the wind puff blows

If sailing towards the wind:

- point closer to the wind and release the main sheet, this will spill the wind and reduce the heel

- keep the mainsail tighten only slightly past the fluttering (loose)

- move the traveller to the lee (lower side)

If sailing with the wind (running):

- bring the main sheet and traveller in to lessen the angle of the mainsail and to spill the wind

Reefing the main:

- have a reefing line prepared BEFORE you go sailing

1) easy the boom vang

2) easy the main halyard

3) put the reef grommet on the reef horn

4) pull in the reef line and secure the new clew

5) tighten the main halyard and Cunningham 

6) tie in the excess sail

7) tighten the boom vang

Articles:

http://www.sailingusa.info/weather_and_reefing.htm