First strong wind, how far should a Typhoon heel?

[Mike Raehl]

I have sailed my new Typhoon a number of times this season but today was the first with a strong, steady wind, about 20 knots from the South blowing up the Hudson River. The marina is protected from a Southerly wind so I was fooled and went out with full main and 150 Genoa. I probably should have reefed but once in the open, couldn't do it singlehanded. Anyway, I was having a great time sailing and never felt threatened... except for some missed tacks that I had to start over. Problem is that I don't know how the Typhoon should feel in a strong wind and when I might be pushing her too hard. On close to broad reachs, the inclineometer showed a steady 10 to 20 degree heel and, with puffs, to 30 degrees. Toe rail was at the water surface and some spray over the bow on large "waves" (the Hudson River doesn't have real waves, just three foot chop moving in the same direction). So question is should I have headed for the marina to reef the sails, ease off the sheets or can she take it this way for prolonged periods? Should also add that the Typhoon is my first keel boat. My other boats were a Venture catamaran and an O'Day Widgeon. Since I managed to capsize both of them often enough, I would have stayed on shore on a day like today. None-the-less, it was a great day sailing, I just need a better sense of when to back off. Would greatly appreciate other's thoughts...

Mike Raehl
Roberta Jane II, Ty #1958
Piermont, NY



mikeraehl@telocity.com

[Greg Lutzow]

Mike;

Sounds like a great day sailing. I have owned my Typhoon for over 20 years now and found that the boat sails best between 10-20 degrees heel. With the winds you descibe I would not have reefed; instead I would have reduced the headsail to the working jib or perhaps a 120 genny if one was on-board and had a ball. The Typhoon tends to be somewhat wet so that sounds normal. As for strength....she'll take more than you can and has a will to live that is legendary.

Greg Lutzow
CEFALU III/TYW
CD25(still being worked on)
Sarasota, FL

I have sailed my new Typhoon a number of times this season but today was the first with a strong, steady wind, about 20 knots from the South blowing up the Hudson River. The marina is protected from a Southerly wind so I was fooled and went out with full main and 150 Genoa. I probably should have reefed but once in the open, couldn't do it singlehanded. Anyway, I was having a great time sailing and never felt threatened... except for some missed tacks that I had to start over. Problem is that I don't know how the Typhoon should feel in a strong wind and when I might be pushing her too hard. On close to broad reachs, the inclineometer showed a steady 10 to 20 degree heel and, with puffs, to 30 degrees. Toe rail was at the water surface and some spray over the bow on large "waves" (the Hudson River doesn't have real waves, just three foot chop moving in the same direction). So question is should I have headed for the marina to reef the sails, ease off the sheets or can she take it this way for prolonged periods? Should also add that the Typhoon is my first keel boat. My other boats were a Venture catamaran and an O'Day Widgeon. Since I managed to capsize both of them often enough, I would have stayed on shore on a day like today. None-the-less, it was a great day sailing, I just need a better sense of when to back off. Would greatly appreciate other's thoughts...

Mike Raehl
Roberta Jane II, Ty #1958
Piermont, NY

nmsinc@aol.com

[Richard G]

Sounds like you had some fun. Good idea to learn how to reef while out there in the elements. Learn how to hove to, and then you can take your time reefing with the boat under controll. Enjoy.

[John M Freeman]

try checking out the weather forecast first! not meaning to be trite, but always a good first step. you might find that she will sail just as fast, and a lot easier, with a single reef and a working jib. being that they are full keeled boats, i have found my CD25 sails just as fast, and in some situations faster, rigged this way. i have also found that past 20 degrees heel she has a tendancy to come up into the wind on her own, and develops ungodly weather helm. give it a try, i think you'll find it a much more enjoyable way to sail, unless of course you sail for the pure adrenaline rush. best of luck and good sailing,


John M Freeman
S/V Nanook
CD25, #287



capn_jack68@yahoo.com

[Chris Reinke]

Mike - I sail a CD330 out of Shattamuck along the southern side of Croton Point. The wind on the lower Hudson can change rather suddenly so learning how to change sails or put a reef in the main while solo is an important skill to master. It sounds like you were a bit overpowered so a change of headsail or a single reef in the main was probably a good idea. It also sounds like you had a ton of fun and gained a bit more confidence in your Typhoon, so it was a good experience. At 30 degrees you were not sailing at peak efficiencies and probably getting a bit wet. You could have maintained the same speed and had a more relaxing ride at 20 degrees, but then again, why not have some fun.

One point you failed to mention is that while you were sailing with full sheets up, the Hunters, Beneteaus and other lighter boats were heading for their slips. I am not suggesting that CD owners are so callous that we would snub our noses in the air as we are passing other boats heading for the docks while we are heading out, but it sure is a nice feeling.

Chris Reinke
CD330 Innisfail (Gaelic for "Little Bit of Heaven on Earth")
Shattamuck YC
Currently anchored in Onset, MA

I have sailed my new Typhoon a number of times this season but today was the first with a strong, steady wind, about 20 knots from the South blowing up the Hudson River. The marina is protected from a Southerly wind so I was fooled and went out with full main and 150 Genoa. I probably should have reefed but once in the open, couldn't do it singlehanded. Anyway, I was having a great time sailing and never felt threatened... except for some missed tacks that I had to start over. Problem is that I don't know how the Typhoon should feel in a strong wind and when I might be pushing her too hard. On close to broad reachs, the inclineometer showed a steady 10 to 20 degree heel and, with puffs, to 30 degrees. Toe rail was at the water surface and some spray over the bow on large "waves" (the Hudson River doesn't have real waves, just three foot chop moving in the same direction). So question is should I have headed for the marina to reef the sails, ease off the sheets or can she take it this way for prolonged periods? Should also add that the Typhoon is my first keel boat. My other boats were a Venture catamaran and an O'Day Widgeon. Since I managed to capsize both of them often enough, I would have stayed on shore on a day like today. None-the-less, it was a great day sailing, I just need a better sense of when to back off. Would greatly appreciate other's thoughts...

Mike Raehl
Roberta Jane II, Ty #1958
Piermont, NY

chris.reinke@sac.com

[Neil Gordon]

>>One point you failed to mention is that while you were sailing with full sheets up, the Hunters, Beneteaus and other lighter boats were heading for their slips. I am not suggesting that CD owners are so callous that we would snub our noses in the air as we are passing other boats heading for the docks while we are heading out, but it sure is a nice feeling.<<

It's also a nice feeling knowing that if you go out in good weather and there are unexpected changes, you may have a wild ride and get wet, but you won't have to wonder if you and the boat will get home safely.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



neil@nrgordon.com

[sloopjohnl]

jiffy-reefing (forget the original equipment roller reefing) and possibly a downhaul line on the jib/genoa if going to the foredeck singlehanded is not a comfortable situation for you. the typhoon will also hove-to very nicely which allows you the time to leave the tiller and reef the main while out there enjoying the wind.

I have sailed my new Typhoon a number of times this season but today was the first with a strong, steady wind, about 20 knots from the South blowing up the Hudson River. The marina is protected from a Southerly wind so I was fooled and went out with full main and 150 Genoa. I probably should have reefed but once in the open, couldn't do it singlehanded. Anyway, I was having a great time sailing and never felt threatened... except for some missed tacks that I had to start over. Problem is that I don't know how the Typhoon should feel in a strong wind and when I might be pushing her too hard. On close to broad reachs, the inclineometer showed a steady 10 to 20 degree heel and, with puffs, to 30 degrees. Toe rail was at the water surface and some spray over the bow on large "waves" (the Hudson River doesn't have real waves, just three foot chop moving in the same direction). So question is should I have headed for the marina to reef the sails, ease off the sheets or can she take it this way for prolonged periods? Should also add that the Typhoon is my first keel boat. My other boats were a Venture catamaran and an O'Day Widgeon. Since I managed to capsize both of them often enough, I would have stayed on shore on a day like today. None-the-less, it was a great day sailing, I just need a better sense of when to back off. Would greatly appreciate other's thoughts...

Mike Raehl
Roberta Jane II, Ty #1958
Piermont, NY

[John]

jiffy-reefing (forget the original equipment roller reefing) and possibly a downhaul line on the jib/genoa if going to the foredeck singlehanded is not a comfortable situation for you. the typhoon will also hove-to very nicely which allows you the time to leave the tiller and reef the main while out there enjoying the wind.

I have sailed my new Typhoon a number of times this season but today was the first with a strong, steady wind, about 20 knots from the South blowing up the Hudson River. The marina is protected from a Southerly wind so I was fooled and went out with full main and 150 Genoa. I probably should have reefed but once in the open, couldn't do it singlehanded. Anyway, I was having a great time sailing and never felt threatened... except for some missed tacks that I had to start over. Problem is that I don't know how the Typhoon should feel in a strong wind and when I might be pushing her too hard. On close to broad reachs, the inclineometer showed a steady 10 to 20 degree heel and, with puffs, to 30 degrees. Toe rail was at the water surface and some spray over the bow on large "waves" (the Hudson River doesn't have real waves, just three foot chop moving in the same direction). So question is should I have headed for the marina to reef the sails, ease off the sheets or can she take it this way for prolonged periods? Should also add that the Typhoon is my first keel boat. My other boats were a Venture catamaran and an O'Day Widgeon. Since I managed to capsize both of them often enough, I would have stayed on shore on a day like today. None-the-less, it was a great day sailing, I just need a better sense of when to back off. Would greatly appreciate other's thoughts...

Mike Raehl
Roberta Jane II, Ty #1958
Piermont, NY

Speaking of heaving to. I have found that I can heave to easily in moderate breezes (15mph to 20 mph in midwest speak) with my working
jib, but in light air with my genoa or in heavy air (25 to 35mph)I have a hard time getting the boat to settle in. Do others find this to be the case or do I just need to work at it a bit more?
John



branchedoakmarin@aol.com

[Richard K. Rosenberger]

Personally I'm not happy unless a toe rail is in the water!!! Sounds like you had some fun don't worry about the boat she'll handle it

I have sailed my new Typhoon a number of times this season but today was the first with a strong, steady wind, about 20 knots from the South blowing up the Hudson River. The marina is protected from a Southerly wind so I was fooled and went out with full main and 150 Genoa. I probably should have reefed but once in the open, couldn't do it singlehanded. Anyway, I was having a great time sailing and never felt threatened... except for some missed tacks that I had to start over. Problem is that I don't know how the Typhoon should feel in a strong wind and when I might be pushing her too hard. On close to broad reachs, the inclineometer showed a steady 10 to 20 degree heel and, with puffs, to 30 degrees. Toe rail was at the water surface and some spray over the bow on large "waves" (the Hudson River doesn't have real waves, just three foot chop moving in the same direction). So question is should I have headed for the marina to reef the sails, ease off the sheets or can she take it this way for prolonged periods? Should also add that the Typhoon is my first keel boat. My other boats were a Venture catamaran and an O'Day Widgeon. Since I managed to capsize both of them often enough, I would have stayed on shore on a day like today. None-the-less, it was a great day sailing, I just need a better sense of when to back off. Would greatly appreciate other's thoughts...

Mike Raehl
Roberta Jane II, Ty #1958
Piermont, NY

r.rosenberger@valpeyfisher.com

[Chris]

In a true 20 knots of wind my Ty is definitely overpowered with my 150 genoa/full main - the boat is out of control. When the wind comes up that much I use full main & roll out only a bit of the headsail. I set the inside tracks all the way to the front & run the jib sheets inside the shrouds so I can sheet closer to the centerline. Works beautiful. With the bit of headsail the boat can drive thru chop & doesn't hobbyhorse like it would w/only the main. The wet ride is why you bought the boat!

Chris

[Mike Raehl]

Much learned and now eagerly anticipating the next strong wind day... Fair sailing.

Mike Raehl
Ty #1958, Roberta Jane II
Piermont, NY



mikeraehl@telocity.com

[sloopjohnl]

jiffy-reefing (forget the original equipment roller reefing) and possibly a downhaul line on the jib/genoa if going to the foredeck singlehanded is not a comfortable situation for you. the typhoon will also hove-to very nicely which allows you the time to leave the tiller and reef the main while out there enjoying the wind.

I have sailed my new Typhoon a number of times this season but today was the first with a strong, steady wind, about 20 knots from the South blowing up the Hudson River. The marina is protected from a Southerly wind so I was fooled and went out with full main and 150 Genoa. I probably should have reefed but once in the open, couldn't do it singlehanded. Anyway, I was having a great time sailing and never felt threatened... except for some missed tacks that I had to start over. Problem is that I don't know how the Typhoon should feel in a strong wind and when I might be pushing her too hard. On close to broad reachs, the inclineometer showed a steady 10 to 20 degree heel and, with puffs, to 30 degrees. Toe rail was at the water surface and some spray over the bow on large "waves" (the Hudson River doesn't have real waves, just three foot chop moving in the same direction). So question is should I have headed for the marina to reef the sails, ease off the sheets or can she take it this way for prolonged periods? Should also add that the Typhoon is my first keel boat. My other boats were a Venture catamaran and an O'Day Widgeon. Since I managed to capsize both of them often enough, I would have stayed on shore on a day like today. None-the-less, it was a great day sailing, I just need a better sense of when to back off. Would greatly appreciate other's thoughts...

Mike Raehl
Roberta Jane II, Ty #1958
Piermont, NY

Speaking of heaving to. I have found that I can heave to easily in moderate breezes (15mph to 20 mph in midwest speak) with my working
jib, but in light air with my genoa or in heavy air (25 to 35mph)I have a hard time getting the boat to settle in. Do others find this to be the case or do I just need to work at it a bit more?
John

john,
i have never hove-to with the genoa, but with the working jib it is necessary to adjust the amount of backing depending on the wind velocity so that the boat will hold a relatively steady course.