[C320-list] Simulated Drunken Sailor Using Autopilot

[Scott Thompson]

I find that my autopilot steers much better on the constant apparent 
wind angle setting than it does following a constant magnetic heading, 
or following GPS waypoints.  Apart from the need to be alert for wind 
shifts, the only other downside to this approach is that I find that the 
AP sometimes gets confused during tacks in this mode.  It tends to steer 
too high a course after a tack because it's trying to keep apparent wind 
angle constant, but you actually want a broader apparent wind angle just 
after a tack when you are going slow.

Scott

Robert E. Sloat wrote:
> Brian-One further comment on your autopilot.  You can also set it to 
> hold a constant apparent wind angle.  If there are wind shifts or 
> varying true wind strength you will observe a lot of course changes by 
> the autopilot to keep the steady apparent wind angle.  With wind shifts 
> and the boat changing headings to keep the steady wing angle often you 
> look like a DUI sailor and others sailing around you often are trying to 
> figure out your next move. The key in this mode is to be very alert to 
> the other traffic so as to not cause confusion on the autopilot's 
> actions in this mode.
> 
> Check out the Canadian equivalent to our Inland Navigation Rule 8 (the 
> same as International Rule 8) which for action to avoid collision 
> requires action to be positive and in ample time all with the observance 
> of good seamanship. This means in a practical sense to get back to 
> manual or correct the autopilot to make those positive moves in ample 
> time for all situations where you have to hold a constant course or 
> change to give way.  (My Captain's license is speaking here.)
> 
> If in open water with little traffic, the constant apparent wind angle 
> autopilot setting is great for learning how to optimize you sail 
> adjustment for top speed.
> 
> Bob Sloat
> Savannah Hull 894
> 
> ---- Original Message ----- From: "Amirault Family - S&B" 
> <amiraults at sympatico.ca>
> To: <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
> Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2009 11:23 AM
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] No Additional cockpit winches -Use Autopilot
> 
> 
>> All:
>>
>>
>>
>> Bear has the ST4000. Your responses suggest that the process of using 
>> it to
>> helm the tacks is a simple one. The supplied suggested settings are a
>> godsend. If winter ever releases Ottawa I will give this a whirl in the
>> spring. I will review the autopilot's current settings as a start, and 
>> then
>> motor the boat sails-down and simulate tacking with directions of travel
>> based on current wind direction as indicated by the wind-o-meter. This
>> should let me get the hang of the process without having to actually be
>> distracted by sail manipulation. With the process confirmed I can try it
>> sails up with the crew as standby in case all falls apart.
>>
>>
>>
>> What could be simpler? This spring. New electrics. Tacking made 
>> easier. Life
>> just gets better.
>>
>>
>>
>> Regards;
>>
>>
>>
>> Brian Amirault
>>
>> 797 Waltzing Bear, too
>>
>