[C320-list] When do you reef?

[Andrew Santangelo]

Rick,

I totally agree with your statement.

Dawn Treader was originally a wing keel vessel.  In 1999 I converted  
to a fin keel - enormous difference.

BUT - the fin keel also has an advantage when the wife and kids are  
aboard.  If you run a ground it is very easy to get out and into deep  
water with a fin keel.  Put the kids and wife on one side, tilt the  
boat and you are off.  With a wing keel that is not happening.

Best Regards,
Andrew
C320 "Dawn Treader"
#333


On Mar 9, 2009, at 7:32 PM, Rick Evans wrote:

> Kevin
>
> One thing I realized I have found makes a huge difference is what  
> keel you have.
>
> I seem to have to reef early because I have a deep keel. At first  
> that might not make sense as it did not to me until someone from my  
> club explained it.
>
> A wing keel in a gust will first be pushed sideways instead of  
> heeling way over. A deep keel such as mine in a gust and heavier  
> wind will not be pushed sideways do to the pointing and holding  
> ability of the deeper fin. The energy then makes the boat heel over  
> quicker in lighter wind.
>
> While racing with a good crew I have found I do much better in gusts  
> against the othe 320 who has a wing keel because I point higher as  
> he gets pushed sideways.
>
> This is not advantageous with the wife and two kids on board on a  
> cruise.
>
> Hope this clears this up.
>
> Rick
> 724
> Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Kevin <onedrop7 at yahoo.com>
>
> Date: Mon, 9 Mar 2009 16:42:55
> To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Subject: [C320-list] When do you reef?
>
>
>
> Hi All,
>
> I got my 320 in the late fall and she's been on the hard through the  
> winter so I still have lots to learn about her.
>
> Just wondering...at what wind speed do you reef? The 320 sails best  
> with minimal heel, correct? Do you ever start by lessening the sail  
> area of your genny before putting in a reef?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Kevin
> #211
>
>
>
>