[C320-list] One Sail in High winds

[resloat]

Art-I have not moved any winches.  I have to go to the front of the cockpit 
to change main sheet tension and any halyard tensions.  I was thinking of 
putting a cleat on the mast for the spinnaker halyard as lowering it can be 
a challange solo since you have to pull the asymmetric halyard throuugh the 
clutch under the dodger and it sometimes get stuck.  That is not good solo 
on a take down.  Going up can be done from the cockpit once everything is 
set.

On my hull 894 (2002) all the halyards run back to clutches on the cabin top 
under the dodger.  For your hull are there holes for mast turning blocks at 
the base of the mast and deck organizer blocks under the traveler track?  If 
so, it is like mine.  Maybe there was a design change between our hulls.

A furling genoa came as standard equipment, so the only practical way to 
deal with high winds is to furl the genoa in.  It has pre-marked positions 
and foam padding so you get decent, but not perfect, sail shape when furled. 
The main has a single line reefing set up that came standard.  A second reef 
is possible, but you need to haul out some hardware.  I use the second reef 
only in a emergency and it has not be used for a few seasons.

Bottom line is that I treat my wife very nicely and do most everything she 
wants in exchange for going sailing with me occasionally.  I like solo, but 
it really is more fun with a few folks who can help even if a little.

Bob Sloat
S/V Savannah 894 (2002)
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <millers1 at aol.com>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] One Sail in High winds




Thanks for the tips.   You mention, primaries and secondary winches.  It 
sounds as if you have mounted a
set or winches closer to the helm station( ??).  I am also trying to see the 
advantages of having a
jib halyard run to the cockpit vs to the base of the mast .   It seems to 
make any head sail changes a two person job.
I did blow a 110 out of the track on my C&C 36 when a squall hit (I had 
already pulled down the 135).  I was able to fight
the sail slowly down and back on-deck while slowly releasing the halyard on 
the mast from the bow. Boat was on auto steer into wind
and I had released the main into it's jack lines.
Art

-----Original Message-----
From: resloat <resloat at comcast.net>
To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Wed, Aug 1, 2012 11:58 am
Subject: Re: [C320-list] One Sail in High winds


Art-I do a lot of solo on southern Lake Michigan.  No major changes made to
the winch locations.  Here is what I did:

1. Installed longer traveler adjusting lines so they could be used from the
the helm.  Once the main is tuned for twist and draft on a heading, most of
the changes are sail angle so the traveler is adjusted a lot.
2. Use autopilot a lot when adjusting the sails and when tacking.
3. Installed a Raymarine SmartController wireless autopilot controller.  The
handheld controller securely hangs from the inside of the dodger near the
top and used as a repeater for up to four outputs from the helm.  You can
read it from the primaries and secondaries.  Apparent wind angle, wind
speed, boat speed and heading are the ones used most.  Using this you don't
have to run back to the helm to check on speed changes after sail
adjustments.  When I feel like it, launching an asymmetric solo is made
easier with the SmartController strapped to my belt and the autopilot
engaged.  Just remember the default direction to head when launching to
avoid a jibe.  If there is a wind shift or heading change and you need to
correct, just hammer on the controller to change the boat heading in the
default direction.
4. Always wear an inflatable PFD/harness and tethered if necessary.  Keep
the tether short so you can't go overboard.  This is a pain.  I guess you
could put 20-30 feet of tether on and rig up some way to get the ladder down
from the water.  You might break a bone tripping over all the extra line
when moving about.
5. I am on a fixed dock at the harbor.  My spring line is a red braided rope
attached to a cleat on the dock.  I lay it out on the dock when leaving and
when returning, if someone is at the dock wanting to help, I just yell "give
me the red line" and then drop it over the primary winch. Slow the boat to
almost a stop with reverse and engage forward in idle and the boat generally
snuggs up nicely to the dock allowing further hook up. I hook up on the port
side so just turn the wheel a little to the right to keep the stern away
from a starboard piling and then secure the bow quickly.

Bob Sloat
S/V Savannah 894 (2002)
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <millers1 at aol.com>
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2012 7:53 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] One Sail in High winds




I single hand a lot and have only owned a c320 for three weeks.   I would be
interested in
feedback on how the boat can be improved for single / short handed sailing .
Add  winches in the cockpit for easier head sail control from helm
position??
 I have Auto helm, but do need to reef the main (controlled from cockpit).
Art    #680


-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Danko <320kend at att.net>
To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Tue, Jul 31, 2012 6:40 pm
Subject: [C320-list] One Sail in High winds


Lately I have been experimenting with using only one sail in high winds.
I have tried using my 100% jib (and no main) and my main with the first
reef point (and no jib). The usual afternoon winds here during the
summer are about 24 knots with gusts to 29 in some parts of the bay. On
a really windy day the wind can be almost 10 knots higher. I am not
racing and my guests (crew) usually don't want to sit on the rail and
sometimes I single hand Grace. Using one sail has proved to be a pretty
good solution for traversing the most windy parts of the bay. I was
wondering if anyone in the group had some
thoughts/suggestions/guidelines for using one sail.

Ken Danko
Grace, #802
San Francisco