High wind tips

Hey all,

So this is the 1st full year of having the 18. My friend and I bought it just before nationals (just sold my 16). Anyway, we were out at the lake over the weekend in 25 mph winds gusting to about 32. The 16 took that no problem, especially if you reefed the main. We lost the harnesses over the winter (cheap ones, need new ones anyway), so we couln't hike out. We found the large amount of wind really stressful (it also was really gusty, typical of CO). Will the trap make it a lot smoother? I'm wondering how affective that will be on the 18 (trapping out). What have people found to be the max wind they'd take their 18 out in? Under full sail? Just Main?

anyway, snows finally gone!

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1985 Hobie 16 86068

Welcome to the Hot Rod 18!
I certainly never liked sailing a broad reach on my 16 in 25+ kts. of wind. Kind of like a high speed rocking chair on ice.
The 18 is a far more stable platform in high wind believe it or not, with the added bouyancy. And yes, you definitely need to be trapped out, double trapped out, when the wind is that high.

If you still feel nervous in high wind after trapping out, roll in the jib and sail that way, until you get settled.

BTW, my first season on my 18, back in '88, we had a similar day on Barnegat Bay one 4th of July. Felt like a Ferrari with the throttle stuck open. Thought my wife would never sail with me again.

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Chris
'88 H18SE Arís

Single trapping at a minimum is preferred. If you're not comfortable skippering from the wire in that much wind, then probably better to stay in the boat for control. Also, if the chop/swell is significant, then you may need to stay in the boat or at the very least, raise your harness height. At sissy cord is helpful for the crew.

As for tuning the boat, max downhaul is a must, as is sheeting hard when going upwind. Travel out as necessary to keep the boat in control. Also, it's real important to keep your head out of the boat watching for and anticipating gusts and waves. If it gets too much, roll up the jib, head to the beach, and grab another person. The 18 is a blast in 20 to 25+ with three on board. When it gets to be that windy, I love to just power reach with the crew on the wire all the way at the back of the boat.

sm