Tacking

I am planning to go out tomorrow and there should be 20 mph winds on the lake. I have been having trouble tacking in strong winds. I am new to cats, having mostly done the monohaul sailing.

I know cats are difficult to tack but does anyone have a step by step method on how to do it?

Try this.
*Get the boat close-hauled and up to speed before you tack.
*When you tack, don't push the tiller too far over, you will turn the rudders into brakes. 20-30 degrees is plenty. keep the tiller steady as you go through the tack.
*Leave the jib sheeted in (backwinded) until you are through the wind and moving forward on the new tack. This will help push the bows around.
*Ease the mainsheet out a few inches as the boat is coming through the wind. A hard sheeted main will tend to bring the boat right back up into the wind. Once you are rolling on the new tack, you can trim the main back in.

I find that the Getaway tacks quite well with the molded in skegs at the rear of the hulls.
Good Luck

crew placement is also critical i've found....before the tack move the crew to the windward rear right where you're sitting.....this gives the boat a point to pivot on....as the boat starts to turn send the crew over to the other side as needed....try to keep the weight on that windward stern as long as possible...skipper should go to the other side last.

Being slow and smooth with the rudder is important with Lasers and the like, but REALLY important with this boat Also, unlike other small mono haul you trim the jib first and then I trim the main. On Lasers I trim them both at the same time. If you blow a tack, don't let it bug you. Back wind the main and off you go.

Don't know about Getaway, but on old 16 when jib backwinded in heay air, if weight is not forward you may blow over backwards.

Just watch fo it.

Doug

Thanks for the tips. I was out on Friday in 15 -20 mph winds and was able to tacked with no problem at all. It's actually quite a calm maneuver when done right.

By the way, I have to say the Getaway is a very controllable boat. I was able to stop that thing almost at will. Is that typical for cats?

Yes releasing the sails and jamming the rudders will usually stop any boat. Doing it to fast will sometimes tack you depending on wind and weight placement though.

Doug

just gybe it!!!! a whole lot faster and more fun!!