Backwind the jib or not?

I learned to backwind the jib on my H16 during a tack which seems to work well in light to moderate winds or when single handling (mainly because the jib is the last thing I get to when I'm sailing alone). In strong winds and heavier seas though this doesn't seem to work very well but I'm not sure why. Anyone have an opinion on this? The H16 jib is larger than most other boats in the class. Similar boats (P18, Nacra 5.0) do not have jib battens. Is this a factor?

Yep, in heavy winds and rough seas tacking is difficult, and depending on your skill may be nearly impossible. This is when you get to put your jibing skills to the test.

I found that as you start coming up into the wind make sure the jib is real tight, then just as i move the tiller over I ease out the main so that when you tack it won't blow you over on the opposite tack. That usually will bring the nose around just enough to catch a little wind on the back side of the jib. Wait till your sure she has gone around far enough before you release the jib. I always make sure I am in my spot before I bring the main back in. I am no expert but in strong winds that has always worked for me. I find it harder to tack my getaway in strong winds than my 16 was.

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06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

Tacking a Hobie 16 in wind (and chop) can be difficult, but with practice it can be done with more consistancy. The first difficulty is that you are powered up and double trapped. Tacking from the wire takes practice. Next when you start your tack is important. If there is chop or swells or both, you want to start your tack to take advantage of the bow being out of the water as you are just getting to the point that the jib is backwinding. This is the tricky part because a lot is happening at one time. In addition to initiating the turn, you sheet IN the main to help weather vane the boat. As the jib begins to backwind you are coming off the wire and uncleating the main and throwing (figuratively) the tiller (it is important to keep the tiller turned as the tiller extention is thrown behind the mainsheet. Do not allow the tiller to stop turning the boat to the new tack). With the bow up and the jib backwinding the boat will pivot. As this is all happening, the crew is also scrambling to the new "high side" towards the front of the tramp to keep the boat from being blown over backwards all the time ready to uncleat if the boat starts to capsize from the backwinded jib. Then the crew releases the backed jib and sheets in on the new tack before the main is sheeted in as the skipper and crew hook up and start out on the new tack. It is really just like any other tack, just at a higher pace with more penalty for mistakes.

I have watched Greg and crew (Jeff) do this in wind and it is a beautiful thing to see.

I find jibing in big winds scary as hell! I need help to learn how this year. I've had to learn how to tack. I find that I can tack well in strong winds beter on one tack than the other. I have no idea why? my bent mast mabey?

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I wish winter was not so long in Sask. Canada. It's hard to sail on ice! 1984 16' hobie cat Sail# 84848

Agreed, it is pretty violent. I try to avoid jibing in high winds. After two or three unsuccessful tacks though sometimes it is just unavoidable.

I am inexperienced with cats, multiple things come to mind on this subject.

If the boats pointed higher this would all be easier.

If the boats weighed more they would have more "way-on" which would carry them through a tack. (Would you partially flood your hulls to help this in an emergency?)

Even a keel boat will round up after a high wind gybe if the situation is just right; should a cat not simply gybe to "ware around" but make sure they spend no time pointed down wind by holding the helm over during the gybe so the boat is already turning back into the wind as quickly as possible when the gybe happens?

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Frank, sailing '02 Getaway in Wichita KS. Lake Cheney
(Hobie 17 RIP, storm of '05)

Not really. The problem stems from two long, narrow hulls connected together. They don't like to turn together.



NO. The water inside a hull doesn't stay in one place. It will want to slosh back and forth, making the boat dangerously unstable.

A catamaran jibing in heavy air is vastly different than a keel boat. A keel boat won't capsize or pitchpole - which is often the result of a heavy air jibe in a catamaran.

Tacking in heavy air is a matter of technique and coordination between the driver and crew. You have to pick your spot; steer through the tack; don't stall the rudders; hold the jib just long enough to get the bows past head to wind, but not long enough to blow the boat over backwards. It's very tough to do singlehanded.

Likewise, jibing in heavy air is technique - pick your spot (lull); sheet in the main and jib (travellers full out) to reduce projected area and keep the jib from wrapping around the forestay (don't cleat); maximize speed; minimize the steering; throw the main over and let the sheet run (acts like a shock absorber); keep your butt in the back of the boat.

Like any techniques - they require practice. You'll know when you get it right - and you'll know when you get it wrong. Just don't expect to get it right the first time or even every time after you do it right. I've been doing this for 36 years and I still blow it occasionally.