Trouble Tacking

Ok, so we've finally gotten our new Getaway, and in getting used to the the boat, I've come up with one small problem.

We went out in some slightly stronger winds (about 15 mph with gusts closer to 20), and we had some trouble tacking.

The problem that we would stall out before completing out tack. It seemed as if the wind would gust into the jib, forcing the front of the boat back into the wind.

I experimented with trying to turn slower, faster, changing the angle of the sails, etc. Turning too fast, we stalled out (as I already knew). Too slow, and we'd lose power prior to coming about. Same problem with running closer or further into the wind. Nothing seemed to work well (near the end we ended up having to jib, which was a bit more "fun" than my wife was looking for).

Does anyone else have this problem? I'm sure there's just something little that I'm not doing right, but I can't quite figure it out.

Thanks for your help!

Chop and gusts can make tacking difficult. I once had a 14T, which without the jib, would have been a bear to tack. Here are a couple of tricks:

Slowly sheet in (don't let the main cleat) as you turn upwind, turn delberatly, not too slow, but not to fast as to cause your rudders to 'brake', as you mention above. Also remain on the windward side as long as you possibly can, until the boat is just about turned onto the new tack. Don't be tempted to jup over to the other hull too quickly. The weight on the 'inside' hull actually helps the boat maintain momentum where it counts, the outside hull, due to the increased drag of the inside weighted hull. Then get over to the 'new' windward side. You can also backwind the jib, in other words, leave it cleated longer, until your tack is well established and your main is pulling. The key is smoothness and timing.

Hope this helps.

_________________
Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

He's got it right...stay on the windward side as long as possible....leave the jib cleated in until you're through the tack...it'll push the bow around...Also it helps to move your crew to the back of the boat so the bows come out of the water creating a pivot point for the boat to swing around on

we had trouble tacking our getaway at first..now we nail it every time.

Thanks a ton. Tried this yesterday, and it worked a lot better. I guess I just need to spend some more time on the water! Can someone put that in writing for my wife? And perhaps my boss?



Thanks again. Happy sailing.

Tell me where to send that note!

One other thing I'll add... Make sure you don't have the crew too far back on the boat. You want to avoid a bow up attitude while tacking.

Brian C

I just got a Getaway myself so I am expert at blowing tacks. I think I went 0 for my first 12 in decent wind. One detail I didn't see mentioned - do not throw the tiller / rudder all the way - no more than roughly half the range is needed. Turning to fast and too tight kill your speed.

JC