in a shadow of the boat vector at the end of the true wind vector). And one final note, there are two times when a moving boat’s masthead will point toward the true wind: when going directly toward the wind and directly downwind. Now that we understand apparent
wind, and that this is what the masthead indicates when the boat is moving, let’s look at the first use of the masthead while sailing. If you are sailing close- hauled, as close to the wind as you your boat can, your masthead should look like the left diagram in Figure 2. If it looks like the right diagram, then you have fallen off too much, or sailing to low. This is easy to do when the sun is on the windward side of the jib making the outside telltale hard to see. The next usage revolves around
reaching. Here the masthead can give a good indication of where to set the sails (especially on a broad reach where the main should be perpendicular to the apparent wind). This also brings to mind one of my
favorite questions – where does the masthead fly point on a beam reach? Most sailors talk in terms of apparent
Figure 2
The rods on your masthead fly should be set to show the maximum angle your boat can sail into the wind when beating, or close hauled.
When the arrow and rod are lined up, you’re sailing as high as possible into the wind on port tack.
When the arrow is outside your tacking rods, it shows you are sailing too low, not sailing as high as possible into the wind on port tack.
wind, so if your arrow is pointing directly abeam, most sailors will say it’s a beam reach, when if fact the wind is abaft (behind) the beam. Does it really matter? Not really – just be aware that if you are sailing with the apparent wind abeam you are really sailing somewhat downwind. The last use for a masthead when
sailing revolves around downwind sailing. In this situation the masthead is used like telltales are when going to windward – to steer the boat. In fact, when sailing directly downwind or wing-on-wing the helmsperson should
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pay closer attention to the masthead than they do telltales due to the danger of accidentally jibing. One final use is while anchoring or
mooring – it is a good idea to approach into the wind unless there is an over- riding current. As you can see the masthead fly can
be a very useful instrument. Hopefully some of this information will prove helpful.
Mike Huston teaches sailing for San Chesneau_48North.pdf 2/22/11 12:56:29 PM
Juan Sailing in Bellingham, WA. He owns “Illumine,” a Jeanneau 43 DS.
Fine Edge
Nautical Seminars Presents
Marine Weather Course Dates:
by Lee Chesneau
Marine Weather Level 1 April 23 & 24 8am - 4pm
Marine Weather Level 2 April 30 & May 1 8am - 4pm
Further information:
www.marineweatherbylee.com www.FineEdge.com
Hosted by
Pacific Maritime Institute 1729 Alaskan Way South Seattle, WA 98134
48° NORTH, MARCH 2011 PAGE 35
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