WIND
WIND
Sail Trim CHAPTER 10 PAGE 37.
Safety Position Te safety position allows you to take a break from active sailing in a safe, controlled manner. Steer to a close reach and ease the sheets, allowing the sails to luff completely. With all the wind spilled out of the sails, the boat will glide to a stop and give you a break from the action. When you are ready to sail again, pull in the sails to start moving. When in the safety position, keep the boat on a close reach.
Getting In and Out of Irons “Being in irons” describes a boat that is stopped. While pointing into the No-Go Zone, the sails will be luffing. You will not be able to steer normally.
On a boat with a jib you can turn the bow away from the wind by backing the jib. To back the jib, hold it out to the side of the boat opposite the direction you want to go. Te wind will push against the jib and turn the bow around without the boat backing up very much.
If the boat does not have a jib, back the mainsail by pushing the boom forward on the side you want to turn toward and hold the tiller in that same direction. As the boat begins to sail backwards, the bow will turn toward the boom, and away from the wind.
With either method, when the wind starts coming over the windward side of the boat, release the backed sail and pull in the sheets to stop the luffing. Pull the tiller
away from the boom and continue sailing.
A close reach is best for the safety position.
When close-hauled the swinging boom might bump your head as the mainsail luffs.
On a broad reach or run, the sails will not luff enough to stop the boat. Turn toward the wind until the sails luff completely.
When backing the sails, be aware that there will be wind pressure pushing back against you. Te stronger the wind, the greater the pressure. Take care!
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