How to Heave-To at Sea

Easy tips for small boat cruising sailors-- http://www.skippertips.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• sail trim
• cruising
• small sailboat
• seamanship
• sailing seamanship
• heavy weather sailing
• how to sail
• sail shape

[seasensical]

Less is best. Some boats heave to well with just the mainsail alone. Double reef your mainsail, lash the tiller or wheel and see if you can get her to heave to. I would not use a Genoa because it has too much sail area. Some folks try rolling up a furling Genoa partway, but this places enormous loads on furling gear in high winds. Try the main alone approach first. If you still cannot get her to heave to, have your sailmaker build a small storm jib and use that as shown.

[seasensical]

Thanks--

Best always,

Captain John

[CapnSaltine]

Being a beginner sailor my first impulse has always been to take down all the sail and turn the engine on when in high winds and seas. My question is how much sail can you have up and still stay upright when heaving to? On my Pearson 303 sloop I have a 150% genoa and a mainsail with 2 reefs. Thanks Capt.

[BrothersFreedive]

I just have to figure out how to do this in my dinghy. 8 P

[BrothersFreedive]

love your hand drawings! lol

[CapnPaul]

Thanks. Good info. I'll be able to grab a cup of coffee and watch a movie or two.

[ArtistIreland]

Thank you.