Re: [Paddlewise] Weatherhelming versus Weathercocking Usage

Hi Tord!

Nice to see you back.

On 9/27/06, Tord Eriksson <tord_at_tord.nu> wrote:
>
>
> Excellent explanation, Craig (hope you're well!)!


Very well thanks. :)


> After having some leecocking problems we found that our Klepper Aerius II
> behaved very well when we added a oversize rudder and a mizzen, as the
> leecocking effect is compensated by the weathercocking effect of the
> mizzen. By releasing the mizzen sheet the boat turns downwind easily, and
> vice versa.


Not many of us can put a mizzen on our kayaks. For those who do not know
what a "mizzen" an explanation is in order. On kayaks the mizzen is
typically set aft of the cockpit which should put it well aft of the center
of resistance.

So we always carry the mizzen, while the other sails (and mast) are used
> when we want to!


Have you experienced any problems with a tendency to capsize when the mizzen
is hit by a gust of wind from the outrigger-side? I'd be very careful to
keep the sheets running clear because with the mizzen mounted aft of the
cockpit should the sheets jam it could become messy. It will also add drag;
but if you're sailing who cares?  <grin>

And how we load the boat doesn't affect it at all - as the power of the
> rudder and the mizzen is far greater than the effect of the hull, or
> equipment strapped to the forward deck!
>

I wouldn't think they would with the combination of a rudder AND a sail at
the aft end of boat.

Sailboat skippers routinely play with the combinations of sails to make the
wind help them maneuver their boat. I routinely set a jib when I'm running
across a river bar along the Washington, Oregon and Calif coastlines (where
the wind is typically onwhore) to help prevent a broach in the following
seas. When I approach a mooring from upwind I drop the jib (and keep the
main set) as I pass the mooring and then turn hard into the wind. The main
helps scoot the boat around and with luck the boat stops with the bow into
the wind and within reach of the mooring.


Craig Jungers
Royal City, WA
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