In the ZONE

[marc ducharme]

I would like to better understand the dinamics involved, when I get into the zone. I have experienced this on about four occasions.
I am heading closed hauled at about 20 to 25 degrees to the wind, with my jib and mainsail up, between 5to 7 kts in a steady wind. And I take my hands of the wheel and the boat basicly sails itself, with a list of about 2 degrees either way, depending on the waves. I have watched my compass and i barely change courses for periods lasting up to 15minutes so far. I have even gone down into the galley for wine , while the boat sailed itsef. Very cool feeling to sit back and enjoy the moment.

has anyone experienced this and what is the technical version of this event besides having the boat in perfect balance. thanks ahead for the comments

Sailing ya gota love it

[Catigale]

Perfect balance of foresail, mainsail, and weather helm...

I certainly cant add any experience here....

[marc ducharme]

Thanks I always aprreciate your comments and look to you to better my skills.


Sailing you gota Love it.

[Zoran]

I also experienced that, there is no doubt that there is good ballance of sail trim. The only question would be is that the fastest boat can go in these conditions? I never test it since whenever I reach that ballance I do not want to trim anything, that feel so good.
Zoran

[Scott]

Marc, you can practice this. It is a great drill for losing steerage.

Sheet your jib to get the bow off the wind and main to bring it up.

After a bit of practice you should be able to steer your boat with sails as your primary steering and small corrections on the wheel.

Once you figure it out you should be able to hit this "ZONE" fairly regularly.

FYI. for an autopilot to work effectively, you need to be close to balanced or the boat wags all over the compass.

[Frank C]

I also experienced that, there is no doubt that there is good ballance of sail trim. The only question would be is that the fastest boat can go in these conditions? I never test it since whenever I reach that ballance I do not want to trim anything, that feel so good.
Zoran

Zoran - I agree completely - LOL !!!

WADR to BB, I find it's pretty difficult to find that point of perfect balance. It's vastly more complicated because different wind conditions change the ideal centerboard position (balance in 8 knots is vastly different than 18 kn) and because you can't really adjust the CB very easily. (One of my day-dreaming mods is a tooth-belt-driven CB, adjustable under pressure)

Anyhow, those few times when I find the boat balanced in 20 knots of wind,
JUST HANG ON & DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING and ENJOY

[Dan B]

It's one of the reasons I sail - the challenge of getting the boat balanced so I can sit back and just watch. You really have to get to know your boat, and hope for the steady winds, a stationary crew, and fairly flat water. I have more success getting into the zone close hauled in 8-12 knot winds. Centerboard position is a key factor also.