hello, if you are using the 2 sails on your own, when tacking do you keep the jib cleated on the original side, then tack, then when on new course uncleat it and set it on the new side?
cheers david
A Mirror is so light that you do not need to back the jib to go about. In fact, as Justin wrote, you're asking for trouble leaving it cleated in a strong wind. In light airs, all this would do is slow down the boat unnecessarily as she heads into the wind.
I always tie the ends of the jib sheets together so that they're always within reach and when sailing single-handed in stronger winds I keep them in my hand. Why? - Because if you do get knocked down and let go the mainsheet, the boat immediately swings off the wind under the pressure of the jib instead of luffing up and the mainsheet cannot run out fast enough to prevent you going over.
In such a situation, you want to ease or let fly the jib immediately and keep the mainsheet under control to luff the boat up and recover an upright position.
Have fun!
Gernot H.
many thanks Gernot and Justin, so you hold both sails in one hand, let go of the jib when tacking and then pick up the other jib sheet when the tack is complete?, I'm saiing on an inland lake and the weather in the uk is very settled at the moment with light gentle breezes so I'm trying to practice new things whilst the weather is on my side.
cheers david
Dead right!
I sail mostly on our local lake surrounded by forest and some high buildings and often the wind is not just very irregular in strength but also changes direction abruptly. Those are situations where you want to release the jib fairly instantly if you get caught aback by a freak turn.
Have fun and enjoy yourself!
Gernot H.
PS I just remembered that the former front page picture shows how I handle the sheets (mainsheet and tiller extension in one hand, jib sheet in the other):
I keep my jib sheet cleated. Then when I want to tack, I turn the Mirror and as soon as the jib is back winded I release the cleat and recleat it when the tack is completed. I also tie the two jib sheets together.
Mind you, I try to avoid sailing in exceedingly shifty winds.
The picture may give the impression that I am holding the jib sheet tight, but actually I have it cleated and am simply holding it so that I can uncleat it in case of emergency. It was blowing hard that day (see from 12:14 minutes into http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa2zNOLOpqY ) and I ended up sailing home with a provisional reef in the mainsail.
Cheers,
Gernot
I don't think there is much chance of being capsized by the jib acting alone, and I often back the jib completely to heave-to in heavy weather. I suggest tying the sheets together to make it easier to get hold of the leeward sheet at all times. Backing the jib gives a reliable tack, but it might slow the boat down a little. I always back the jib to some extent when tacking, and when in a tight situation I let it go completely aback. As a matter of interest, you will find that the boat will sail quite reasonably with the jib aback with the mainsail driving.
justin dempster
Sat, 07/06/2013 - 11:17
Permalink
would strongly suggest you
would strongly suggest you uncleat the jib as in a strong wind you may be blown over.
62816inBerlin
Sat, 07/06/2013 - 21:35
Permalink
Ditto, agree with Justin
A Mirror is so light that you do not need to back the jib to go about. In fact, as Justin wrote, you're asking for trouble leaving it cleated in a strong wind. In light airs, all this would do is slow down the boat unnecessarily as she heads into the wind.
I always tie the ends of the jib sheets together so that they're always within reach and when sailing single-handed in stronger winds I keep them in my hand. Why? - Because if you do get knocked down and let go the mainsheet, the boat immediately swings off the wind under the pressure of the jib instead of luffing up and the mainsheet cannot run out fast enough to prevent you going over.
In such a situation, you want to ease or let fly the jib immediately and keep the mainsheet under control to luff the boat up and recover an upright position.
Have fun!
Gernot H.
mcmillan01
Sun, 07/07/2013 - 18:46
Permalink
many thanks Gernot and Justin
many thanks Gernot and Justin, so you hold both sails in one hand, let go of the jib when tacking and then pick up the other jib sheet when the tack is complete?, I'm saiing on an inland lake and the weather in the uk is very settled at the moment with light gentle breezes so I'm trying to practice new things whilst the weather is on my side.
cheers david
62816inBerlin
Mon, 07/08/2013 - 18:34
Permalink
Just so
Dead right!
I sail mostly on our local lake surrounded by forest and some high buildings and often the wind is not just very irregular in strength but also changes direction abruptly. Those are situations where you want to release the jib fairly instantly if you get caught aback by a freak turn.
Have fun and enjoy yourself!
Gernot H.
PS I just remembered that the former front page picture shows how I handle the sheets (mainsheet and tiller extension in one hand, jib sheet in the other):
mirrorpete
Mon, 07/08/2013 - 18:51
Permalink
tacking and the jib
I keep my jib sheet cleated. Then when I want to tack, I turn the Mirror and as soon as the jib is back winded I release the cleat and recleat it when the tack is completed. I also tie the two jib sheets together.
Mind you, I try to avoid sailing in exceedingly shifty winds.
Pete
62816inBerlin
Fri, 07/19/2013 - 15:53
Permalink
cleated of course
The picture may give the impression that I am holding the jib sheet tight, but actually I have it cleated and am simply holding it so that I can uncleat it in case of emergency. It was blowing hard that day (see from 12:14 minutes into http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa2zNOLOpqY ) and I ended up sailing home with a provisional reef in the mainsail.
Cheers,
Gernot
curlew
Wed, 07/24/2013 - 17:57
Permalink
sails and rigging
I don't think there is much chance of being capsized by the jib acting alone, and I often back the jib completely to heave-to in heavy weather. I suggest tying the sheets together to make it easier to get hold of the leeward sheet at all times. Backing the jib gives a reliable tack, but it might slow the boat down a little. I always back the jib to some extent when tacking, and when in a tight situation I let it go completely aback. As a matter of interest, you will find that the boat will sail quite reasonably with the jib aback with the mainsail driving.