Posted by michel.capel (michel.capel@…>)
David, I have some answers to your queries, but not all. My heavy
weather experience is limited, but I’ll share what I know.
— In FreedomOwnersGroup@yahoogroups.com, “David Head”
<davidknhead@…> wrote:
Several members have assisted with information regarding these fine
boats. Does any member have experience of the following? :
Heavy Weather.
At what wind speed does a windward course become impractical?
My reefing schedule is as follows:
20 kts 1 reef in mizzen
25 kts 1 reef in each
30 kts 2 reefs in mizzen, 1 reef in main
35 kts 2 reefs in each
40 kts mizzen down, 2 reefs in main
45 kts same
In stead of the mizzen down, you could opt for the main down in
winds over 40 kts. According to group member Jay Glenn you can lie
hove to with your main down and your mizzen reefed and tightened to
leeward. The main mast keeps the bow off the wind, the mizzen sail
keept the boat going slightly to windward.
Please describe some experiences and the actions good/bad that you
used to ensure the boat and crew safety, especially when the
condition exceeded 40kts, and in confused seas.
Running downwind with just the double reefed main up is no problem.
I did that several times. You must steer by hand however; the forces
on the rudder can be tremendous in a F33/35 catketch. I’ve seen 11
kts on the log for prolonged periods. I don’t know how it would be
with waves over 10’ high.
What drag devices have members experience of? What effect etc.
I have a drag bucket, diameter 4’. never had to use it. If you have
to pass through breaking seas, our SAR organisation always uses a
drag bucket over the stern to prevent being pushed sideways and
flat.
Does the cockpit drain fast enough when pooped?
For the UK built F35 cat ketch, I would say yes. The cockpit is
large and deep, but the scupper hole in the transom is large enough
to lose the water in time. With large following seas, the cockit can
fill with water entering through the scupper hole. Two flaps on the
outside, each side of the rudder, would prevent this.
Can the F35 lie ‘a-hull’ in a hove too position? If so what is the
ride like, and what sail configuration works best?
I have no experience, but I read enough storm survey reports,
including reports on catketches, to find that keeping on sailing is
always better than lying ahull. I plan to (someday) find a suitable
storm jib that I can hoist as a mizzen storm jib to have some
sailing ability left even in extreme conditions. By moving the tack
of the mizzen storm jib forward or aft you would be able to
influence your course from to the wind to off the wind.
\
Does the board up make life easier by preventing the boat tripping
on
her keel?
Definitely, yes. Heel will also be less with the board up. And
running in strong winds and seas is much easier with just the V-
shaped long keel in the water. Freedom early adopter John Oakely saw
17 kts for longer periods on his log during one of his Newport -
Bermuda races.
Best,
Michel
Any other heavy weather experiences would be keenly read.
I am planning a Biscay crossing in a boat that I am contemplating,
and need to make sure I am well equipped for any eventuality.
Eventually she will be required to go much further, so any
equipment
will at some time be tested.
The new owners of ‘Castaway’ have been very helpful with their
responses. ‘Castaway’ has several Atlantic Crossings to her name,
and
one in particular provides a picture of the rights and wrongs in
extreme weather conditions. Frankly, if there is any doubt about
the
ability of these fine boats I will have to look again at other
marques.
Thank you for any assistance.
David Head.