dpearson said:I'm a bit confused -- when on a broad reach or when running in stronger winds, when the boat goes into a death-roll, and the boat is rolling to windward, I know that one should pull in on the mainsheet -- the outward force on the sail then counteracts the windward rolling. But what does one do with the tiller/rudder? Tim Davison's book says to push on the tiller and head up. That doesn't seem intuitive. Does he have a misprint or can you provide some rationale?
Skipper Johnson said:Good question. I death rolled about 3 times last week. I read the rooster sailing article which indicates bearing away is better. This didnt work for me. Perhaps I wasnt forceful enough. All I know is I remember saying stupid rooster sailing site, as I crashed into the water.
My gut feel is that heading up into the wind for a beginner is probably better.
Clive Humphris said:Attached is a copy of an article I wrote for my local club newsletter a couple of years ago and still reflects what I believe is going on in this situation and how best to react. It is based on material from Rooster, my understanding of the aerodynamic forces on the rig and what I have actually experienced sailing!
Cheers
Old Geezer said:I have conclusively proved to my complete satisfaction that it is possible to death roll the boat by pulling the tiller towards you or pushing it away from you.
tomsinamerica said:i think a lot of it has to do with the timing of said stick pulling/pushing.
I know when i sail offwind, i really ease the vang - even if it's breezy, when running this causes the head of the sail to twist so that there is a significant lateral component of the force pushing the mast head over on top of me. When a gust hits, the twist is emphasised increasing that component and hence driving the boat on top of me which is why, I will always always always sheet in and head up which stabilizes the boat and then drive back downwind in the gust.
Now if you're really cool, you can eliminate this entirely by sailing by the lee offwind where the flow is from leech to luff rather than acting as a big kite before the wind. I've tried this in 15 knots or so and it's fast and stable... however... if the wind shifts by 10 degrees you will have gybed and therefore you will be wet.
So for me, less that 10knts breeze... by the lee... above 10knts... sheet in and push the stick bit...