Gybeing

When running downwind, attach the kicking strap to the cap shroud, to avoid the risk of unintentional gybing, i.e. when the boom slams over from one side to the other. This may carry away your entire rig, if the wind is strong enough. When running, try to sail “butterfly” i.e. “wing and wing”, or to use a spinnaker.

Hydraulic steering

All NAUTICATs built after 1981 have a hydraulic steering system, which means that the helmsman doesn’t “feel” whether the yacht tends to steer upwind or downwind. He may be steering to starboard or port while she goes straight forward. In this case the rudder “brakes” the speed. The ideal is to obtain a balance in the sails which will move the boat straight forward when the rudder is straight. Therefore, a rudder angle indicator is a good option, if you want to sail better.

Balance the sails to get more speed

As a general rule all sails forward of the main mast make the yacht turn downwind and all the sails aft of it make her turn upwind. The mizzen, in particular, makes the yacht turn upwind, and the bowsprit genoa does the opposite. Normally trim the main and genoa before the mizzen. The schooner mainsail has to be used with a good “counterpoise” in the fore mast. It is also obvious that it has to be reefed fairly often, but with a good slab reefing this is a quick operation and will give you better possibilities for adjusting the sail.

When sailing to windward, the wind, lying on the high free-board and cabin of a NAUTICAT produces a certain leeway. If the sails are properly sheeted she, however, cruises nicely, especially in fresher winds. Do not attempt to “pinch” too much upwind, you will only loose speed and get more leeway. Try to find an optimum where the speed, course and leeway bring you fastest to your goal. When the yacht heels more than about 15° it is time to reef. Excessive heeling angles also produce more leeway and less speed.