Operation Under Sail

The NAUTICATs are motorsailers, differing from pure sailing yachts chiefly in the greater emphasis on comfort and roominess, and in being equipped with a more powerful engine. Thus the hull shape is slightly more bulky, the displacement a bit greater and the sail area somewhat smaller. This naturally affects the sailing performance to a certain extent, but in good hands a NAUTICAT sails very nicely. It is all a matter of skill and experience.

In this chapter we shall try to bring our experience to your disposal.

The main principle when sheeting is to fill the sail with wind. If the boat moves perpendicularly to the wind or upwind, ie when reaching and beating tighten the sheets to get wind, but slacken them again until the luff begins to curl. Then tighten slightly. When running dead downwind the sails should be as perpendicular to the wind as possible.

Sheeting point of jib

The sheeting point is important, especially when beating. When the jib is sheeted tight, the foot should not be stretched tight while the leech is fluttering. This happens if the sheeting point is too much aft. Alternatively loosen the sheet and move the traveller forward, until you find the right position. The leech should be stretched and the foot slightly curved, i.e. the foot should have a slight belly. Do not, however, push the trav. too much forward, for this will only strain the leech and give too much belly.

Sheeting point of main

The main sheet also has a sheet track. If you pull the traveller to the windward side the leech will get a belly, and if you take it down leeward the leech will straighten. When tacking do not attempt getting “higher” to the wind by moving the traveller windward. Take the traveller leeward and pull the sheet tight. This will straighten the leech, and give the sail a favourable shape. Tighten the kicking strap to save some strain on the sheet and leech. The best shape for tacking is obtained.