On 08 Aug (Bobsprit) wrote:

He was asking for your experience with that model,
but with the usual poor English skills shown in this NG.

That's right - and (though I'm suprised at his "a lot" in "a lot of
weather helm") his response was informative.*

----------------------------
* On Fri, 08 Aug 2003, "Michael Olsen"
wrote:

I'm not sure what you mean 'confirmed,' but that's my
experience. I've done my best times on the boat properly
reefed. As to 'necessary,' maybe not, but at 20 knots
with full sail (roller main) there's a lot of weather helm
and that rudder fights the speed a lot. I hit my best
speeds under reef at about 18 kts - when it definitely
wasn't necessary but worked well.
I have typically reefed the main a foot on the boom first,
then the first reef point on the 140 genoa, after letting
out the traveler. That will hold if the main is tight, tight,
tight and flat as can be... then at 25 or so another 1/2 foot
on the main...
But after 18-20 degrees, the boat loses substantial steam.
thanks for asking.

wrote:

* * * [re.] Beneteau 331.

Have you confirmed whether, for that model
. . . , reefing comparatively early, even if not
in any way necessary, substantially increases
speed and sailing peformance in related respects?
If and to the extent so, in what configurations
in what conditions?