Keelboats develope weather helm while beating to weather. A sailor can, and
should attempt to reduce the helm in order to prevent the boat from rounding
up. What you do first depends upon where you are standing, what you can
reach and how many crew you have. On my boat:
1. We ease the mainsail (easy to do as the mainsheet is handy to the
helmsman).
2. Shorten the foresail. If it's a roller furler, roll it up a bit. Our
number 1 genoa is a 150. We change to a number 2 at 20 knots (or so)
apparent wind (our #2 is a 140). We change to a blade (#3 jib) at 25 knots
apparent wind (earlier if it's building to a gale).
3. Reef the main. If the storm builds to 40+ knot gear buster, we take the
main down (when - as soon as we know it's going to blow). You might practice
taking the main down, or at least reefing when it's easy to do so. Because
when you have to, you must do it.


"Matt" wrote in message
ups.com...
I've got a (new to me) 1992 Beneteau First 310
(http://coconut.ereidy.com/) that has some pretty severe weather helm
when the wind blows above about 15 knots. How realistic is it to think
that I can trim her up to the point that I can eliminate it? Is there
an order of preference in going about reducing it? Thanks, -Matt