Weather Helm
 

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

Weather Helm
 

On 19 Jan 2007, "Matt" wrote:

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.

Adjust your sails appropriately.

How realistic is it to think that I can trim
her up to the point that I can eliminate it?

Assuming you're referring to more or less constant even if somewhat
variable "wind . . . above about 15 kts" (i.e., as distinguished from
a prevailing wind of notably less than that and only a
fleeting/episodic gust in that quantity - although, even then, one
generally ought not expect any lasting/annoying weather helm), its
mostly a question of sail appropriate trim.

Is there an order of preference in going about
reducing it?

You haven't specified point of sail or any other sailing conditions
besides what you imply is +/- 15 kts true. Experiment, including by
looking at the tell-tales.

Thanks, -Matt

Weather Helm
 

"Matt" wrote...
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?

From cheapest/easiest:

Adjust your sail controls (cunningham, downhaul, outhaul, traveler) to
flatten the main and bring the draft forward.

Reef the main. Does it help?

Ask a rigger or sailmaker to look at your sails and rig. You may need
to have the sails recut or the rig tuned to move the CE forward.

Weather Helm
 

Matt,

You have some suggestions, but you have left out a wealth of information
that might be of significance.

Is the weather helm always present and just gets bad at 15k?
This will have to be indentified by the king post position as you
probably can not feel the rudder at all (if this is like the other
Benditoes I have sailed on).

If the weather helm is always present and does not respond quickly to
sail trim, it could well be a rig tuning issue.

Was the boat sailed by the owner before you bought it? If it was
stored in a yard with the mast down, there is a very good chance that
the rig was not reset and tuned correctly. Yard people these days are
happy to get a mast to point up, and past that they will make little or
no effort (if they care at all).

Do not go making any expensive changes until you have looked at
everything else. If you have noone you can draw on for experience, go
to a local loft and get them to send some one out for a day sail with
you. He will probably find some work that should be done (I can about
garrantee that), but he will also have to correct any of these issues
before he can even make an complete assesment. You will have to develop
a relationship with some local loft, it migth as well start now.

Fair Wind and Smooth Sea

Matt Colie A.Sloop "Bonne Ide'e"
Lifelong Waterman, Licensed Marine and Congenital Sailor

Matt wrote:
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

Weather Helm
 

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

Weather Helm
 

Simplest solution based on the rig being setup correctly is to Flatten the
Mainsail. Outhaul, Cunningham/Halyard, Vang and Backstay cranked on..
Ease the traveler before dumping main sheet.

DP
"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

Weather Helm
 

Oh... and make sure the hull, particularly the rudder and keel are free of
all growth..

DP
"D Parker" . wrote in message
...
Simplest solution based on the rig being setup correctly is to Flatten the
Mainsail. Outhaul, Cunningham/Halyard, Vang and Backstay cranked on..
Ease the traveler before dumping main sheet.

DP
"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

Weather Helm
 

Thanks all!


Matt wrote:
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