using the downhaul going downwind in big wind

In high wind conditions, does application of downhaul depower a fat-head/pre-bend/no-spin/unirig (e.g., an A-class cat) as effectively going downwind as it does going upwind? If so, is the risk of pitch-poling with a highly compression-loaded carbon mast worth the extra control?

Geoff
Boyer Mk IV

How much downhaul you need to use depends on the sail.

My first A-class sail was really kind on the downwind, just let out some mainsheet and everything was ok. My latest mainsail goes like a bullet downwind but is really tricky to handle in higher winds.

Applying a lot of downhaul will help you control the power from the main on the downwind, but if you pitchpole hard enough with a lot of downhaul applied you will break the mast. The A-class regattas usually abandon racing when you reach the point where you need to apply a lot of downhaul on the downwind to survive.

I would recommed a three step rule, first tighten the outhaul, then release the traveller all the way out and if you are still overpowered apply some dowhaul but don't pull it all the way down.

/hakan

Hi Hakan and Geoff,

I find that when the wind is above 15 mph, my boat really comes alive downwind.

However, above 20 mph sustained [ and throw is a very gut busting gusts too ], the boat turns into a rocket ship and approachs the speed of the wind itself.

Oh yes, you are on the edge. Throw in some 3-4 foot waves and life is most definately in 'fast-forward' mode.

A South African Uni sailor posted here, to call a square top main, in those conditions, a 'pitch pole machine'. I agree.

In the 'last moment moves',...after praying out loud,...I reduce the sails' surface area to the wind.

How?

Against your logic, pull in the trav as fast as you can. and pull in the mainsheet. Maintain your steering as deep as you can [ 165-170 degrees off the wind].

You will reach the bottom mark PDQ,.....then you have to figure out how to round...:-) !

..sounds like fun!

regards,

Bruce
St. Croix
I17

My experience is:

1) By the time the wind get's high enough for me to consider using the downhaul to depower, I am too busy to remember to release my downhaul.

2) When I am going nearly dead downwind, to avoid pitchpoling, it's time to go in.

To brobru - My A-Class, a Marstrom, is much more forgiving downwind than a 5.5uni or 17. I was sailing in conditions 2 weekends ago, that would have been a certain pitchpole on a 5.5uni. It only only meant "stay alert" on the A.

Carl

Carl,

Yes, I believe it.

I figure my I-17 is the 'Chevy' of uni's

I suspect you got the Volvo <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

By the way, when the wind is 17-ish plus mph, I switch to a
'small' sail,..150 s.f, just like the A's...the boat likes it and handles real nice.

I must make my way up to Houston to sail with you all some day..

regards,

Bruce
St. Croix