heaving to

[pjvoyage50]

We are preparing our Voyage for a trip from Florida to Grenada. Just went to a seminar and discussed heaving to so I was wondering if anyone has had experience heaving to in a cat? Would it be best to have a storm sail set on the inner stay to balance the reefed main?

Appreciate your thoughts,
Pam
s/v Silent Faith

[2Wind]

I would advise you to practice this several times well before you may need to do it.
Every boat behaves differently so having an idea as to how your boat will sit, and determining how much rudder you will need to apply is important. So start in lighter winds and sort this out, as well as clarifying the means of sailing on (releasing the genoa sheet, take in the opposite sheet and turn rudder off the wind). Then practice it in heavier wind. I've found that the sail plan that was correct for sail balance before, will provide adequate balance when hove to (reefed of un-reefed). Practice this nevertheless.

[Factor]

And try different combinations. My boat heaves to best under main alone

[gspeak]

We heave to often, whenever we hook a fish on the troll, which luckily for us is fairly often. Consequently, have never had to in anything above about 18 knots to date.

As others have said, just using whatever sail is up, throw up into the wind, sheet in, through the eye then lock the wheel to windward.

Dave

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Factor

And try different combinations. My boat heaves to best under main alone

Are you hove-to or fore-reaching under main alone?

Mark

[pjvoyage50]

Thanks everyone for your responses. We will practice the many combinations. Never tried fore reaching but that work best for us.

Pam