new to sail, old to sail?

[Stuarth44]

Many folk, sail but wonder why the boat does not---sail
so
sailed with the great names , since age 13 and this early training taught me seat of pants sailing
No instruments, nothing, just a feather at the masthead, we used a pheasants tail feather
This all served me in great stead later when I sailed offshore

Feel is everything, the balance of the helm , be it through a tiller or wheel is everything
Breeze
Heavy weather,
The yacht is overpowered, there is no time and the crew is green
On the wind
, what to do/
Dump the sail to leeward on the traveler, and ease the main, ah see how she still has power but she is not pressed
Next reef the main, feel the helm go light
Easy eh
After 18 knots the headsail, change down a gear, but always the main to shorten first--
In the light
Traveler just off amidships.
Full main , sheets in
But always, how does she feel,pressed? overpowered? Many think going offshore is the passport to new life, BUT if you are not ready, hell you ill scare HER to death and

[gjordan]

You reiterate the policy of reef early. VERY GOOD ADVICE. ______Grant.