I have experienced the same thing. I think it is just the physics. Bottom line is you need a smaller jib for those conditions. Lee helm is just not safe. Daniel M15 Kestrel
On Jul 12, 2015, at 12:01 AM, Tyler Backman <casioqv@usermail.com> wrote:
Today I had my M15 out in the mouth of the California Delta checking out the mothball fleet ships, and there were 25 knot gusts so I decided to test out my 85% jib and 2nd reef point in the main (both new Elliott / Pattison sails).
The boat was easy to handle with the small sail area, but I couldn't get it balanced properly and it had significant lee helm. This makes me think the 85% jib is perhaps too big to balance out a double reefed main, and a still smaller storm jib should be paired with a 2nd reef.
Has anyone else tried this configuration before? Any ideas on how I could tune out the lee helm? My mast is raked rearward and I normally have slight weather helm in all winds with the full main and working jib.
Thanks, Tyler Davis, CA M15 #157 "Defiant"