The M15 acts a bit more like a dinghy in higher winds. It is driven mostly by the main, so yes, you are overpowered and are fighting weather helm. No need for a bigger rudder. That will just slow the boat. It is all about trim. Now, there are many more experienced sailors on this list who will give you more information. Mast rake, boom vang, and the shape of your sails (blown out) all can affect this. Reef early. Daniel M15 #208 Kestrel On 4/9/2012 12:04 PM, Steve Varley wrote:
I have a new, used, M-15 and it seems to have more weather helm than I'm used to or that it needs. Sometimes it's ridiculous. I was thinking I needed a bigger rudder but I probably need to tune things a little better. Maybe I need to reef earlier too. Someone here recently suggested putting the 2nd reef in 20 mph wind. That's about where I've been putting in the first. Is there a procedure for tuning out some of this weather helm?
Thanks! Steve M-15 63