Since I have EXTRA weight forward (5 G. water = 80#s, Tool Box = 30#s) do I need to sit that far forward? At anchor/or dock, the transom is almost out of the water. I sit about 1/2 way forward. -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Conbert Benneck Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 1:26 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Re: M_Boats: How much wind On 26-Jun-12 11:17 AM, W David Scobie wrote: Some rip-stop nylon tell-tales on the shrouds will show you the smallest amounts of breeze. I also had a small long very light-weight pennant at the masthead. If it half-way moved you had a bit of wind. Sitting as far forward as you can go is imperative, otherwise, as David says, you are dragging the transom through the water and adding a lot of drag. Also sit on the lee side to help the boom stay where it should be. Them's the tricks to light weather sailing: also make no sudden movements of the rudder; that only adds drag. Make small, very deliberate movements of the tiller/rudder... In very light air, an M15 is like a weasel among the chickens. It scoots! The fat chickens wonder where you found the wind. Connie
i sailed my M15 when there were no cat's paws on the water ... loved doing this as i would sail right by boats two, three, four times longer. in these wind conditions the M15 will out-sail the M17 and M23.
if you can steer the M15 you are moving. she will have helm control (yes, rather slow to respond) even is she is 'barely moving'.
i admit that this is a bit disgusting ... if i'm not sure the boat is moving i will spit over the side. i can then see if the boat is moving in relation to the spit. this is better than moving the tiller needlessly (as noted above) ... as tiller movement slows the boat.
i recommend two things when sailing in light winds on the M15 -
* SIT FORWARD. be sitting at the bulkhead that separates the cabin and cockpit. if you sit aft you drag the transom and slow/stop the boat. if you don't have a tiller extension get one. (FYI, this is how you should be sitting on the M15 when sailing regardless of the wind speed).
* sit on the leeward side. the M15 sails best heeling at 5-10 degrees. this is especially true in light winds. the M15 is not at her best when sailing 'flat' ... even when the wind is 'up'.
:: Dave Scobie :: former M15 owner - www.freewebs.com/m15-named-scred :: M17 #375 SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com
--- On Mon, 6/25/12, Klaas <santaklaas@telus.net> wrote:
can someone tell me how much wind it takes to move a Monty 15 . Where I sail there is always a tide , so I can't tell what is making me move , the wind or the tide . But Im wondering how much wind does it take Thanks KLaas