Hi Bones, I think that the protective "slick" forms when the wind speed is up there where I don't want to be out to experience it. At that point the wind speed, my guess being in the 30 to 40 knot range, is pushing the boat sideways, leaving the slick in the lee. If you heave-to at 10 to 15 knots of wind, you are not creating enough sideways drift to create the "slick". Remember, the Pardeys are crossing oceans, and you have to accept - and be prepared for - anything Mother Nature can throw at you, if you are in the middle of the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. Even carefully picking the best time of year to make a passage, to minimize weather problems, is no guarantee that you won't experience "something". Then you'd better know what you are doing; and how to cope with the situation - or be a fast learner.... Connie bownez@juno.com wrote:
HI Listers,
I sincerely agree with Connie, every sailor should have the skill to heave-to in the boat they are sailing. I find it surprising that when I'm out with other sailors on their craft, many do not have that knowledge and have never even tried the procedure. On my M17 and M23, I find that both will heave-to rather easily, however, I have never been able to create the protective "slick" area that the Pardey's and other big water sailors speak of. The boats seem to still want to make a bit of forward progress, less than a knot.
I have also heard some boats are very reluctant to heave-to, aka the PSC Dana.
Later,
Bones
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