From The Helm

When sailing in the Bay the only consistent thing about the wind is the inconsistency.  The wind can increase in speed, decrease in speed or change direction. Understanding and recognizing these changes in wind velocity and or direction helps you sail more efficiently and in control.

In order to anticipate these changes in wind speed and direction we need to watch the indicators that tell us changes are coming.  You can see visual signs such as flags, smoke trails etc to see patterns from a distance but closer to the boat more experienced sailors watch the . . . surface turbulence on the water to anticipate the near term changes.  The increase in wind speed creates surface friction on the water making the surface color look darker.  As this darker image approaches the boat you can expect an increase in pressure.

In some cases, the increase in wind strength can be sustained over a longer period of time such as that of an approaching squall or low pressure system which may require you to shorten sail, but here on the Bay most of the increases in wind strength are shorter bursts of wind that are referred to as gusts or puffs.

With these puffs the wind speed increases and the apparent wind normally moves aft. Keep in mind that apparent wind is a combination of the True wind and the created wind.  As the True wind increases (puffs) the apparent wind moves aft. This is referred to as a “lift”.

As this happens you have 2 options, you can either let the boat come up wind to adjust for the new wind angle or let the sail out.  If you’re trying to make your way to windward, letting the boat head up is the better choice.  If however you are looking to maintain a heading, easing the sail out is your better option.

Watching the water and anticipating when the increase pressure hits you enables you to make the necessary adjustments in either heading or sail trim at precisely the right time.  With practice you’ll be able to call the lifts approaching within seconds.

When racing this becomes an integral part of the responsibilities of the skipper and crew to watch and play the wind shifts to their advantage.  Recognizing and understanding these shifts plays a big part in sailing comfortably, efficiently and controllably here on the Bay.

(Lee bow current is when the current is pushing the boat from the down wind (lee) side of the boat )

Understanding what the currents are doing on the Bay and using them to your advantage can make a big difference in your performance around the racecourse.

On a flood tide the current is coming in and on an ebb tide the current is going out as we have all learned in Basic Sailing.  Knowing the strength of the current at any given time will help you understand the currents effect on the movement of the boat across the bottom and ultimately to our destination.

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When racing, we want to use the currents to our advantage when possible.  This includes staying in the stronger current if it moves us faster to our destination and staying out of it if it slows us down or takes us away from our destination.  As a rule the currents are generally stronger where the water is deeper.

Knowing the current and its effect will influence your decision on when to tack or jibe onto a lay-line to the mark.

When sailing toward a weather mark  – lee bow current will generally push the boat to windward towards the mark.  Taking advantage of this may allow you to tack early and use the current to lift you towards the mark thereby sailing a shorter distance.

When approaching and rounding a windward mark, lee bow current will help to keep the boat from hitting the mark as the current will be pushing you away from it.  Knowing this may help you keep an inside position as you round the mark.

When sailing off the wind and toward a leeward mark, lee bow current will be pushing you either toward or away from the mark.  This may influence the heading you choose to the mark compensating for the pushing effect of the current.  When approaching and rounding the mark make sure you have plenty of room between you and the mark so as not to get pushed into it.

Knowing the tides and currents are an important aspect of sailing on the Bay.  Understanding them and using them to your advantage will help you in a big way.

Smooth Sailing.

Rich Ferrari