The sum of all wind pressure on the sail iscalled wind force. The center of that force, which is above thewater, is called the center of effort (CE). The center of theforce below the surface of the water is calledthe center oflateral resistance (CLR). This is the point where all the boat'sresistance to sideways pressure is concentrated. A boat performsbest when the two forces are in balance. This is when they arepositioned one over the other in a vertical line through theboat's sail and hull. Your job as a sailor is to keep these twoforces in proper balance so that your boat will sail correctly.You keep the boat balanced by shifting your weight and adjustingyour sail.
Your boat has weather helm when you have to constantly pull thetiller towards you to keep the boat straight on course. Lee helmis when you do the opposite; pushing the tiller towards thesail. Most boats are designed to have a little weather helm.However, too much of it can make sailing difficult in anythingother than light breezes. If your boat has a lot of weatherhelm, it means the CE and the CLR are not in alignment.There ismore sail pressure aft of the CLR than forward of it.
To correct the balance,
Sailing Terms
Amidships- the middle of the boat.
Backwind- the wind flowing off the sail.
Close Hauled- one of the points of sail; sailing as close to thewind as possible.
Dead Astern- straight behind
Flaking- Folding the sail.
Glide Zone- the distance it take a boat to stop after turninghead to wind.
Heave To- to head the boat into the wind in order to slow itdown or stop it.
Weather- The Sea Breeze As a sailor you should know about localwinds. The cause of these winds is difference in temperature;cold air is heavier than warm air. The most popular of theselocal winds is the sea breeze. Warm air over the landrises...And is replaced by cooler air sinking over the ocean. Atnight the opposite happens. The land quickly loses its heat atnight and oftenfalls to a lower temperature than the water. Thisresults in a light offshore evening wind. On a lake or river,the warm air can rise at the edges to be replaced by the coolair over the water. This can result in a nice breeze forsailing.
Forcast for a Typical Sea Breeze Day: Morning Very Light Winds-No Weather Systems Near -Clear Sky -High Temperatures ButCooler Near the Shore
Afternoon: Wind coming from water starting Midday -CumulusClouds over land -Clear over water- Winds Speeds 8 - 12 knots
Evening: Winds Decreasing as sun slips over horizon
Sailing Multihulls Part 2: The Disadvantages
Disadvantages-- In serious wind and seas, a monohull sailor can, if absolutely exhausted and no longer able to steer, strike all sail, lock all hatches, and go below to wait it out and hope for the best. A well-found boat will most likely allow this.
Rules of the Road...Who has the Right of Way?
The Right of Way rules do not technically come into effect between boats until there is the possibility of collision. Sailboats should never get so close to each other so that a risk of collision exists. vessels should pass portside to portside and as far to starboard as water depth permits.
