Sail Handling & Seamanship
Articles for the Catboat Association Bulletin & General Information
(will post more soon)
Anchors
Butler Smythe
Everyone has a favorite anchor. It’s what they grew up with, inherited with the boat, is the most “anchorly” (I made that up – I think) or seamanlike, or it was on their favorite cruise ship…. There have been several studies on anchors – many of which can be found on the Internet such as:
1. https://www.boatus.org/study-guide/navigation/anchoring/
2. http://www.ussailing.org/wp-content/uploads/DARoot/Offshore/SAS%20Studies/anchor%20study.pdf
And my sources for current information…
3. http://www.petersmith.net.nz/boat-anchors/
4.https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5677c3c19cadb68edf5284f5/t/58c5378686e6c02103d72392/1489319853474/JHK+PBO+article.pdf
Why an anchor? After the sail, motor/engine and maybe a paddle on the smallest of catboats, the most important thing on the boat to control your movement is your anchor.
I’ve been prone to insurance shopping for good reason and good anchors are the best of insurance, and when properly chosen and used, are indispensible.
My Menger 23’s primary anchor was a Fortress FX-11. (Not to be confused with a Danforth, which in my humble opinion (IMHO) belongs best as a lawn ornament. They are different. My new anchor of choice as a primary… a Rocna (seen in the spring issue of the Catboat Bulletin.)!
“Know your bottom and pick your hook.”
Butler Smythe
Everyone has a favorite anchor. It’s what they grew up with, inherited with the boat, is the most “anchorly” (I made that up – I think) or seamanlike, or it was on their favorite cruise ship…. There have been several studies on anchors – many of which can be found on the Internet such as:
1. https://www.boatus.org/study-guide/navigation/anchoring/
2. http://www.ussailing.org/wp-content/uploads/DARoot/Offshore/SAS%20Studies/anchor%20study.pdf
And my sources for current information…
3. http://www.petersmith.net.nz/boat-anchors/
4.https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5677c3c19cadb68edf5284f5/t/58c5378686e6c02103d72392/1489319853474/JHK+PBO+article.pdf
Why an anchor? After the sail, motor/engine and maybe a paddle on the smallest of catboats, the most important thing on the boat to control your movement is your anchor.
I’ve been prone to insurance shopping for good reason and good anchors are the best of insurance, and when properly chosen and used, are indispensible.
My Menger 23’s primary anchor was a Fortress FX-11. (Not to be confused with a Danforth, which in my humble opinion (IMHO) belongs best as a lawn ornament. They are different. My new anchor of choice as a primary… a Rocna (seen in the spring issue of the Catboat Bulletin.)!
“Know your bottom and pick your hook.”
To Flake or to Roll
Butler Smythe
It’s the end of the day, or a short stop for a swim or something to eat. What to do with your sail? There are options and there are opinions. Having a shipshape boat is everything from clean woodwork, well kept lines, a neat and safe cockpit and cabin, and sails that are secure and ready to go. Taking care of what you have is paramount and in the case of a sail, replacing one for a catboat can cost anywhere from $1,000 – $2,500 and is something you want to delay as long as possible.
In the case of a sail (IMHO) neatness counts, at least when you consider that a change in the wind or a passing boater that captures your boat on “Kodachrome” may capture you when you least expect it. At the very least, having a chunk of sail flopped and unsecured places the material at risk to snags and the wind and blocks one’s view when motoring. The options are:
1. To Flake: Flaking is the art of placing your sail on top of the boom in fairly even sections, securing it between the gaff and boom so that a sail cover will completely cover all. The end result should be “neat” with some technique. On a catboat, the aft boom section of sail material is generally flaked, and secured with a sail tie first - before moving on to the larger section of the sail. It will not drop off the boom if secured properly.
My basic technique: With sail ties in my teeth, pocket or around my neck):
1. With the sail down and the body of the sail shifted to starboard (my preference – I’m a lefty), I pull the leech towards the end of the boom from the aft edge of the cockpit, trying to get all creases out of the sail from the luff (mast) to the leech. I don’t worry about the folds at the mast hoops but you can….
2. I then fold sections of the sail over the boom alternating on each side so the sail material, when secured, does not hang much below the bottom of the boom. Each fold is pulled tight to get rid of creases and reduce bulk.
3. I secure the material on the boom relatively tightly, but with enough slack that when the sail cover is on I can trim the peak and throat halyards tight and the gaff is not tight to the boom/compressing the sail, adding sail ties as I move forward on the boom. I used five (5) on my Menger 23’s 25’ boom. On the Marshall 15, I use the bungee provided on the port side of the boom, but then use three (3) sail ties to formally secure it and release the bungee so it does not stretch over time. If windy and I’m not using the sail cover, I’ll use four (4) sail ties if leaving the boat for any period of time. I generally cover it, as it’s fast, easy and better for the sail.
4. When done correctly most of the sail material will be contained between the boom and gaff. I always secure the aft section of the sail extending beyond the gaff, with an independent sail tie. I also cover the sail with a sail cover to protect the main from UV rays, but ensure it is clean and dry (no salt if you can), before covering for longer periods.
2. To Roll: Rolling a sail is the art of placing your sail on top of the boom by pulling and rolling the sail into a relatively tight roll that is secured between the gaff and boom. The sail cover will cover all completely and there are fewer creases made in the sail. The end product will actually look “neater” than flaking. On a catboat, the aft boom section of sail material is generally flaked, and secured with a sail tie FIRST, around the boom - before moving on to the larger section of the sail. It can be rolled at the end or just left flaked.
My basic technique: Same sail ties in my teeth, pocket or around my neck)…
1. Same as above.
2. I then pull and roll the sail by the leech using my hands to alternatively roll the body of the entire sail into a pocket so it is all off the cockpit sole. I then move to the middle of the bulk holding the leech out with my left hand and pull the sail up and over from the bottom into the roll. I do this until there is no more material to pull up and over into the roll. This ensures that all sail material gets in the roll rather than potentially hanging off the port side of the boom. I do this until there is no more material and the roll before me is sufficiently contained and I can smoothly roll the sail over itself and secure it tightly between the gaff and boom. This will reduce creases and reduce bulk.
3. Same as above. The roll itself helps to prevent sail material from coming loose should one sail tie fail and the wind catch it.
4. Same as above.
Note(s):
1) Lazy jacks can get in the way sometimes so can be loosened to accommodate your technique, but it certainly helps to have then when trying to flake or roll a sail. A well-flaked sail’s body will be held above of the boom and prevent excess creases, trapped water, and not look like (expletive) - covered or uncovered. The sail cover will fit well and the sail’s bulk will not be obvious.
2) My sail ties are actually the same line I use for a flag hoist (thin nylon line cut and then tied with a loop at one end - long enough to wrap around the boom and gaff 2 times.
Butler Smythe
It’s the end of the day, or a short stop for a swim or something to eat. What to do with your sail? There are options and there are opinions. Having a shipshape boat is everything from clean woodwork, well kept lines, a neat and safe cockpit and cabin, and sails that are secure and ready to go. Taking care of what you have is paramount and in the case of a sail, replacing one for a catboat can cost anywhere from $1,000 – $2,500 and is something you want to delay as long as possible.
In the case of a sail (IMHO) neatness counts, at least when you consider that a change in the wind or a passing boater that captures your boat on “Kodachrome” may capture you when you least expect it. At the very least, having a chunk of sail flopped and unsecured places the material at risk to snags and the wind and blocks one’s view when motoring. The options are:
1. To Flake: Flaking is the art of placing your sail on top of the boom in fairly even sections, securing it between the gaff and boom so that a sail cover will completely cover all. The end result should be “neat” with some technique. On a catboat, the aft boom section of sail material is generally flaked, and secured with a sail tie first - before moving on to the larger section of the sail. It will not drop off the boom if secured properly.
My basic technique: With sail ties in my teeth, pocket or around my neck):
1. With the sail down and the body of the sail shifted to starboard (my preference – I’m a lefty), I pull the leech towards the end of the boom from the aft edge of the cockpit, trying to get all creases out of the sail from the luff (mast) to the leech. I don’t worry about the folds at the mast hoops but you can….
2. I then fold sections of the sail over the boom alternating on each side so the sail material, when secured, does not hang much below the bottom of the boom. Each fold is pulled tight to get rid of creases and reduce bulk.
3. I secure the material on the boom relatively tightly, but with enough slack that when the sail cover is on I can trim the peak and throat halyards tight and the gaff is not tight to the boom/compressing the sail, adding sail ties as I move forward on the boom. I used five (5) on my Menger 23’s 25’ boom. On the Marshall 15, I use the bungee provided on the port side of the boom, but then use three (3) sail ties to formally secure it and release the bungee so it does not stretch over time. If windy and I’m not using the sail cover, I’ll use four (4) sail ties if leaving the boat for any period of time. I generally cover it, as it’s fast, easy and better for the sail.
4. When done correctly most of the sail material will be contained between the boom and gaff. I always secure the aft section of the sail extending beyond the gaff, with an independent sail tie. I also cover the sail with a sail cover to protect the main from UV rays, but ensure it is clean and dry (no salt if you can), before covering for longer periods.
2. To Roll: Rolling a sail is the art of placing your sail on top of the boom by pulling and rolling the sail into a relatively tight roll that is secured between the gaff and boom. The sail cover will cover all completely and there are fewer creases made in the sail. The end product will actually look “neater” than flaking. On a catboat, the aft boom section of sail material is generally flaked, and secured with a sail tie FIRST, around the boom - before moving on to the larger section of the sail. It can be rolled at the end or just left flaked.
My basic technique: Same sail ties in my teeth, pocket or around my neck)…
1. Same as above.
2. I then pull and roll the sail by the leech using my hands to alternatively roll the body of the entire sail into a pocket so it is all off the cockpit sole. I then move to the middle of the bulk holding the leech out with my left hand and pull the sail up and over from the bottom into the roll. I do this until there is no more material to pull up and over into the roll. This ensures that all sail material gets in the roll rather than potentially hanging off the port side of the boom. I do this until there is no more material and the roll before me is sufficiently contained and I can smoothly roll the sail over itself and secure it tightly between the gaff and boom. This will reduce creases and reduce bulk.
3. Same as above. The roll itself helps to prevent sail material from coming loose should one sail tie fail and the wind catch it.
4. Same as above.
Note(s):
1) Lazy jacks can get in the way sometimes so can be loosened to accommodate your technique, but it certainly helps to have then when trying to flake or roll a sail. A well-flaked sail’s body will be held above of the boom and prevent excess creases, trapped water, and not look like (expletive) - covered or uncovered. The sail cover will fit well and the sail’s bulk will not be obvious.
2) My sail ties are actually the same line I use for a flag hoist (thin nylon line cut and then tied with a loop at one end - long enough to wrap around the boom and gaff 2 times.
Applications
Butler Smythe
The following application (App) summaries are not intended to provide a full review of any App I note below, just my personal useage/preferences and why. If you’re on the other end of technology… – my mother is almost 92 and uses an iPad, does Facebook and eMail and uses Apps - not a lot and needs some help, but we all do at times.
I carry a ”smartphone” all the time and have for years. In my case I also carry a WIFI tablet (iPad mini) for longer trips as the larger display is much easier see and more effective for navigation. I use the hotspot function on my iPhone to connect the tablet to the internet. Some provider plans do not give you this option, such as the AT&T plan with unlimited data. I avoid that limitation.
Critically important to me - I protect both devices using a LifeProof case to help protect both during unintentional drops and exposure to water. I shattered my iPhone display at CBA’s 2016 annual meeting in fact (parking lot while exiting my car). That was before the case. It helps to protect but the displays can still be shattered.
The short list of marine related Apps I use on my iPhone follows. All are probably available on Android devices and ALL are FREE in their basic versions. If I’ve upgraded I identify why. None of the following replace paper charts, my eyes and ears or the seat of my pants, but what they do provide is additional information I might not otherwise have – like changing winds and bad weather you can’t necessarily see or predict with your eyes alone.
Marine Traffic – Automatic Identification System (AIS)
This application provides identification of ship and boat traffic for those vessels equipped with AIS that are actively reporting, or are being reported buy others (only if the reported vessel has AIS). It does not display all vessels with AIS systems installed. It should be used as a supplement to other means of identification under adverse conditions (night/fog, etc.). Vessels not being reported and those without AIS, are not visible in this system.
It helps to supplement other sources of information. Caution should be used.
Comments: I have used it as a standalone and with the AIS installed on my Menger 23 and it works. I also noted vessels not being reported. Sole reliance on it concerns are valid.
Weather Underground - Weather
Helps to provide current day and projected weather conditions as well as access to temperature, radar and other important information before departure and current conditions. Bad weather (rain, lightning, etc.) tracking is available on any boat.
It’s real and available. Fog is harder to see and its path harder to predict, so here in Maine. knowing its limitations is only common sense.
Navionics - Charting
This App is Great! And it’s FREE. The application gives you accurate charts, plotting tools, speed and location information, wind forecasts, and a variety of other tools that help to supplement paper charts that are still needed on board.
Why I like it: Most of what you need is Free and the charting tools are great. The Paid App adds currents, weather, tides and some other tools that can be beneficial. It is an all inclusive tool for the most part.
Navionics+ for US is the paid version at $9.99/year. I upgraded for 1 year to test and found that the paid version’s current depiction is not a detailed current overlay as I’d hoped but is a specific location graphic depiction (not enough areas IMHO). I will add that the graphics are pretty darn good and it graphically depicts tide and current in the chart format. It’s worth a try. This App can easily “replace” many of the others noted here though weather radar and wind projections are not available. This tool replaces the tide app I had used and there are many of them….
Currents – Oh I wish!
Why there is no good online App for Currents in a chart format, that addresses current over time, is beyond me. I’ve used paper current charts in the early 90’s for the Pacific NW and they were both accurate and indispensible! Here in Maine the same would be true but I’ve found nothing.
Sail Flow – Wind (current and projections)
Provides graphical depiction of wind and wind forecast for your selected area. It gives you graphical overlays for predicted/forecast and actuals/observed. The forecast page also gives you predicted weather to tie that to the winds. Tides are also available.
Simple, easy to read and relatively accurate. Nothing is perfect when it comes to weather but this is close. If you’re into weather modeling, this app lets you pick the model that is used for the predictions. Free so why not give it a try. If you chose to upgrade to the paid version it gives you nautical chart depictions and other stuff but for 4 bucks a month… not in my budget!
Windfinder – Wind (current and projections)
Pretty much as above but more visually pleasing. It also gives you a super may with overlay that shows winds over time. Projections are out for over a week so a handy guide as long as things don’t dramatically change.
Quick and easy to use and relatively accurate. As long as a station is relatively close by and comparative to your location it should work great. This is the tool we use for racing up here. I upgraded to the Pro version (only 2 bucks) to get rid of ads and get the superforecast, which is based on a different model and can be more accurate.
Speedometer – Speed and other related data
Gives you speed in various formats, tracks trips, allows you to add waypoints, altitude, and other stuff.
When I mount my iPhone the large displayed speed is readily readable and accurate. I use this for sailing, power and my bike! In addition it gives you direct access to your tunes.
There’s a lot in this App, except there are no nautical charts. I use Navionics for that.
BoatUS -
Lat/Long, weather (basic), tides, link to call for a tow.
My Membership information is readily available as well as my member number. It also provides very basic weather and member contact info., phone numbers, etc. Service locations are limited to West Marine Stores – pretty useless. I don’t use West Marine unless there is nothing else. I do use BoatUS Insurance (now underwritten by Geico)!
Many of these Apps also have Web based tools that give you even more information and in a much easier to view format.
Butler Smythe
The following application (App) summaries are not intended to provide a full review of any App I note below, just my personal useage/preferences and why. If you’re on the other end of technology… – my mother is almost 92 and uses an iPad, does Facebook and eMail and uses Apps - not a lot and needs some help, but we all do at times.
I carry a ”smartphone” all the time and have for years. In my case I also carry a WIFI tablet (iPad mini) for longer trips as the larger display is much easier see and more effective for navigation. I use the hotspot function on my iPhone to connect the tablet to the internet. Some provider plans do not give you this option, such as the AT&T plan with unlimited data. I avoid that limitation.
Critically important to me - I protect both devices using a LifeProof case to help protect both during unintentional drops and exposure to water. I shattered my iPhone display at CBA’s 2016 annual meeting in fact (parking lot while exiting my car). That was before the case. It helps to protect but the displays can still be shattered.
The short list of marine related Apps I use on my iPhone follows. All are probably available on Android devices and ALL are FREE in their basic versions. If I’ve upgraded I identify why. None of the following replace paper charts, my eyes and ears or the seat of my pants, but what they do provide is additional information I might not otherwise have – like changing winds and bad weather you can’t necessarily see or predict with your eyes alone.
Marine Traffic – Automatic Identification System (AIS)
This application provides identification of ship and boat traffic for those vessels equipped with AIS that are actively reporting, or are being reported buy others (only if the reported vessel has AIS). It does not display all vessels with AIS systems installed. It should be used as a supplement to other means of identification under adverse conditions (night/fog, etc.). Vessels not being reported and those without AIS, are not visible in this system.
It helps to supplement other sources of information. Caution should be used.
Comments: I have used it as a standalone and with the AIS installed on my Menger 23 and it works. I also noted vessels not being reported. Sole reliance on it concerns are valid.
Weather Underground - Weather
Helps to provide current day and projected weather conditions as well as access to temperature, radar and other important information before departure and current conditions. Bad weather (rain, lightning, etc.) tracking is available on any boat.
It’s real and available. Fog is harder to see and its path harder to predict, so here in Maine. knowing its limitations is only common sense.
Navionics - Charting
This App is Great! And it’s FREE. The application gives you accurate charts, plotting tools, speed and location information, wind forecasts, and a variety of other tools that help to supplement paper charts that are still needed on board.
Why I like it: Most of what you need is Free and the charting tools are great. The Paid App adds currents, weather, tides and some other tools that can be beneficial. It is an all inclusive tool for the most part.
Navionics+ for US is the paid version at $9.99/year. I upgraded for 1 year to test and found that the paid version’s current depiction is not a detailed current overlay as I’d hoped but is a specific location graphic depiction (not enough areas IMHO). I will add that the graphics are pretty darn good and it graphically depicts tide and current in the chart format. It’s worth a try. This App can easily “replace” many of the others noted here though weather radar and wind projections are not available. This tool replaces the tide app I had used and there are many of them….
Currents – Oh I wish!
Why there is no good online App for Currents in a chart format, that addresses current over time, is beyond me. I’ve used paper current charts in the early 90’s for the Pacific NW and they were both accurate and indispensible! Here in Maine the same would be true but I’ve found nothing.
Sail Flow – Wind (current and projections)
Provides graphical depiction of wind and wind forecast for your selected area. It gives you graphical overlays for predicted/forecast and actuals/observed. The forecast page also gives you predicted weather to tie that to the winds. Tides are also available.
Simple, easy to read and relatively accurate. Nothing is perfect when it comes to weather but this is close. If you’re into weather modeling, this app lets you pick the model that is used for the predictions. Free so why not give it a try. If you chose to upgrade to the paid version it gives you nautical chart depictions and other stuff but for 4 bucks a month… not in my budget!
Windfinder – Wind (current and projections)
Pretty much as above but more visually pleasing. It also gives you a super may with overlay that shows winds over time. Projections are out for over a week so a handy guide as long as things don’t dramatically change.
Quick and easy to use and relatively accurate. As long as a station is relatively close by and comparative to your location it should work great. This is the tool we use for racing up here. I upgraded to the Pro version (only 2 bucks) to get rid of ads and get the superforecast, which is based on a different model and can be more accurate.
Speedometer – Speed and other related data
Gives you speed in various formats, tracks trips, allows you to add waypoints, altitude, and other stuff.
When I mount my iPhone the large displayed speed is readily readable and accurate. I use this for sailing, power and my bike! In addition it gives you direct access to your tunes.
There’s a lot in this App, except there are no nautical charts. I use Navionics for that.
BoatUS -
Lat/Long, weather (basic), tides, link to call for a tow.
My Membership information is readily available as well as my member number. It also provides very basic weather and member contact info., phone numbers, etc. Service locations are limited to West Marine Stores – pretty useless. I don’t use West Marine unless there is nothing else. I do use BoatUS Insurance (now underwritten by Geico)!
Many of these Apps also have Web based tools that give you even more information and in a much easier to view format.