I agree with David Bowie, the best and easiest way to ease weather helm temporarily is to de-power the mainsail via the traverler. It will keep the shape that you have set so you can quickly adjust it back when the wind puff/pressure returns to its original strength. But if the wind doesn't ease, reducing sail area is the next option. As the mainsail trimmer for 12 years, I learned to watch the skipper as he helmed the boat and if he had to steer harder into the wind, I would let the traveler go leeward and then return it quickly when he started to helm the opposite way. If I didn't, he would quickly let me know.
Thank you, I never knew how to use the travelor. But you were very good at conveying the theory and I will now be able to implement it the next time I do a bare boat charter.
Holy cow. Chris! Excellent video and explanation. You are the best teacher I have seen on youtube in a long time. Thank you for the help. I would take a class if you were teaching it. This was extremely helpful.
Speed, unless it's excessive, is generally a great benefit of properly trimming the sails. But, I think comfort, reduced stress on the boat and most importantly, safety are equally important. Trimming for a slight windward weather helm in case of MOB, especially for single handed sailing, makes perfect sense!
Excellent presentation. One note for the slide deck if you intend to use it again - affect should be effect. The of effect as 'creates' and affect as the impact of said creation. Now I get to practice. I took my little boat out in some heavy winds a while back and had a reef and had been trying to get it to self steer but to no avail. There was still a fair bit of effort to keep it going where I wanted it to go. Many had said the traveler was useless for this boat and one should just substitute a fixed location for the main sheet pulleys but this video gives me hope and of course a balanced boat is a faster boat as well as being easier to manage!
Chris, Thanks for a clear and very instructive video on use of the traveller to reduce weather helm. We have a CD 27 with traveller astern of the cockpit and have puzzled over how remove wx helm without reefing or simply falling off. Your approach worked. Do more videos!
I was reading and searching for this Simple words and I understand a lot I have a full keel gulf32 I try to use properly the traveler and yes it makes difference Thanks for this nice presentation George
We found that using our auto helm ran down the batteries very quickly until we understood that having the helm balance before engaging the autopilot. This is accomplished by either reefing, using the traveller or by using the downhaul, outhaul and vang although the last three are less effective but are useful for final tweaking.
I agree with this technique but some understanding may help. One way to reduce mainsail pressure is to loosen the main sheet which may tend to reduce weather helm. But by doing that you change the triangle shape of the sail and maybe the good force needed to make the boat go fast. Your (the) technique of using the traveler maintains the optimum triangle shape. The boats with no or short travelers most likely have a boom vang that can draw down the boom to trim the main the optimum shape of the triangle without the traveler doing it.
Its all work out fine in protected flat waters. I am sailing in Caribbean with 5-10 foot seas and winds 15-25. Getting a stress free balance is nearly impossible due to wind gusts/wave action. I use traveler actively all the time. Next step is shorting the main. Final step de powering with mainsheet..
I think you criticism regarding some main sheet attachments does not take into account a boom or rodkicker. These work well in pulling down the boom for trimming the main sail in addition to the benefits lifting the boom at times. That said, for heavy weather, it is better to have a good traveler.
One always has the option to temporarily change heading in order to reduce the load when making any kind of adjustment including the traveler. I just had to do so the other day to adjust the car for the jib sheet to better suite the conditions. Don't be stuck in the mindset that all adjustment must be done at the current point of sail.
Hello Chris. Thank you for your excellent video. This might not be important or an issue, but does the type of keel affect the how the traveler is used and the results of moving the traveler? Thanks
I would say that a full keel sailboat will benefit more than any other type of keel by properly adjusting the traveler. Of course, a full keel needs a large rudder to handle the forces involved. Because a sailor needs more sail to push a full keel boat thru the water, the possibility of weather helm seems to be a greater likelihood. Regardless, a full keel or cutaway keel had great advantages also, but because it needs more sail a sailor has to be careful with sail trim.
Thanks Chris for this I found it very interesting. Now I have a JR Freedom 30 with the mainsail forward and mizzen aft. I understand from your video that moving the mizzen traveller to leeward then would reduce weather helm, which I will experiment with next time I'm out. Do you have any suggestions on the main traveller position please which is just forward of the mizzen mast?
Charles....I have thought long and hard about your question. But have come to the conclusion that I can't help you on that one. I am not a boat designer, and really speak more from experience that anything else....and unfortunately, I have no experience on a JR Freedom 30 so I just can't express a knowledgeable opinion. I could only advise you to go out and try different combinations until you find what works. Afterward, please let me know what you find out. Good luck, Chris
@@ckreitlein Hello, it's very interesting that the main sail (Forward) appears to be roughly the same as the mizzen. If both travellers are to leeward there is less weather helm. The more to windward the traveller goes then the more the yacht wants to point into the wind. This is on a reach & broad reach. As soo as the wind goes aft then the effect is less with the forward sail but still has an effect on the mizzen until almost wind behind. Thanks for your inspiration to experiment.
You might try other videos here on RUclips. I have watched a lot of them, but did not find them too helpful.....Wish I could advise a good book, but am not aware of one. I think there is a market for such a book...and wish someone would write one!
Thanks for getting back to me. I've been watching a couple of sailing channels and found 2 channels that are helpful, @Giulietta Sailing Team, Captain John's Skippers Tips.
I appreciate the comment but must caution…there is no way to incrementally adjust them as you can a real traveler…two main sheets give you only two choices for what I call “pulling points”. Yea, you load or unload the sail to one side or the other but the actual pulling points are limited to one or the other. On the other hand, a nice long traveler gives you tremendous flexibility . I will say however, I have never used a two sheet arrangement for the mainsail so my experience is nil and my opinions are just that … merely opinions. Again, thx for the astute comment.
thanks. that all makes sense but ... I dont understand the use of the traveler vs mainsheet? everything said and explained in the video , I could have replaced the words traveler with mainsheet. We all know that if we are over powered by Weather Helm that we might need to ease us to mainsheet ...
I am new to sailing, but as you ease the mainsheet, you will also lose the tension holding the boom down. This has an effect on the trim. By easing the traveler, the boom goes out, but the tension on the boom remains the same.
O,K, you mentioned the word "keel" not once.... Different boats react differently. I have to partly furl in my 130% genoa to get the boat balanced in stronger winds. Reefing the main sail doesn't do the job on its own.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment. The boat characteristics, including "keel", that play on sail trim are too numerous to mention. I do not really address sail trim in my video (a subject books are written on) but rather how prudent use of a mainsheet traveler can reduce weather helm. Sail trim is highly individual, as you know, based upon the unique characteristics of each sailboat. Only general advice can be given.
Weather helm is the term used to describe the turning force applied to the sailboat independent of what the helmsman does with the rudder, and that is produced by the interaction of the wind, the set of the sails, and the physical design characteristics of the sailboat.
You can compensate for weather helm or lee ward helm just buy adjusting your jib and your main sail. The jib is always wanting to take you down wind where as the main sail is always wanting to take you up wind . If your boat is pulling one way or the other. Then adjust one of these sales accordingly. To either Depower or increase their effects on the boat. What the traveler allows you to do is to maintain sail shape while depowering the main !! This is useful if you want to fine-tune an up wind course. And yes, that should be your first option if you feel that the main sail is being overpowered. But don’t sleep on this. You probably should be reefing fairly soon after, especially if the wind is maintaining or getting stronger.
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Thanks, the first time I have understood the traveler system.
Thank you, Chris. That was the best explanation for using a traveler. I haven't touched mine because I didn't understand it. You are a great teacher.
I agree with David Bowie, the best and easiest way to ease weather helm temporarily is to de-power the mainsail via the traverler. It will keep the shape that you have set so you can quickly adjust it back when the wind puff/pressure returns to its original strength. But if the wind doesn't ease, reducing sail area is the next option. As the mainsail trimmer for 12 years, I learned to watch the skipper as he helmed the boat and if he had to steer harder into the wind, I would let the traveler go leeward and then return it quickly when he started to helm the opposite way. If I didn't, he would quickly let me know.
Thank you, I never knew how to use the travelor. But you were very good at conveying the theory and I will now be able to implement it the next time I do a bare boat charter.
Holy cow. Chris! Excellent video and explanation. You are the best teacher I have seen on youtube in a long time. Thank you for the help.
I would take a class if you were teaching it. This was extremely helpful.
I am flattered! Tnx
Speed, unless it's excessive, is generally a great benefit of properly trimming the sails. But, I think comfort, reduced stress on the boat and most importantly, safety are equally important. Trimming for a slight windward weather helm in case of MOB, especially for single handed sailing, makes perfect sense!
@@simplicity6564 yep…good points
Excellent presentation. One note for the slide deck if you intend to use it again - affect should be effect. The of effect as 'creates' and affect as the impact of said creation.
Now I get to practice. I took my little boat out in some heavy winds a while back and had a reef and had been trying to get it to self steer but to no avail. There was still a fair bit of effort to keep it going where I wanted it to go. Many had said the traveler was useless for this boat and one should just substitute a fixed location for the main sheet pulleys but this video gives me hope and of course a balanced boat is a faster boat as well as being easier to manage!
Let me if adjusting the traveler position works for you…thx Chris
Chris, Thanks for a clear and very instructive video on use of the traveller to reduce weather helm. We have a CD 27 with traveller astern of the cockpit and have puzzled over how remove wx helm without reefing or simply falling off. Your approach worked. Do more videos!
Hey Sailor....can I quote you? lol
Thank you. Never understood this before. Going to try it next time I take to the sea!
I was reading and searching for this
Simple words and I understand a lot
I have a full keel gulf32
I try to use properly the traveler and yes it makes difference
Thanks for this nice presentation
George
We found that using our auto helm ran down the batteries very quickly until we understood that having the helm balance before engaging the autopilot. This is accomplished by either reefing, using the traveller or by using the downhaul, outhaul and vang although the last three are less effective but are useful for final tweaking.
Great comment
I agree with this technique but some understanding may help. One way to reduce mainsail pressure is to loosen the main sheet which may tend to reduce weather helm. But by doing that you change the triangle shape of the sail and maybe the good force needed to make the boat go fast. Your (the) technique of using the traveler maintains the optimum triangle shape. The boats with no or short travelers most likely have a boom vang that can draw down the boom to trim the main the optimum shape of the triangle without the traveler doing it.
Great comment!
Its all work out fine in protected flat waters. I am sailing in Caribbean with 5-10 foot seas and winds 15-25. Getting a stress free balance is nearly impossible due to wind gusts/wave action. I use traveler actively all the time. Next step is shorting the main. Final step de powering with mainsheet..
I think you criticism regarding some main sheet attachments does not take into account a boom or rodkicker. These work well in pulling down the boom for trimming the main sail in addition to the benefits lifting the boom at times. That said, for heavy weather, it is better to have a good traveler.
Thanks for the comment
I sold my Cape Dory years ago. It was a great sailboat. Now I have a CSY 33, BOLERO. At time 11:30 I say "boom" in error - meant to say "mast".
Thank you. Well done!
One always has the option to temporarily change heading in order to reduce the load when making any kind of adjustment including the traveler. I just had to do so the other day to adjust the car for the jib sheet to better suite the conditions. Don't be stuck in the mindset that all adjustment must be done at the current point of sail.
Thank you!!!!
Really helpful. Thanks
Hello Chris. Thank you for your excellent video. This might not be important or an issue, but does the type of keel affect the how the traveler is used and the results of moving the traveler? Thanks
I would say that a full keel sailboat will benefit more than any other type of keel by properly adjusting the traveler. Of course, a full keel needs a large rudder to handle the forces involved. Because a sailor needs more sail to push a full keel boat thru the water, the possibility of weather helm seems to be a greater likelihood. Regardless, a full keel or cutaway keel had great advantages also, but because it needs more sail a sailor has to be careful with sail trim.
Thank you 🙏
Great information
Thanks Chris for this I found it very interesting. Now I have a JR Freedom 30 with the mainsail forward and mizzen aft. I understand from your video that moving the mizzen traveller to leeward then would reduce weather helm, which I will experiment with next time I'm out. Do you have any suggestions on the main traveller position please which is just forward of the mizzen mast?
Charles....I have thought long and hard about your question. But have come to the conclusion that I can't help you on that one. I am not a boat designer, and really speak more from experience that anything else....and unfortunately, I have no experience on a JR Freedom 30 so I just can't express a knowledgeable opinion. I could only advise you to go out and try different combinations until you find what works. Afterward, please let me know what you find out. Good luck, Chris
@@ckreitlein Hello, it's very interesting that the main sail (Forward) appears to be roughly the same as the mizzen. If both travellers are to leeward there is less weather helm. The more to windward the traveller goes then the more the yacht wants to point into the wind. This is on a reach & broad reach. As soo as the wind goes aft then the effect is less with the forward sail but still has an effect on the mizzen until almost wind behind. Thanks for your inspiration to experiment.
Old school pointing a camera at the screen instead of just doing a screen capture
Very informative, thanks. Can you suggest another resource for learning how to trim and balance sails?
You might try other videos here on RUclips. I have watched a lot of them, but did not find them too helpful.....Wish I could advise a good book, but am not aware of one. I think there is a market for such a book...and wish someone would write one!
Thanks for getting back to me. I've been watching a couple of sailing channels and found 2 channels that are helpful, @Giulietta Sailing Team, Captain John's Skippers Tips.
@5:15..6:00 If you have two mainsheets, they serve the function of your traveler.
I appreciate the comment but must caution…there is no way to incrementally adjust them as you can a real traveler…two main sheets give you only two choices for what I call “pulling points”. Yea, you load or unload the sail to one side or the other but the actual pulling points are limited to one or the other. On the other hand, a nice long traveler gives you tremendous flexibility . I will say however, I have never used a two sheet arrangement for the mainsail so my experience is nil and my opinions are just that … merely opinions. Again, thx for the astute comment.
No travel a car that exists can move such a wide distance to get to the infinity setting in your graph
Such graphs/diagrams are theoretical and do not necessarily reflect reality, and are meant to convey/or describe a postulate which my diagrams do.
My bristol 27 has no traveller with small jib and big main tends to have weatherhelm
thanks. that all makes sense but ... I dont understand the use of the traveler vs mainsheet? everything said and explained in the video , I could have replaced the words traveler with mainsheet. We all know that if we are over powered by Weather Helm that we might need to ease us to mainsheet ...
I am new to sailing, but as you ease the mainsheet, you will also lose the tension holding the boom down. This has an effect on the trim. By easing the traveler, the boom goes out, but the tension on the boom remains the same.
@@gymcoachdon thanks. That was useful. Makes sense
Bit my grandfather sabar 34 will hold a course no problem
O,K, you mentioned the word "keel" not once.... Different boats react differently. I have to partly furl in my 130% genoa to get the boat balanced in stronger winds. Reefing the main sail doesn't do the job on its own.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment. The boat characteristics, including "keel", that play on sail trim are too numerous to mention. I do not really address sail trim in my video (a subject books are written on) but rather how prudent use of a mainsheet traveler can reduce weather helm. Sail trim is highly individual, as you know, based upon the unique characteristics of each sailboat. Only general advice can be given.
What is weather helm?
Weather helm is the term used to describe the turning force applied to the sailboat independent of what the helmsman does with the rudder, and that is produced by the interaction of the wind, the set of the sails, and the physical design characteristics of the sailboat.
way to watch the video ;)
You can compensate for weather helm or lee ward helm just buy adjusting your jib and your main sail.
The jib is always wanting to take you down wind where as the main sail is always wanting to take you up wind .
If your boat is pulling one way or the other. Then adjust one of these sales accordingly. To either Depower or increase their effects on the boat.
What the traveler allows you to do is to maintain sail shape while depowering the main !!
This is useful if you want to fine-tune an up wind course. And yes, that should be your first option if you feel that the main sail is being overpowered.
But don’t sleep on this. You probably should be reefing fairly soon after, especially if the wind is maintaining or getting stronger.