Last weekend I had Mark Powers aboard with me in Ganges Harbour and we took the opportunity to make a couple of videos of the much discussed Hudson River gybe.
Through the wonders of modern e-gadgetry I was able to slow down the faster parts and clearly show what happens to the sheet.
In the first video the wishbone is about 15 -20 degrees abaft the mast.
In the second it is sheeted to about 45 degrees.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oq5JM7RhH6cPCqed7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/41crppK54epkTLbn9
Notes:
At 45 degrees
- it is not necessary to touch the sheet at all
- the wheel is held at hard over until the sail is all the way around
- the line leaps over any low obstructions and flys well behind the cockpit
- not much way is lost in the process
- no hard catch at the end
At 15-20 degrees - it sometimes helps to lift the inboard end of the sheet a little
- the wheel is spun back to hard over the other way as soon as the sail backwinds to prevent stalling in irons
- the line drags along the pulpit rail all the way but still flys well behind the boat
- more way is lost than at 45 degrees but still no stall
- no hard catch at the end
At no time in either scenario did the sheet come into the cockpit area. Centrifugal force throws it out behind the boat.
Paul M
NS30U #211 Sandpiper
Cowichan Bay, B.C.